Competitive Sports for Homeschoolers: Six Opportunities for Team Play

School has started back and with it the start of team sports. Some think this is one of the downsides of homeschooling: the lack of organized sports for those not in traditional school. But as our list will show, there are plenty of options – some unique – for team-based sports in the Rocket City of which homeschoolers can take advantage!
Visit our Youth Sports Directory for even more sports opportunities. And, if you see anything we’ve missed, please let us know!
Heart of the Valley YMCA
Although not strictly for homeschoolers, the YMCA in Huntsville and Madison offers Fall soccer and winter basketball for ages 3-12. You don’t have to be a member to play (though it does cost a little more if you’re not), and there’s still time to sign up for basketball. You’ll find details in their Master Sports Calendar.
Details
Contact: Samantha Watson, Southeast Family YMCA Youth and Family Services Coordinator 256-883-9622 ext. 116
Forrest McArthur, Youth Sports Coordinator at the Madison Hogan Family YMCA, (256) 705-9622 ext. 311
YMCA Facebook Page
Website: www.ymcahuntsville.org
Rocket City Rowing Club
The Rocket City Rowing Club Youth program is open to middle and high school youth from Madison County and surrounding areas. You child doesn’t even need to know how to row – coaches will teach and train from beginner to advanced. The Rocket City Rowing Club competes in regattas across the Southeast Region and the spring season culminates in the USRowing Youth National Championships held each summer. Fall registration is still open!
Details
RCRCY Facebook Page
Website: www.rocketcityrowing.net/youth
Freedom Cowboys Football and Cheer
Homeschoolers and private school students are welcome to play and cheer for competitive, 8-man football with the Freedom Cowboys. Freedom Cowboys play in a Christian-led environment. The Cowboys also have a Cheer Squad that is an integral part of the Cowboy Family. They practice 2 days a week at the Cowboy Practice Field. Freedom Cowboys does not require a statement of faith.
Details
Contact: Brett Hill, Athletic Director, 256-476-8710, facowboys@yahoo.com ; Lori Hill, Cheer Coach, facowboys@yahoo.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/facowboys
Website: www.freedomcowboys.com
Huntsville Lacrosse Association
The Huntsville Lacrosse Association, an all-volunteer organization founded in early 2007, offers training and completive play for boys and girls U9, U11, U13, U15, and High School. Games are played locally or in the Birmingham area, mostly on Sundays. They also offer scholarships based on need and merit. Fall registration is open until September 10 (2014).
Details
Contact: https://huntsvillelax.org/Page.asp?n=96547&org=huntsvillelax.org
HLA Facebook (group)
Website: huntsvillelax.org
Huntsville City Youth Athletics
No sports list would be complete without mentioning Huntsville City Youth Athletics. They have all the major sports. Registration for Fall sports is closed, but if you’re looking for something to do in the Spring or next Fall, the City of Huntsville offers a variety of team sports including Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth Baseball and USYSA Soccer. The Softball, Football, Volleyball and Basketball programs are administered locally.
Details
Contact: click on sport-specific links above for contact information.
Huntsville City Athletics Website
Rolling Arsenal of Derby’s Junior League
Did you know Huntsville is home to one of the few junior roller derby teams in the country? The RAD Recruits is a junior roller derby team for girls ages 8 to 18 who are dedicated to learning the sport while respecting themselves, teammates, coaches, officials, fans, and opponents. Girls learn teamwork, good leadership, and sportsmanship. All of this knowledge is used by the girls to build healthy bodies, healthy minds, and healthy lifestyles. While this is an all-girl team, boys are needed to train as junior derby officials!
Details
RAD Recruits Website
RAD Facebook Page
[themify_box style=”lavender rounded” ]Looking for more topics about homeschooling, specifically in Huntsville & Madison County? See all the posts in this series HERE. [/themify_box]
Karen Gann had a marketing communications career in high tech before taking a sharp turn into stay-at-home-momdom and homeschooling. She grew up in the Tennesse Valley, lives in Huntsville, and is wife to the wittiest man alive, mother to two head-strong and independent girls (they're adorable, really), and human caregiver to the cats. Addictions include Facebook, Pinterest, NYC's Radio Lab, coffee, food, and politics (not necessarily in that order but sometimes all at the same time). She's also the marketing director for Pandia Press in her spare time.