Introducing the "A" League
Sports leagues for boys and girls, ages 4-14, committed to providing a high quality youth sports experience for our participants, parents, coaches and spectators.
As a nationally recognized organization committed to building a healthier community through youth sports, Appleton Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the new name for our youth sports leagues…THE “A” LEAGUE. Same great developmental leagues and experience for the participants, but a new and compelling name.
Why the change: The “A” stands for Appleton and we are proud of our community and to continue with our tradition of offering high quality youth sports leagues that fit our core values (see below). We want a name that is recognizable out in the community and to provide our participants with a sense of ownership and pride.
Over the next year you will see some messaging around the launch of THE “A” LEAGUES that we hope will cultivate the fun and passion our “A” TEAM has for providing these leagues to our community.
“A” League Philosophy
All of our youth sports leagues are driven by a clear set of core values:
Regardless of a child’s background or level of skill, there is a place for them here! We seek to remove barriers to participation, including talent barriers, financial barriers and / or social barriers. Everyone in our programs is appreciated for the unique traits and talents they bring to their team, and to our leagues. From our most skilled athletes, down to our beginners who are experiencing the game for the first time, we believe that our diversity makes us ALL better by providing opportunity to develop our skill as well as our leadership, compassion and tolerance.
We provide structured, progressive lesson planning and coach training for every grade level in our program so that each child’s experience is valuable and consistent. We are committed to providing all kids with a strong, fundamental set of skills and strategies that will prepare them with the ability and confidence to pursue a sport competitively, or recreationally, as they choose!
Every program we offer features reasonable time commitments that allow kids to be kids, explore other interests, make time for free play, and enjoy a well-rounded life. Our leagues have reasonable financial commitments that don’t artificially increase pressure or expectations of performance, and a season length that allows a child to pursue other interests and other activities without guilt.
We want the league experience to be so positive and so encouraging, that every child will want to stay engaged in the sport/activity for life, regardless of whether they pursue it competitively or not. We reject the idea that sports are only worth playing if they can be played at a high level… we strive to develop physically literate kids who are compelled to play in their free time, who are equipped to succeed at the competitive level if they choose, and who are inspired to teach and coach the next generation when their opportunity arrives.
Check out how APRD Youth Sports has been highlighted in the National Spotlight!
Select an image below to learn more about how Appleton Parks & Recreation is leading and inspiring change in youth sports!
