The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Departments has a long list of sports programs that are gearing up for spring and beyond. Jamal Williams spoke with WIZS’s Bill Harris Thursday on The Local Skinny! to run down just a few of the opportunities for children from 4 years all the way through high school.
Basketball tryouts will be held this weekend for two age groups – youngsters in grades 3-6 are invited to come out to the former Eaton-Johnson gymnasium Friday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m.; youth in grades 7-9 will have their tryouts on Sunday, Feb. 19 starting at 2 p.m.
There is no fee for this program – and Williams said young people simply need “to show up with a great attitude ready to learn.”
For some, especially the younger children, this may be their first taste of playing organized basketball. Williams said he hopes to be able to form several teams according to age to travel outside Vance County for tournaments or games with similar teams.
“It’s more than just rec league,” Williams said, adding that it will give the players a chance to compete and play at a higher level. “We definitely want to prepare them for the next level,” he added, including school teams.
Tutoring sessions also will be offered to those who make the team – keeping up grades is part of being on the team.
If basketball isn’t your child’s favorite, try soccer. Registration is open now for the rec department’s soccer program. Register online at XX or visit the rec center in person by Mar. 26. The in-county registration fee is $40; out-of-county registrants pay $60, but Williams said a fee waiver is available for eligible children. The soccer league is open to children between the ages of 4 and 18.
But it’s not ALL about the children, Williams said. An adult kickball league is forming for the first time this spring – “I think it’s going to be a fun time,” he said. Players must be over 18 and each team needs a minimum of 10 players. Sign up a whole group or join individually and get assigned to a team. Call the rec department for details about fees and schedules. The plan is to have five teams, Williams said.
T-ball is a sport for children ages 4-6, and it’s a good first step to get them ready for baseball and softball, Williams said.
Last year, more than 100 children signed up for t-ball alone, Williams said, and he hopes to have that many again this year. Getting older youth involved in sports is a goal as well.
It’s hard to compete with video games and other demands that children have these days, but participating in sports is so much more than physical activity and playing games.
Williams said participating in sports builds character, teaches leadership, helps young people make connections and meet new friends, just for starters.
To learn more, contact Williams at 252.438.3408 or jamalwilliams@henderson.nc.gov
Visit https://henderson.nc.gov/departments/recreation_and_parks for a complete list of programs.
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