Our youth sports programs balance fun with valuable instruction. The main focus is on participation and learning, not on competition. We believe in teaching more than sports skills. Teamwork, dedication and good sportsmanship are all part of the Lancaster Rec youth sports experience. Our youth dance classes strive to balance the mind, body and spirit through positive experiences.
We aim to provide a lifelong motivation and determination to stay active and healthy.
Check out our scholarship information.
Click here for a copy of our Parent Code of Conduct and Communicable Disease Waiver.
*Each program will follow a sport specific health and safety plan.
New Program Ideas?
Are you a skilled enthusiast eager to share your expertise? Whether your program is geared towards toddler/preschool, senior citizens, or any age in between, we invite you to join us! Collaborate with Lancaster Rec as an instructor and bring your unique program to life!
Urgent Registration – Soon to Close
Hoop for Hope Summer Basketball League Middle School Tennis Lessons Tennis Lessons Soccer Camp Baseball Clinic Tennis Camp Softball Clinic Creative Movement Intro To Dance Zumbini Acro/Partnering Choreography Class Themed Dance Classes Beginner Dance Camps Dance Intensive Summer Dance ClassesBaseball
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Tee Ball and Rookie League Baseball
March/April – June | Ages 5-8 (Use Age Chart)
Registration: Closed
Batter up! Learn the fundamentals and rules of the game in our Little League Tee Ball & Rookie Leagues and move your way up through Lancaster Baseball.
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Lancaster Baseball
February/March – June | August – October | Ages 9-14 (Use Age Chart)
Registration: January 8 - 26 or until full - Register in person or online.
Lancaster Baseball is for players aged 9 to 14 (determined by league age chart below) and is a partnership with SALSA Baseball and Lancaster Rec Baseball. Players are assessed by skill level to be placed on the appropriate team. .
Practices and games are held at Lancaster Community Park, Lancaster City Parks and School District of Lancaster Ball Fields.
Important: Players are assessed by skill level and placed on the appropriate team. If a team is not available or there are not enough players, refunds will be processed. Mandatory skill assessment held Sunday, February 4 at JP McCaskey High School Gym. 10U – 12:30 p.m. / 12U – 2 p.m. / 14U – 3:30 p.m.
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Baseball Clinic
July 15 - 18 | Ages 5-15
Registration: Now until July 5 - Register online or in-person
Calling all baseball enthusiasts, from rookies to seasoned players, join us for expert coaching, skill refinement, and a whole lot of fun on the diamond. This clinic is taught by McCaskey High School Baseball coaches and players.
Clinic is held at the JP McCaskey Varsity Baseball Field.
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Softball Clinic
August | Ages 5-14
Registration: Summer 2024
Join the McCaskey Varsity Softball Coach and work on your skills during the off season!
Clinic is held at the JP McCaskey Varsity Softball Field.
Basketball
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Little Hoopers Basketball
February 7 – March 16 | Grades K-2
Registration: Closed
Nothing but net! This fundamental coed program develops a strong skill foundation with appreciation for the game of basketball. Players participate in scrimmages to experience a non-competitive game environment.
Practices are held at School District of Lancaster Gyms with three Saturday morning scrimmages played at the Lancaster Rec Center.
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Jr. NBA/WNBA Youth Basketball League
November – February | Grades 3-6
Registration: Fall 2024
It’s a slam dunk! These two leagues offer great fundamental basketball experiences for boys and girls. Players receive equal playing time to create an atmosphere of skill development and sportsmanship.
Practices and games are held at School District of Lancaster Gyms.
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Our basketball league is competitive with the spotlight on learning, improving and having fun. Playing time is balanced so players of all ability levels can develop skills through game play. Coaches encourage good sportsmanship and teamwork.
Practices and games are held at School District of Lancaster Gyms.
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CJ's Hoop For Hope Summer Basketball League
June – July | Grades 3-12
Registration: April 3 - May 21 - Register in person or online.
Looking for a summer basketball league? Look no further! Teams will be coed. Coaches will notify players of practice days and times.
Grades 3-6* play Monday games. Grades 7-10* play Tuesday games. Games 11-12* play Wednesday games. Games will be played at Brandon Park.
*Grade going into Fall 2023
Please Note: This partnership program is not operated by Lancaster Rec. Please direct any questions to Chris Johnson (CJ) at chrisjohnson839@gmail.com.
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Girls Basketball Clinic
September – October | Grades 3-6
Registration: Fall 2024
Learn the fundamentals of basketball in a fun clinic format.
Clinic is held at a School District of Lancaster Gym.
Cheerleading
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Jr. Tornado Cheer
July – November | Ages 5-14* (*must be 6 by September 1)
Registration: March 11 until full - Register in person or online.
Participants learn cheer fundamentals while showing their spirit, making friends and having fun. Squads practice during the week and cheer at Jr. Tornado Football games throughout Lancaster County on weekends during the fall.
Practices are held at Lancaster City/Township Parks or a School District of Lancaster facility.
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Cheer Clinic
April 29 - May 2 | Ages 5-14
Registration: Closed
Pump it up! Our cheer clinic emphasizes enhancing spirit and basic skills such as cheers, chants and beginner stunting.
Clinic is held at the JP McCaskey Varsity Softball Field.
Dance
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Dance Classes
September – June | Ages 4-18
Registration: Closed
Coed Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap and Hip Hop classes for children and teens. Dance in the end-of-the-year recital in June 2024!
Instructors: Miss Chloe Spleen and Miss Nyasia Vasquez
Classes are held at the Lancaster Rec Center.
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Zumbini
Fridays - June 14 - July 26 (no class July 5) | Ages 0-4
Registration: Now - June 7 - Register in person or online.
Zumbini, created by Zumba and BabyFirst, uses music and movement to promote cognitive, social, emotional and motor skill development. This class engages children and parents through dancing, singing and playing instruments. Each family will receive a storybook, plush doll and CD/music codes to access the music used in class, to keep the fun going at home!
Instructor: Lydia Baranoski
Classes are held at the Lancaster Rec Center.
Field Hockey
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Field Hockey Camp
Tuesdays / Thursdays | June 25 - August 1 | Ages 16+
Registration: Now - June 21 - Register online or in-person
Calling all beginners and aspiring field hockey players! Get ready to step onto the field and learn the ropes at our upcoming field hockey clinic. This clinic is your chance to discover the fundamentals and build confidence.
Held at Roberto Clemente Field, 466 Rockland Street. Lancaster, PA .
Flag Football
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NFL Flag Football League
March 18 – May/June Ages 6-14 (age as of September 1)
Registration: January 22 - February 23 - Register in person or online.
Be a part of our popular flag football league! Practice 1-2 nights a week depending on age group, with games on Saturdays. Coaches will notify player of practice days/times.
Practices and games are held at Lancaster City and/or Township Parks and/or School District of Lancaster Fields.
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Flag Football Clinic
February 6 – March 12 | Ages 9-12
Registration: Closed
Learn the fundamentals of flag football in a fun clinic format, led by experienced Lancaster Rec Flag Football coaches.
Clinic is held in SDOL Gym.
Football
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Jr. Tornado Tackle Football
Begins the first week in August | Ages 7-12 (age as of June 1)
Registration: Now until July 26 - Register online or in-person
Be a part of the Lancaster City/Township youth tackle football program. Our emphasis is on learning, playing and enjoying the sport of football safely, while also fostering sportsmanship, teamwork and self-discipline. McCaskey’s football coaching staff will be training our volunteer coaches in accordance with the skills and standards used at the high school level. Our teams will play in the Red Rose Midget Football League. Practices begin the first week of August.
Practice will be at the McCaskey Practice Football Field, with home games in the McCaskey Stadium.
2024 Registration will open in April to allow us time to fine-tune our program. Updates will be posted on our social media and will be sent out via email.”
Gymnastics
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Gymnastics
June 4 - July 9 | Ages 5-9
Registration: Now or until full - Register in person or online.
Let’s get ready to tumble! Children learn the basic gymnastics movements including cartwheels, handstands, back bends and more. Our partnership with Fusion Gymnastics brings experienced instructors and age-appropriate equipment to this great program.
Ages 5-6 | 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Ages 7-9 | 6:15-7:00 p.m.
Practice is held at the Lancaster Rec Center Gym.
Iddy Biddy Sports
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Iddy Biddy Soccer
November – December | Ages 3-5
Registration: Fall 2024
Get off to a great soccer start with your preschooler! This coed program eases your child into the world of sports. Children and parents work together to get accustomed to an organized practice in a fun, non-threatening environment. Instructors focus on soccer skills as well as incorporating hand-eye coordination and agility.
Practice is held at the Lancaster Rec Center Gym.
LIMITED OPENINGS – REGISTER EARLY!
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Iddy Biddy Tennis
January 25 - February 22 | Ages 3-5
Registration: Closed
PTR International Master Professional, Delaine Mast, will help you and your child have fun while learning ball striking skills and the lifetime sport of tennis. Children and parents/caregivers will spend quality time being active, learning and having fun together! This is a partnership program with Tennis Central.
Lessons are held at the Lancaster Rec Center Gym.
LIMITED OPENINGS – REGISTER EARLY!
Karate
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Isshinryu Karate
TBD
Registration: TBD
New Program! Learn karate lessons in a fun and exciting, family-oriented environment. Our goal is raising students’ focus and self-esteem by providing the tools needed for increased confidence, self-discipline and self-defense. We aim to help build a strong and safer community one student at a time.
Registration Postponed.
Soccer
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Lancaster Soccer
March – June | Birth Years 2005-2019 (Use Age Chart)
Registration: January 24 - February 16 - Register in person or online.
Our youth soccer program focuses on the fundamentals of the world’s most popular sport. Boys and girls of all ability levels enjoy teamwork and good-natured competition. Practice is held 1-2 nights a week depending on age group. Coaches will notify players of practice days/times. Coed and Boys Divisions have games on Saturdays and Girls Divisions have games on Sundays.
Practices and games are held at Lancaster Community Park.
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Led by McCaskey High School Soccer coaches, our camp promises to enhance your game. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the fundamentals or a seasoned player aiming to take your skills to the next level, our soccer camp is the place to be.
Practices and games are held at McCaskey Turf Field.
Swimming
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Swim Lessons
Spring Lessons Cancelled
Registration: Not Available
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Jr. Tornado Swim Team
April 3 – May 8 | Grades 5-8
Registration: Closed
Jr. Tornado Swim Team is an exciting opportunity for youth interested in competitive swimming! Swimmers will learn all four strokes through a stroke drill sequence program. Swimmers will work on starts, turns, race strategy and short drill-focused sets. Must be able to swim front crawl (freestyle) one length of the pool unassisted (25 meters) to register. Inter-Team Meets will be held last two Wednesdays.
Practice pool TBD.
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Lifeguard Certification Class
Ages 15+
Registration: Spring 2024
Are you looking to be a lifeguard this summer? Upon successful completion of this three-day American Red Cross course, participants will receive Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification that is valid for two years.
For questions or additional information, email Spencer Shambaugh at sshambaugh@LancasterRec.org
Tennis
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Tennis Lessons
June 22 - August 3 (No program on July 6) | Ages 6-17
Registration: Now - June 21 - Register in person or online.
A fun introduction to a sport that you can play for a lifetime. Our youth tennis program emphasizes fun and fitness. Learn the basics and refine your skills from experienced instructors.
Little Aces Summer – Ages 6 – 9
Super Servers Summer – Ages 10 – 17
Lessons are held at the Buchanan Park Tennis Courts.
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Join us for one of our Future Red Tornado Summer Tennis Camps! Learn tennis skill fundamentals led by the McCaskey High School Tennis Team coaching staff along with help from the high school tennis team.
Camp is held at the McCaskey High School Tennis Courts.
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Bring your family and friends and learn to play tennis! This FREE one-day event is open to all Lancaster youth and families! There will be tennis activities for all ages and abilities. Tennis Central will provide the racquets, balls, snacks, prizes and fun!
Track & Field/Cross Country
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**Track Coaches Needed**
Registration:
Are you passionate about track and field? Do you have the skills to inspire and guide aspiring athletes? We’re on the lookout for dedicated Track Coaches to be a part of our upcoming programs! This is a paid position.
For more information, please contact Jack Bingeman, Director of Recreation, at 717-392-2115 x129 or email jbingeman@LancasterRec.org.
or Luke Mateyak, Athletics and Recreation Specialist, at 717-392-2115 x121 or lmateyak@lancasterrec.org
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Train like a track star and get fit! Join the Jr. Tornado Track Club to learn the fundamentals of track and field.
Club is held at the McCaskey High School Track.
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Fall Running Club
September – October | Ages 8-12
Registration: Not being offered at this time.
On your mark…get set…GO! Our coed Running Club focuses on teaching the basics of track and field and is a great way to get your child active and healthy. Instructors stress running technique and proper mechanics while building endurance and confidence.
Club is held at Buchanan Park.
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Elementary Run for Fitness
September | SDoL Students in Grades K-6
Registration: Fall 2024
Calling all students in School District of Lancaster boundaries! Come compete in a FREE, fun fitness run for a chance to compete in a county-wide meet. This event is a partnership with the McCaskey Cross Country Team and Coaches.
Children in grades K-1 will run 1/4 mile. Children is grades 2-6 will run 1/2 mile. Top qualifiers advance to the county meet at Garden Spot High School.
Onsite registration available on race day from 4-5 p.m.
Volleyball
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Volleyball Clinic
January – February | Grades 3-6
Registration: Closed
Learn the fundamentals of volleyball in a fun clinic format, led by the Franklin and Marshall College coaches and team.
Clinic is held at a School District of Lancaster Gym.
Encouragement, Sportsmanship and Respect
Parents are held to a standard of behavior that provides a positive youth sports environment for all children through encouragement as well as support for volunteer coaches. Coaches are held to a standard of behavior that provides a positive youth sports environment for players. Focus is placed on a child’s growth and development, sportsmanship, respect, and fundamental skills.