Want to join a softball team? Need to improve your tennis game? The Houston Parks and Recreation Department provides recreational sports opportunities for children ages 4 to 18 in a safe, secure and supervised environment. Best of all, participants receive equipment, uniforms, facility usage and expert coaching free of charge.
League play is organized and directed by experienced youth sports professionals. Community Center staff and volunteers provide coaching assistance, encouragement and support to the children participating in our programs.
A variety of free sports are always in swing citywide for boys and girls. Sign up at your local community center or call the Recreation and Wellness Office at (713) 845-1083 or (713) 845-1019. Also, volunteer league coaches for all sports are regularly needed.
Aquatics Program
Learn – to – Swim classes for toddlers and pre-schoolers, are offered to ages 9 months - 5 years. Classes are conducted by trained and certified personnel, and offered on Saturdays, beginning in June. Beginner, intermediate and advanced swim classes for youth ages 6-18 are held Tuesday through Friday, and on Saturday beginning in June. Information: (713) 845-1009
Grand Slam for Youth Baseball
Registration is underway for HPARD’s 2010 Grand Slam for Youth Baseball program! Boys and girls ages 4 – 18 may participate in this FREE baseball, softball, and T-ball league, which begins in area parks starting March 29, 2010. T-shirts, equipment, and coaching are provided. Grand Slam for Youth Baseball is a partnership between the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Houston Astros, and Minute Maid. Volunteer coaches are needed and training is provided. Contact your local community center to register or volunteer by February 19, 2010. For information, call (832) 395-7277 or (832) 395-7294.
Youth Baseball / Softball / T-Ball Program
This free program provides opportunities for youth ages 4–18 to participate in T-ball, baseball and slow pitch softball at various skill levels. T-shirts and equipment are provided for registered teams for recreation league play. Expanded league and skill development opportunities are offered to ages 13 – 18 through Major League Baseball and Houston RBI (Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities), which provide youth with league play in the fall and summer. Information: (713) 865-4520
Youth Basketball Program
This program is designed to encourage youth ages 4–18 to develop both physically and socially through the sport of basketball. Through organized league play, participants will sharpen their skills while learning the importance of sportsmanship and fair play. Basketball registration for youth ages 4–high school eligible begins in October. League play starts in November. Registration for youth ages 13–18 begins in March, and league play starts in December. Information: (713) 865-4517 or (713) 865-4512.
Youth NFL Flag Football Program
Youth Flag Football provides an opportunity for youth ages 6–18 to play flag football in a supervised, organized league at community centers in the Houston area. The program’s goal is to teach the fundamentals of flag football, develop motor skills, promote sportsmanship, and help maximize physical, emotional and intellectual growth. Each team is organized into one of four age groups: 8 and under, 11 and under, 14 and under and 18 and under. Registration is held in August and league begins in October. Participants play in a six-week league. Information: (713) 845-8077. Printable Flyer
The First Tee of Houston Junior Golf Program
Children ages 7–18 learn the art of golf through our Junior Golf program using the First Tee Curriculum. This innovative and technically strong golf instruction takes participants through three skill levels: par, birdie and eagle and emphasizes the qualities of good sportsmanship and fair play. This free, year-round program consists of four-week sessions offered at The First Tee of Houston Junior Golf Facility at F.M. Law Park, 8400 Mykawa. Information: (713) 264-2100.
Youth Soccer Program
The Youth Soccer Program provides T-shirts, shin guards, two balls per team, coaches and volunteer clinics, officials and league competition for children ages 4 – 18. The program is designed to teach the fundamentals soccer play. Free league play and camps are offered throughout the year. Fall play begins in October. The league resumes play in April. Leagues are offered in five locations throughout the City of Houston. Information: (713) 865-4516. Printable Flyer
Youth Tennis Program
The City of Houston Youth Tennis Program (also referred to as the National Junior Tennis League or HTA-NJTL) is a free, year-round program offered at parks across the city for youth ages 4 – 18. This program incorporates basic tennis instruction and participants are encouraged to take part in USTA Junior Team Tennis leagues and play in the annual Holiday Cheer Tennis Tournament in December. The City of Houston Youth Tennis Program is co-sponsored by the Houston Tennis Association, the United States Tennis Association, and the Houston Ladies Tennis Association. Information: (713) 803-1112.
Hershey’s Track and Field Games
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department offers summer track and field meets in conjunction with the Hershey’s Track and Field Games and with support from The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation. Boys and girls ages 6 – 14 are encouraged to register for this FREE program. Meets are held in June and July and are designed to promote youth physical fitness and provide fun learning experiences for children through running, jumping, and throwing. The program is a great way to get kids started in a physical fitness program, and any child may participate. Complete the attached Registration and Local Entry Forms and turn them in to your local community center to pre-register for the meets. Information: (713) 865-4517.
Girls’ Youth Volleyball League
This program is designed to provide girls, ages 6 – 18, with the basic skills and elements of the game of volleyball. This free program, will give participants an opportunity to play organized league volleyball in a controlled environment. Registration begins in August and league play begins in October. Leagues run for six weeks at various sites according to program registration. Information: (713) 865-4517. Printable Flyer
A.S.K. (Athletes Seeking Knowledge) Program
As an extension to our traditional recreational sports programming, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department created the Athletes Seeking Knowledge (ASK) program to mold better student-athletes by offering tools and guidance for obtaining academic success. ASK offers participants ages 12–18 a number of free educational resources, such as tutorial sessions at community centers, professionally administered test preparation sessions, and organized university tours. Information: (713) 865-4517.
Permits/Reservations
Permitting opportunities for youth includes free assistance in securing recreational park space for ballfields, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts. Facilities are open for usage year-round to outside organizations. Private youth leagues will be required to pay a grounds maintenance deposit in the amount of $100 per facility. Information: (713) 845-1206.
Printable Flyer