Score Big This Fall at the YMCA
As the back-to-school season settles in, fall is the perfect time for parents and children to embrace new routines and activities. Among the many options for fitness, after-school engagement and youth sports, the YMCA remains a top choice for promoting physical fitness, social skills and overall well-being.
The YMCA has a long history with youth sports and even invented basketball. In 1891, Dr. Luther Gulick, the director of the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, challenged his physical education teacher, James Naismith, to create a new game that could be played indoors and was engaging for students.
Looking for Things to Do in Tampa Bay?
>>This Week’s Favorite Events
>>Halloween Events, Pumpkin Patches, and MORE
>> 40+ Free Things to Do with Kids
Two weeks later, the first basketball game was played. The students used two old peach baskets as hoops, and the game was instantly successful. The sport rapidly grew, and in 1904, basketball was introduced into the Olympic program and contested as a medal event in the 1936 Olympics! Today, basketball’s popularity has soared, making it second only to soccer as the most popular sport in the world.
How we’re enhancing our game at Spurlino Family YMCA
Our YMCAs know firsthand how popular basketball has become and strive to provide the best sports experience for all our members. At our Spurlino Family YMCA, the team is actively working to enhance the game of basketball with the expansion of their new gymnasium, which will open this fall.
Devin Cosper, the sports program director at the Spurlino Family YMCA, is eager for the gymnasium’s completion. Like many children who come to our YMCA, Cosper’s love for sports started at a young age. She is a former State Champion in the 100-meter dash, a junior college first-team all-American, and a three-year letter winner in basketball at the University of Arkansas. Her personal journey in sports makes her a relatable and inspiring figure for our young athletes.
“I am proud to be a role model for the young female athletes at the Spurlino YMCA,” Cosper says. “I have met some amazing women during my time in sports. They have shown me there is no limit to what you can achieve and the work and dedication it takes to get there. I’m so grateful to have been guided by them along my journey!”
In addition to basketball, the YMCA offers a variety of youth sports, including cheerleading and dance, flag football, golf, gymnastics, martial arts, soccer and volleyball. Youth sports teach participants invaluable character development and skills such as communication, teamwork, self-confidence, commitment, goal-setting and patience.
How to Join the YMCA
At the YMCA, we believe a well-rounded child today creates a contributing and engaged adult tomorrow.
Visit tampaymca.org for more information on our youth sports programs, gymnasium progress and volunteer coach opportunities. You can also visit ymcasuncoast.org for all membership, youth sports programs and volunteer coaching at the YMCA of the Suncoast.
Spurlino Family YMCA is located at: 9650 Old Big Bend Rd., Riverview, FL 33578
Related Stories:
- The Positive Power of Youth Sports
- YMCA Family Memberships are Multigenerational and Fun!
- Fall into Healthy Habits with a Tampa YMCA Membership
*Presented by the YMCA | Originally published in the September 2024 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.