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	Youth Sports	Adult Sports	Family Sports

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Y Seventh Grade Travel Basketball Team News

The seventh grade YMCA girls travel team was invited to play an exhibition game during half time at the Harvard vs. Princeton Women's basketball game at Lavietes Pavilion on Saturday, February 2nd. All ten girls were thrilled to attend the game and watched as the Harvard Crimson women beat the Princeton Tigers in an 82-64 victory. The athleticism, speed and agility on both teams were awe inspiring for the girls and they cheered on the home team.

Harvard never fell behind Princeton despite a number of impressive three pointers thrown by the Tigers. At half time, Melrose Coach Steve Kirwan (father of the legendary Lady Raiders Shannon & Meghan) took his team onto the court and they played a six minute exhibition game in front of at least 500-600 spectators. The girls had a blast and grinning ear to ear, they took to the court with gusto. Lavietes Pavilion is a beautiful court and though much larger than their home court at the Y, it was exciting to play in front of such a large audience and in such a state of the art facility. The girls put on an impressive show and finished to huge applause.

After the game the girls met a number of the Harvard players and had the opportunity to talk with Harvard head coach Kathy Delaney-Smith. Coach Delaney-Smith encouraged them to continue to play basketball but not to forget to focus on their academics and said she keep an eye out for them in six years as they approach the end of high school.

Back row: left to right (on backs)-Kayla Wyland & Shannon Killelea Standing: Rose Fantozzi & Morgan White Kneeling: Bianca Scimemi & Casey McVicar On Ground front: Christina Giordano, Lindsay Bright, Alexandra Foley & Amanda Commito

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Sports & Recreation for Youth and Adults

Regardless of the sport or skill level, the focus is on the full and equal participation of all. The goal is for every child to play in every game. Win or lose, kids learn about self improvement, fitness, safety, sportsmanship, cooperation, self-esteem, and respect for others in a fun, learning environment.

All coaches are volunteers. Parents are encouraged to assist in practices and games to promote the parent-child relationship. 

Youth Sports:

The Melrose YMCA offers many different youth sport classes during the year (September-June). The main objective in our youth sports programs is to give the participants basic knowledge and skills of a variety of sports.Many of our classes cater to beginner and intermediate levels of skill. 

In the fall, we offer a Travel Team Basketball Program for Grades 5-8. This is a more competitive league for the experienced player. Traveling to games in other towns is involved.

During January and February, we offer our Ski Club for Middle School students. Skiers will leave Melrose by bus Friday afternoons and head to Wachusett Mountain for several hours of skiing before returning to Melrose around 9:30 pm.

In the Spring II session, we offer a Tee Ball League to children ages 4 & 5. This league introduces the participants to the basics of the sport, competition, and good sportsmanship. We use parent volunteers as coaches, so this is a great program in which to spend quality time with your child.

During the summer, we offer Sports & More ... our summer sports camp. This camp is designed to involve the camper in at least eight different sports and one field trip per week. Sports include, but are not limited to basketball, soccer, tennis, lacrosse, and football.

All of our youth sports programs are designed to help develop caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty in all of our participants.

Adult Sports:

The Melrose YMCA offers an Adult Basketball League which is organized and run by volunteers. The league runs September – June on Monday & Wednesday evenings and is free for members, however, registration is required.

Four teams are formed and each team plays one game per night. They officiate their own game with the volunteer there just to keep things fair. No standings are kept and new teams are formed every eight weeks. This league is a great way to get some exercise, meet new friends and bring back those exciting youth basketball memories. Come on down and shoot with us!

In the fall, all levels of bicycle riders are welcome for recreational scenic bike tours that will continue throughout the fall. Begin a Sunday with a bike ride starting from and returning to the YMCA. Dates and locations to be announced each fall.

From September through June, we offer a Midday Volleyball program three days a week that is free to members.

Family Sports:

Friday Night Family Fitness Night & Open Gym - Main Street Facility

Youths age 9-13 can visit the Teen Fitness Center and/or Open Gym at the Main Street facility from 5-8 p.m. Gym use subject to availability. Must be a member and be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Free to members.

Family & Open Gym - Main Street Facility

Open to all members. Members under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent. Participants must bring their own basketballs. Contact the Y for current times. 781-665-4360.