Athletics & Aquatics

Athletics

The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz provides a range of athletic activities for youth, from open gym to intramural leagues to external leagues. We encourage the development of fitness goals, creative use of leisure time, appreciation of the environment, and social and interpersonal skills. We also emphasize sportsmanship and ensure that all members have equal opportunities to play.

We recognize the lack of athletic opportunities for the youth in our community and have created a variety of positive athletic experiences that prepare them for life on and off the field. All of our members, regardless of skill level, can participate in a variety of sports programs. The youth in our community are now happily playing, learning, and growing with our Open Gym play, League Play, and LifeSkills classes.

One of our most popular programs is our co-ed basketball league. About 150 local kids play the game and learn the principles of good sportsmanship from our coaches. Scholarships are awarded based on need.

OPEN GYM is a time for play. Lightly structured activities allow the kids to have fun with the basic elements of fitness and athletics: running, jumping, and throwing. Some of the games we play are:

• Tag
• Dodge ball
• Basketball
• Rope Skipping
• Double Dutch
• Running Bases
• Capture the Flag
• Kickball

LEAGUE PLAY creates an environment for positive competition. In highly structured practices, members learn how to play sports like:

• Basketball
• Dodgeball
• Flag Football
• Volleyball
• Wiffleball
• Frisbee Football


We also offer a highly popular Karate program with classes taught by Shidōin O'Hanlon, 2nd degree Black Belt and Certified Instructor.

karate

Aquatics

Swim Team flyer/sign-up form

Swim Lessons flyer/sign-up form

We are fortunate to have a beautiful indoor, heated pool where we offer recreational swimming, swim lessons, fitness programs, and swim teams. Our indoor pool measures 20 yards x 30 yards.

Pool

Overall, the Sports and Fitness Program teaches youth valuable lessons that extend far beyond the athletic field:dodgeball

• Teamwork
• Sportsmanship
• Leadership
• Patience
• Dealing with adversity and emotions
• Commitment
• Accountability
• Responsibility
• Goal setting
• Self-confidence
• Relationships with caring adults
• Connections
• Friendships
• Giving back