School-Age Sports

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Confidence, exercise, and social skills—children get these benefits and more when they step onto the JCC gymnasium floor. Our UWS sports classes for children provide the foundation for a healthy lifestyle while teaching the athletic principles of determination, resilience, and teamwork.


Drop off classes include:

  • Sports FUNdamentals (2.5–10 Years)
    Soccer, football, hockey, tennis, basketball, team handball, and more! Children focus on teamwork, skill-building, and sportsmanship with the JCC’s renowned energetic coaching staff. Our athletes will develop athleticism and sportsmanship through creative warm-ups, fun drills, and class games as they practice a wide range of sports throughout the semester. As our kids grow, game strategy becomes a major objective as we introduce friendly competition.

  • Tennis (3–10 Years)
    Children practice groundstrokes, volleys, ball-tracking, and overhead strokes while developing hand-eye coordination and learning sportsmanship. Classes for older students teach proper serves, game strategies, and sportsmanship as we introduce friendly competition. All levels, including a new advanced class, are offered.

  • Basketball (4–12 Years)
    Young athletes will master offensive and defensive techniques, learn basketball drills, scrimmage, and play games. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, coordination, and skill-building. Classes are open to all skill levels. Skills and drills are adapted appropriately for each athlete. All levels, including a new advanced class, are offered.

  • Volleyball (7-11 Years)
    Young athletes will learn the FUNdamental skills of volleyball - including bumping, setting, spiking, and serving - taught in a progressive and age-appropriate manner. Children will also learn about court rotation, rules, and point calculation through various drills and mini-games. Last but certainly not least, this class will instill and elevate the values of teamwork and good sportsmanship.

  • Dodgeball (7–9 Years) | NEW
    Get ready to dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge! In this new class, we’ll introduce your young athlete to the thrill of dodgeball, where every countdown of “3, 2, 1, DODGEBALL!” ignites exhilaration and excitement. Through learning various dodgeball techniques and experience through drills and gameplay, your athlete will become fully immersed in the action-packed game of dodgeball. Not everything is about dodging and throwing—we’ll also emphasize the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship while enjoying some friendly competition. Please note that dodgeball is a contact sport.

  • Soccer (4–5 Years and 6–8 Years) | NEW
    Get ready to kick, run, and score goals in our exciting new soccer program at the JCC! Our coaches will work with players to focus on developing fundamental skills (passing, dribbling, ball control, etc.), fostering teamwork, and making soccer fun. Players will enhance their skills and build confidence with skill-based training, small group attention, and a positive coaching environment. It’s the perfect opportunity for young athletes to cultivate a love of “the beautiful game.”

  • Pickleball (7–9 Years) | NEW
    Get ready to jump into the latest sports sensation—Pickleball! This class introduces kids to the exciting world of this fast-paced game where our young athletes learn the game-play, rules, and Pickleball terminology like the “kitchen,” and rallies. We will emphasize the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill-building through fun drills and friendly competition.

  • Little Samurais (4–6 Years) | NEW
    Introduce your child to martial arts with our Little Samurais class. Through playful activities and age-appropriate exercises, children will learn basic martial arts movements and calisthenics techniques tailored to their developmental stage. Participants will enhance coordination, balance, and motor skills and practice essential values such as respect, patience, focus, and self-discipline.

  • Evolutionary Martial Arts (EMA Karate) (7–9 Years) | NEW
    Our Evolutionary Martial Arts class blends traditional techniques with innovative teaching methods to create a dynamic experience. Children will learn basic martial arts movements and techniques tailored to their developmental stage, such as striking, takedowns, and blocks. Through activities and practice, they will also strengthen core character traits by embracing values such as respect, patience, and self-discipline within a secure and supportive environment.

For classes for children 12 months-3 years, please click here.

Help us continue to ensure accessible programming for everyone. Please support Children + Family programming at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.