The Coaches Corner: YMCA

Written by Joe Meade

As the weather turns from Indian Summer to Old Man Winter, many parents begin their search for indoor activities for their teens. There are many places to choose from, but in my opinion, none better than your local YMCA. Now I openly admit that I may be a bit biased because as a YMCA member for the past 3 years, I have watched my children learn to swim there while my wife enjoys the kick boxing classes and I patrol the fitness center looking for the easiest machines to tone and trim. But there are many other good reasons for my partiality. The Y has been around for a long time (since 1844, London, England). Well renowned for its focus on building character and developing citizenship, the YMCA has grown into the largest non profit community service organization in America, serving over 20 million people.

Many of the local YMCA’s provide a variety of programs for teens which include, swimming, gymnastics, dance, yoga and an array of other sports depending on their facilities. Leadership programs are also available for teens as well as self-esteem building groups.  Because no two Y’s are exactly alike, it’s always a good idea to check their website or call to see what programs are available. The thing I like most about the YMCA is the affordable memberships and their family plans. When it comes to programs, there is something for everyone and if utilized can be a “great deal” for families with multiple aged kids with varying tastes. It’s good to know that many options like swimming lessons, archery and dance are also open to non-members, although the cost to participate for non-members is usually higher.  But that may be well worth it for newcomers who prefer to “try it on for size” and consider membership at a later date.  In any case, the Y is an economical alternative to local gyms and expensive private lessons.

Although many YMCA’s rely on their child care programs as a large part of their revenue, most have terrific Summer Camps as well. Many of the camp counselors are high school and college students.  For teens the camps provide a great opportunity to supervise younger kids and attain some valuable work experience. The Y can also be a good place to volunteer. High school students looking to complete their community service requirement before graduation can volunteer for a number of programs.  Not a bad thing to have on your resume or college application as they compete for jobs or to get into their top college choices.

While researching this piece, I was surprised to learn that a number of sports claimed the YMCA as their birthplace including volleyball, racquetball and my favorite, basketball. If the YMCA was good enough for Dr. James Naismith, it’s good enough for me.  I admit that we’ve come a long way in the past one hundred plus years from his peach baskets to fiberglass backboards and break away rims. Like basketball, the YMCA has evolved and grown.  It has stood the test of time as a quality organization and  a leader in the community.  Got an active teen?  Do yourself a favor and check out your local YMCA. You might be surprised with what they have to offer them and you, too!

the essentials:

New Haven YMCA Youth Center

50 Howe Street, New Haven, #203-776-9622, Central Coast CT YMCA-New Haven

Executive Director: Terry McCarthy, tjmccarthy@cccymca.org

current teen programs: Teen Leaders Club plus walk-in teen programs include swimming, basketball, ping pong, billiards and leadership

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Woodruff Family YMCA (serving Milford and Orange)

631 Orange Avenue, Milford, #203-878-6501, Central CT Coast YMCA-Woodruff

Youth Director: Nicole Servas, nservas@cccymca.org

current teen programs: Girls Circle and The Council (girls and boys age 9-13)

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Soundview Family YMCA (serving Branford, North Branford and Guilford)

28 School Street, Branford, #203-481-9622, Central CT Coast YMCA-Soundview

current teen programs: Safe Rides, Traveling Teen Nights, plus a variety of sports including sailing school and ski club

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Hamden/North Haven YMCA

1605 Sherman Avenue, Hamden, #203-248-6361, Central CT Coast YMCA-Hamden/North Haven

Healthy Lifestyle Director: Brian Marazzi, bmarazzi@cccymca.org

current teen programs: Pre Teen Wellness Program, Aerobic & Agility Training, Dance, Martial Arts

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Wallingford Family YMCA

81 South Elm Street, Wallingford, #203-269-4497, Wallingford YMCA

Health and Wellness Director: Mark Graham, mgraham@wallingfordymca.org

current teen programs: Teen Night, Youth & Government, Dance Parties, Movie Madness

Joe, a retired NYC Transit Police Officer, now co-owns Milford Pedicab.  In addition, he has spent the last 20 years coaching basketball at both the high school and college levels and is the founder of the Hoopskills Basketball Clinic  where he enjoys teaching young people about the values of sportsmanship, teamwork and the quality of effort.  Currently, Joe coaches the boy’s basketball team at Jonathan Law High School in Milford.  He is married to his beautiful wife Soledad and has 3 children, Isabela, Soledad and Joey III.