Our mission for YMCA Youth Super Sports focuses on the following seven pillars.

Pillar One—Everyone Plays
We don’t use tryouts or cut kids. Everyone who registers is assigned to a team, receives equal practice time, and plays at least half of every game. We do introduce competitive competition in the form of travel teams but all youth have the opportunity to participate in our recreation programs.

Pillar Two—Safety First
Each sport has been modified so it’s safer and more enjoyable to play. We make sure the equipment and facilities are safe, and we teach sports so skills are in line with athletes’ developmental levels.

Pillar Three—Fair Play
Fair play is about playing by the rules—and more. It’s about coaches and players showing respect and good sportsmanship.

Pillar Four—Positive Competition
Competition is a positive process when victory means adults make decisions that put the best interests of the players before winning the contest.

Pillar Five—Family Involvement
To help the entire family get involved, we offer parent volunteer opportunities.

Pillar Six—Sport for All
Youngsters are included rather than excluded from participation. We offer programs to all youngsters regardless of their race, gender, nationality, religious creed, or ability.

Pillar Seven—Sport for Fun
Sports are naturally fun for most kids. If we take the fun out of sports for our children, we are in danger of the kids taking themselves out of sports.

YMCA Youth Super Sports are super for kids because:

• The games approach makes practice FUN, and the more fun kids have, the longer they’ll stay active in sport;
• Kids learn skills and tactics they need to compete successfully;
• They learn important fitness concepts to get them on the path to a lifetime of health and fitness;
• YMCA Youth Sports challenges, rewards, and motivates kids to stay involved in sports;
• Kids learn how to be good sports and play fairly while competing hard;
• YMCA Youth Super Sports is for everyone: all kids, regardless of their ability, can participate, learn and improve through YMCA Youth Super Sports; and
• Character development is based on the four principles of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

The Norwich Family YMCA Adult Sports program promotes year-round athletic activities providing the benefits of physical exercise and competition in a social and sometimes competitive atmosphere. Adult Sport Leagues include soccer, racquetball, volleyball, corporate basketball, and thirty-five and over basketball. Although YMCA membership is not required to participate in leagues, members enjoy numerous other aspects of the YMCA as well – unlimited access to the Fitness Center and free weight area, lap swim in the Pool during the many available times, participation in group fitness classes, a kit locker assigned specifically to them in the locker room, and the convenience of easy sign-in with their membership card. All league sports reflect the YMCA mission to develop spirit, mind and body for our families, our communities, and ourselves through activities based upon Christian principles.