YMCA Rookie Sports is designed for kids, ages 3 - 5 (potty-trained), who are new to sports and teaches basic skill development in soccer, basketball, and tee-ball.
Players are introduced to sports through drills, gym games and team play. We aim to build confidence and enhance motor skills.
Rookie Sports is held throughout the year. Each season is between 6 - 8 weeks long and ends with a family day and an awards celebration.
YMCA locations may also offer a U5 youth basketball, soccer and/or youth tee-ball programs. Please visit our youth soccer, youth tee-ball and youth basketball pages for more information.
2026 Winter Seasons
Chatham Park YMCA
Basketball-Only
Tuesdays, Jan. 6- Feb. 10
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Kerr Family YMCA
Saturdays, 9 - 9:45 a.m.
Jan. 31 - Feb. 21 at Kerr Family YMCA
Ages 3 - 5
Poole Family YMCA
Wednesdays, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Jan. 14 - Feb. 18
Ages 2 - 5
2026 Spring Seasons
A.E. Finley YMCA
Tuesdays, March 3 - April 7
Ages 3 - 4
Chatham Park YMCA
Soccer-Only
Tuesdays, March 31 - May 5
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Basketball-Only
Thursdays, April 2 - May 7
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Durham YMCA
Sundays, March 22 - April 26
U4
Kerr Family YMCA
Saturdays, April 11 - May 2
Basketball, U3 & U4
Soccer, U4
Saturdays, May 9 - June 6
Soccer, U4
Poole Family YMCA
Wednesdays, April 1 - May 6
Registration Dates
Fall Season
June 1: Member
June 15: Participant
Winter Season
Oct. 1: Member
Oct. 15: Participant
Spring Season
Jan. 1: Member
Jan. 15: Participant
Coaches
YMCA Rookie Sports is led by YMCA sports directors and staff.
Parents
Parents are expected to remain onsite (fields and gyms) as the primary supervisor of their child. This includes taking their children to the restroom and addressing any challenges that may arise. This allows our coaches to focus on leading practices and games. In addition, YMCA sports staff will be present at all practices and games.
Sports Directors
A.E. Finley YMCA, Alex Smith
Alexander Family YMCA, Eric Rhinehalt
Chatham Park YMCA, Logan Livingston Laidlow
Durham YMCAs, Lexx Daniels
Poole Family YMCA, Noah Franklin
Kerr Family YMCA, Leah Thompson
Taylor Family and Northwest Cary YMCAs, Chris Avery