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.

Baseball

  • Tee Ball and Rookie League Baseball

    March/April – June | Ages 5-8 (Use Age Chart)

    Registration: Spring 2024

    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.

    Click here for the Spring 2023 Age Chart.


  • Lancaster Baseball

    February/March – June | August – October | Ages 9-14 (Use Age Chart)

    Registration: Spring 2024

    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.

    Click here for the Fall 2023 Age Chart.


  • Baseball Clinic

    July | Ages 5-15

    Registration: Summer 2024

    Develop your skills with the McCaskey Varsity Baseball Coach!

    Clinic is held at the JP McCaskey Varsity Baseball Field.


  • Girls 18U Fastpitch League

    September | Ages 14-18

    Registration: no program at this time

    Batter up! Join us in our 6-game season, with no playoffs, of Girls 18U Fastpitch Softball. Games are played Tuesdays and/or Thursdays at Conlin Field.

    Please note: team registration only!


  • 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

  • Little Hoopers Basketball

    February – March | October – November | Grades K-2

    Registration: Now - September 29 or until full - Register in person or online.

    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.


  • Jr. NBA/WNBA Youth Basketball League

    November – February | Grades 3-6

    Registration: September 11 - October 13 or until full - Register in person or online.

    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.


  • Jr. NBA Teen League Basketball

    February – May | Grades 7-10

    Registration: Spring 2024

    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.


  • Hoop For Hope Summer Basketball League

    June – July | Grades 3-12

    Registration: Spring 2024

    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

    CJ’s Hoop for Hope is a partnership program and is not operated by Lancaster Rec.


  • Girls Basketball Clinic

    September – October | Grades 3-6

    Registration: Now - September 8 or until full - Register in person or online.

    Learn the fundamentals of basketball in a fun clinic format.

    Clinic is held at a School District of Lancaster Gym.


Cheerleading

  • Jr. Tornado Cheer

    July – November | Ages 5-14* (*must be 6 by September 1)

    Registration: Summer 2024

    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.


  • Cheer Clinic

    May | Ages 5-14

    Registration: Spring 2024

    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

  • Dance Classes

    September – June | Ages 4-18

    Registration: Now - September 29 or until full - Register in person or online.

    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.

    Click here for the Fall 2023 Dance Classes.


  • Zumbini

    June – August | September – November | Ages 0-4

    Registration: Now - September 8 or until full - 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.


Flag Football

  • NFL Flag Football League

    March – May | September – November | Ages 6-12 (age as of September 1)

    Registration: Spring 2024

    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.


  • Flag Football Clinic

    February – March | Ages 6-12

    Registration: Winter 2023

    Get out and active this winter while learning the fundamentals of flag football.

    Clinic is held in Lancaster Rec Center Gym.


Football

  • Jr. Tornado Tackle Football

    Begins the first week in August | Ages 7-12 (age as of June 1)

    Registration: Fall 2024

    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.


Gymnastics

  • Gymnastics

    February – March | April – May | September – October | Ages 5-9

    Registration: Now - September 12 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.

    Practice is held at the Lancaster Rec Center Gym.


Iddy Biddy Sports

  • Iddy Biddy Soccer

    November – December | Ages 3-5

    Registration: Now - October 27 or until full - Register in person or online.

    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!


Soccer

  • Lancaster Soccer

    March – June | August – October | Birth Years 2005-2019 (Use Age Chart)

    Registration: Spring 2024

    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.

    Birth Year Chart


  • Soccer Camp

    June | Ages 8-13

    Registration: Summer 2024

    Learn the fundamentals of soccer as part of our Future Red Tornado Clinics, led by the McCaskey High School coaching staff.


Swimming

  • Swim Lessons

    April – May | September – October | Ages 3-12 (age as of September 1)

    Registration: Spring 2024

    Get ready for summer! Children will learn this essential life skill while having fun. Lessons are taught by the McCaskey High School Swim Coach and certified lifeguard instructors.

    Ages 3-7 – Beginner – Child cannot swim on own, does not swim underwater alone and cannot swim length of pool unassisted. *Parent must be in water with child.

    Ages 5-10 – Intermediate – Child can float on back unassisted and can “doggy paddle” unassisted.

    Ages 8-12 – Experienced – Child can swim length of pool unassisted and can float on back unassisted.

    Swimmers will be evaluated on first day to place them in the appropriate level.

    Lessons are held at the JP McCaskey High School Pool.


  • Jr. Tornado Swim Team

    April – May | September – October | Grades 4-8

    Registration: Now - September 8 or until full - Register in person or online.

    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 is held at the JP McCaskey High School Pool.


  • Swim Clinic

    January – February | Ages 8-12

    Registration: Winter 2024

    Learn the fundamentals of swimming as part of our Future Red Tornado Clinics, led by the McCaskey High School coaching staff.

    Clinic is held at the JP McCaskey High School Pool.


  • Lifeguard Certification Class

    April | 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.

    Class is held at the JP McCaskey High School Pool.


Tennis

  • Tennis Lessons

    April – May | July – August | September – October | Ages 6-17

    Registration: Now - September 8 or until full - 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.

    Lessons are held at the Buchanan Park Tennis Courts.


  • Middle School Tennis Lessons

    July – August | Grades 7-8 (intermediate level players)

    Registration: Summer 2024

    Serve it, Smash it, Win it, Love it. Continue to develop your skills with experienced tennis instructors in this special class for intermediate level players who are interested in continuing to play for their schools in the future.

    Lessons are held at the Buchanan Park Tennis Courts.


  • Tennis Camp

    June | August | Ages 6-14

    Registration: Summer 2024

    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.


  • Tennis Fest

    May & August | All Ages

    Registration: Spring 2024

    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

  • Jr. Tornado Track Club

    April – June | Ages 8-14

    Registration: Spring 2024

    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.


  • Fall Running Club

    September – October | Ages 8-12

    Registration: no program 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.


  • Elementary Run for Fitness

    September | SDoL Students in Grades K-6

    Registration: Fall 2023

    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 on Sunday, October 2 at 2 p.m. at Garden Spot High School.

    Onsite registration available on race day from 4-5 p.m.


Volleyball

  • Volleyball Clinic

    January – March | Grades 3-6

    Registration: Winter 2024

    Led by the Franklin and Marshall College coaches and team, players will practice skill fundamentals and learn to work as a team.

    Clinic is held at a School District of Lancaster Gym.


Youth Athletic Scholarship Program

Children ages 18 and under who qualify to receive free or reduced-price lunch and live in the City of Lancaster or Lancaster Township are eligible for scholarships to help pay the cost of youth sports and dance program registration fees. Applications are accepted year-round. To apply, fill out and return the application form and parent survey. Be sure to read the scholarship guidelines. Click here to apply for a Youth Athletic Scholarship.

Scholarship Application and Guidelines Haga clic aquí para la versión en español.

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.