Let’s talk sports in NYC. Research shows that youth who participate in sports are exposed to both immediate and long-term benefits, such as:
- Improved mental, emotional, and social health
- Improved physical health
- Improved educational and career success
- Lifelong participation
- Economic and community impact
So if your child is interested in playing sports in the upcoming fall, winter, or spring season but you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got a simple guide to help you navigate the world of youth athletics in NYC.
The basics
High school sports are coordinated through the NYC Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL). School teams typically have both a junior varsity and varsity team for each sport and play other schools during their regular season, with potential to enter the playoffs at the end of the season.
There are over 30 sports offered via the PSAL program, but not all schools have each sport. This is something to consider when applying to high schools.
Tip: Tryouts for fall sports are sometimes in the summer, so be sure to contact your student’s school so that they don’t miss out. Coaches also sometimes offer summer practice for students to prepare for the upcoming tryouts.
Fall sports:
- Badminton
- Bowling
- Cross country
- Fencing
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Winter sports:
- Basketball
- Gymnastics
- Indoor track
- Swimming
- Table tennis
- Wrestling
Spring sports:
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Cricket
- Double Dutch
- Golf
- Fencing
- Flag football
- Handball
- Lacrosse
- Outdoor track
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Softball
- Stunt
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Requirements
Students must meet the scholastic eligibility requirements and have at least 80% attendance to participate. Additionally, there is a specific PSAL physical form that your student’s pediatrician needs to complete.
Tip: It usually takes some time for the pediatrician’s office to fulfill these physical requests, so get ahead of the game rather than wait until tryouts.
Teams typically rely on public transportation to attend away games, but some schools provide their own bussing. They travel together to games, and then students travel home by themselves unless a parent picks them up. So it’s important that your child be able to navigate their way home.
Middle schools often have intramural teams that give students the opportunity to participate in team sports. These are often volunteer-based and depend on participation from teachers or staff.
Free sports programs and neighborhood leagues
There are also little leagues and other neighborhood programs that you can sign your child up for. These are a great way to expose your child to a sport before they get to high school, and give them a better chance at making the team.
The PSAL offers free sports programs during the summer, with the second summer session coming up on July 29. Programs are open to all NYC students, and kids do not need to attend the school at which they are participating in the program. Learn more.
The City Parks Foundation offers free tennis, golf, track and field, and soccer programs throughout the year. These are great for students to learn the basics of each sport. Learn more.
NYC Parks offers sports opportunities for children eight and up with programs and clinics. These programs are free but participants must be registered members of a recreation center. Learn more.
The NBA hosts both camps and clinics as part of their Jr. Knicks programming. Families can sign up here to receive information about upcoming opportunities.
The NYPD Blue Chips mentoring program hosts various sports programs in an effort to foster positive relationships with local youth and law enforcement. Follow them on Instagram for the latest events and programming.
New York Junior Tennis & Learning hosts free tennis programming for youth. Learn more.
The YMCA also offers various sports programs at their locations across the boroughs. Kids can participate in everything from basketball to karate. Learn more.
Little leagues are also very popular for those looking for youth sports across NYC. You can use this league finder to locate your nearest softball or baseball league.
Check out more things to do here.
