RETURNING SPORTS TO KIDS Sports Annual Report JERRY LONG FAMILY YMCA

DIRECTOR’S UPDATE

I began my time at the Jerry Long YMCA in August 2013 and shortly thereafter

we brought Bob Ross, our Associate Sports Director on board. We spent our first

six months assessing the program and culture and trying to determine what we

needed to do to make the program bigger and better than ever. And in 2014, we

got to work.

This past year has definitely been an exciting one for the Sports Program at the

Jerry Long Family YMCA. In this report, you will get a look at everything that

happened in your program last year as well as a glimpse at what we are working

towards in the new year. This report has been assembled using feedback from our

participants, volunteers, and staff, coupled with best practices and formed under

the banner of our Vision Statement.

So please take the time to read through. This is your program and it will be endure

for a long time. My job is to make it as awesome as possible for you and your

athletes. We value your participation as well as your feedback. If you have any

questions or comments, we would love to hear them.

Thanks for playing at the Y and I look forward to seeing you on the fields and

courts this year!

Jordan DuBois

Senior Program Director

336-712-2000

j.dubois@ymcanwnc.org

Follow us on Social Media!

Like us at “Jerry Long Family YMCA”

Follow us on Instagram @jlymcasports

Follow us on Twitter “@jlymca”

SPORTS VISION STATEMENT Returning Sports To Kids

The Jerry Long Family YMCA aspires to be an outstanding youth sports organization that returns sports to kids. We do this in two ways:

1) Creating Outstanding Player Experiences:

Athletes have fun at practices and games.

Athletes develop strong character and learn life lessons that have value beyond the playing field.

Athletes feel like an important part of the team regardless of performance.

Athletes develop a lifestyle of healthy living.

Athletes learn the skills, tactics, and strategies of the game and improve as a player.

2) Changing the Culture of Youth Sports:

Redefining what it means to be a winner

Providing coaches the tools they need to be successful coaches and leaders

Raising awareness for and guarding against dysfunctional behavior

At the Y, we are dedicated to ensuring that our

programs are creating a positive impact in the lives

of every child. And we are open to all!

DID YOU KNOW?

OVER 3,800 KIDS PARTICIPATED IN YOUTH

SPORTS PROGRAMS AT THE Y IN 2014, UP

FROM 3,600 IN 2013

427 ADULTS VOLUNTEERED AS COACHES OR

ASSISTANT COACHES

THE Y GAVE OUT OVER $4000 IN FINANCIAL

ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN TO

PLAY SPORTS WHO WERE ON FINANCIAL HARD

TIMES.

OVER 70 DIFFERENT STAFF MEMBERS

WORKED AT SPORTS PRACTICES, GAMES,

CAMPS, AND CLINICS IN 2014

THE Y WORKED THROUGH OUR COMMUNITY

PARTNERS TO USE 7 OFF-SITE FACILITIES

FOR SPORTS PROGRAMS

IN 2014, THE Y HAD OVER 14,000 MEMBERS

USING THE FACILITY TO REACH THEIR GOALS.

2014 RECAP

SURVEY DATA

The Y uses resources such as surveys to garner feedback on YMCA

program quality. Here is a summary of the results:

61% of participants surveyed said their child had a fun and

enjoyable experience, up from 47% in 2013.

69% of participants surveyed said their child improved his/her skills,

up from 49% in 2013.

65% of participants rated their coach as “Excellent,” the highest

rating, up from 50% in 2013.

95% of participants polled stated they would definitely be returning

to play sports at the Y in the future.

SURVEY COMMENTS

Keeping track of comments shared repeatedly helps us to determine

trends and the most pressing issues to address. Here are a few:

Overwhelmingly, the most commented on subject is an adjustment to

evenly balancing teams for outdoor sports

Parents seem to want a more competitive experience for outdoor

sports at the 10 and older age group, similar to basketball, where

score is kept

Communication has improved significantly, but is still very important

to parents

The quality of the team’s head coach is the most important aspect of

the experience of the kid’s therein and the Y should focus on

ensuring coaches are adequately trained and prepared for the

season.

“I believe that my daughter’s participation

in soccer with a whole new group of girls

each season has taught her to be open to

making new friends. […] And she is

making new friends that she would not

have had the opportunity to meet if it

weren't for the Y.”

– Anonymous Survey Response

“This was my son's first time playing flag

football and he had so much fun. His coach

was patient, encouraging and really

taught the kids a lot. “

– Anonymous Survey Response

POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE

Positive Coaching Alliance was formed by Jim Thompson at Stanford

University as a project designed to equip coaches and Youth Sports

organizations to better serve youth athletes. The principles of PCA

match up wonderfully with what the Y is all about. In 2014, the YMCA

of Northwest Carolina’s Jerry Long branch signed a partnership

agreement and began rolling out PCA within our programs. In the

Winter, coaches for Basketball and Indoor Soccer were required to take

the course prior to the season and all coaches going forward will do the

same. Here is a summary of what PCA is about.

HONOR THE GAME (ROOTS)

Everyone should honor the game by also respecting the:

Rules

Opponents

Officials

Teammates

Self

FILL EMOTIONAL TANKS

Every athlete needs to be built up. Phil Jackson developed the golden

ration of 5:1, making sure that he and his coaching staffs gave five

praises for every critique for all players including Michael Jordan, Scotty

Pippen, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal. Eleven NBA titles later, it

seems to have worked.

THE ELM TREE OF MASTERY

PCA teaches that mastering a skill requires three things: Effort,

Learning, and Mistakes. Everyone, but especially kids, learn more from

making mistakes than they do from getting it right.

THE DEVELOPMENT ZONE

PCA encourages organizations and teams to understand that they are

not operating in the Sports Industrial Complex or even the

“Entertainment Zone” but rather the “Development Zone.” As such,

youth sports should be about allowing kids a safe environment to make

mistakes, learn, and grow. These concepts will shape how they perform

in their sport, but even more importantly, how they perform at life.

PLAYERSPACE

PlayerSpace league management software went live at the Jerry Long Y

in Fall 2014 and while there were a few kinks as with any new software

system, the reaction has been positive. Participants and parents can

now stay up to date on upcoming games and practices, scores and

standings, and get weather cancelation notices via text message.

Coaches can use the software to keep in touch with the team, send

updates, and post photos or videos.

If you and your child played sports in the Fall or Winter, you received a

log in based on the email that you used to register your child. If you

haven’t registered yet but plan to, your login credentials will be emailed

to you at least one week prior to the start of the season. Once logged

in for the first time during the season, parents will have access to their

child’s team assignment, practice schedule and location, and team

landing page.

Based on the feedback and out strategic plan, we

have some big changes and additions coming in

2015.

FRESH PICKS

IN SPRING 2015, THE Y WILL BEGIN OFFERING

A LACROSSE LEAGUE FOR BOYS AGES 7-8 AND

WILL HOPEFULLY EXPAND IN THE FUTURE

IN 2015, THE Y WILL PUT TOGETHER A

COMPETITIVE BASKETBALL CLUB TO BE

AFFILIATED WITH AAU AND/OR USSSA BUT

RETAINING THE Y’S PRINCIPLES AND VALUES

A KEY FOCUS WILL BE COACH DEVELOPMENT,

WITH ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES FOR

VOLUNTEERS

THE Y WILL WORK TO ENHANCE THE

EXPERIENCE BY HOSTING SPECIAL EVENTS

SUCH AS STAFF V. COACH GAMES, ALL STAR

GAMES, AND THE ACC SHOOTOUT

2015 PREVIEW

TEAM FORMATION POLICY

Based on feedback from participants over the last five seasons, the Y has

decided to take action to better divide players onto teams in a way that is

conducive to fairness and increased levels of competition.

Effective January 1, 2015, all sports leagues at the Jerry Long Y for

kids ages 8 and over will hold pre-season skills evaluations and

coach drafts to select teams.

For divisions ages 4 through 7, requests for coaches and teammates

will be accepted and taken into consideration, but not guaranteed.

Requests will not be accepted or considered for ages 8 and up in any

sport.

KEEPING SCORE

The Y understands that the score is an integral part of a child’s

development as an athlete and a person. Powered by PCA and our team

formation policy, we believe that we can continue to create a positive and

developmental environment while being a bit more competitive.

In the Fall of 2015, all sports will begin keeping score and standings

at age 8 and up.

At that time, end-of-season tournaments will be implemented for

divisions for ages 10 and up.

All players will continue to receive a trophy or participation award,

with division champions receiving medals as well.

STATE FARM - JORGE VIDAL

As many of you have probably noticed, Jorge has supported the Y’s

youth sports programs for several years now. His support helps keeps

programs reasonably priced for all participants by assisting with paying

for the jerseys for Baseball, Soccer, Flag Football, and Volleyball. As a

member of the Clemmons Rotary Club and with his own child playing

soccer at the Y, it is clear he really cares.

Contact Jorge at his office at 336-778-2634 or email him at

Jorge@jorgevidal.com.

DICK’S SPORTING GOODS

Dick’s supports the Y sports program every year not only with the

donation of gear for some of our sports and giving Dick’s Cash to our

volunteer coaches, but also by hosting shop days for the Y. On these

days, Y participants get 20% their purchase on any items in the store

using the providing coupon. The cost of sports equipment is going up,

and Dick’s is here to help.

The first shop day of the new year is Sunday February 22. Don’t miss it!

OUR SUPPORTERS

CHAMPION ATHLETICS

Champion has sponsored the Y’s basketball program for years,

providing high quality jerseys at a discounted price to assist with

keeping the program affordable for local participants.

Special thank you to longtime supporter

Hillsdale Dental! We are always looking

for sponsors for our programs , so if your

business is interested in becoming a

supporter of YMCA sports programs,

contact Jordan DuBois for details and

options at j.dubois@ymcanwnc.org .

FIELD SPONSORS

We are also lucky enough to have the support of a variety of local

businesses who support the Y sports program each year and are

honored with a sponsor board at the front fields. These include:

Johnny Royall - Remax

Ian’s Body Worx

Mosquito Authority

Twin City Pediatrics

Hawthorne OBGYN

HeadHunter

Selester Stewart Ministries

Hip Chics Boutique

Winston-Salem Pediatrics

River Oaks Community Church

Hillsdale Dental

Hillcrest Vision

TJ’s Deli

The Law Office of Gayle Goldsmith Tuch, P.C.

Animal Hospital West

ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN

Did you know that the Y does not turn anyone away due to the inability

to pay for our programs? Sometimes, folks go through tough economic

times, and we don’t believe that should impact their ability for their

child to play a sport.

Each year, the Y’s Annual Giving Campaign raises thousands of dollars

to help folks afford the Y. This includes youth sports, but also teen

afterschool care, summer camp, LiveSTRONG at the YMCA, and the

YMCA Bright Beginnings program. The Campaign is lead by a dedicated

group of volunteers who believe in the Y’s mission and have seen the

real impact on the lives of kids.

When asked, please consider volunteering or donating!

MISSION MOMENTS Coach Shane and Gavin

This story blew up our Facebook page when we posted it and it still

ranks as the post with the highest reach.

“My son has high functioning autism and I've been blessed to have

been paired with an awesome coach and team of supportive parents.

Gavin played two seasons of soccer and now basketball. I was very

excited and shocked that parents and Coach Shane wanted him on the

basketball team. Shane has always included Gavin as a part of the

team giving him jobs that he know he will do well. Shane is awesome

will all kids making sure everyone is a part of the team. “

- Heather Richardson

Coach Kevin Goes to Zimbabwe

Coach Kevin Swider has a passion for mission work in the name of

Christ. He also has a passion for sports and kids. And he found the

perfect way to put those passions together. Each Fall, Kevin and a small

team from his church head to Africa or South America to deliver the

good news and have some fun with the kids there.

This year, he asked the Y to get involved. Through the donation of old

soccer jerseys and some unused equipment, as well as the generous

donation of cleats and gear from our participants, Kevin brought smiles

to tons of kids!

Coaches Help At YBB

In August of 2014, the Y took over forty kids back-to-school shopping

as part of our annual YMCA Bright Beginnings program. The program

matches kids with volunteers and provides them a gift card for $50 and

a trip to Target to pick out an outfit for the first day of school. The kids

also receive a backpack full of school supplies. Over fifty volunteers

helped make the event a success and our coaches, like Jose Cabrera,

Cassie McClain, Shane Wheatcroft, and others chipped in to help out!

WFHS Wins It All!

In June, the West Forsyth High School varsity baseball team grinded

their way through the tournament and captured the school’s first ever

state championship in baseball. Many of the athletes on the team are

former YMCA baseball and basketball players, including Jarrett Corder

who made the crucial defensive play at the end to preserve the win and

two weeks later kicked off the summer as a YMCA Sports Camp

Counselor. Congrats to WFHS!

STAY INFORMED

How can I make the program better?

Make sure you sign your child up by the registration deadline. Late registrations take time to pro-

cess and can slow down other priorities.

Volunteer to serve as a head coach. The Jerry Long Y alone requires nearly 500 volunteer head

coaches each season. It’s easy, rewarding, and the impact continues for years to come.

Familiarize yourself with Positive Coaching Alliance. Visit www.positivecoach.org for details and

you can even take a PCA parent course online.

Be a great sports parent. The most important thing a parent can say to their athlete is not “you

did good” or “did you win today?” but rather “I love to watch you play.” Your love for your child is

not contingent on their performance. Let them know that!

Walk the walk. Conflicts can arise at youth sports practices and games. A ref will miss a call, an

opponent will shove your kid, or a schedule will get changed. Handle it coolly and stay positive!

Registration for Sports

Registration for the 2015 Spring Season is now open. We invite you to stop by the Y to get your child

signed up right away. You can also register online. The process is simple:

Talk to your child about what sport they want to play

Stop by the Y or click on the Y’s website

Read all of the information on the sport as well as the “Stay Informed” section on the website

Complete the registration process and pay the fee

Be on the lookout for updates from the Y pertaining to the upcoming season

When you get it, use your PlayerSpace login information to see your child’s team assignment and

schedule

Below is a Program Calendar for the upcoming year, as a basic outline with registration periods and

programs offered.

For more information

about registration

and programs

throughout the year,

visit our website!

www.ymcanwnc.org!

Jerry Long Family YMCA

1150 S Peacehaven Road

Clemmons, NC 27012

P 336 712 2000

F 336 712 2005

www.ymcanwnc.org