THE YOUTH ASSOCAITON

ATHLETIC COMMITTEE

NYCHA CITYWIDE

COMMUNITY SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

NYCHA’s sports programs help to instill teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership skills in children and teens. We offer competitive and instructional programs in a wide variety of sports, including basketball, bowling, Karate/Tai Chi and soccer. Join thousands of youth who enjoy participating in our sports programs all year round. See the full listing of programs below, then stop in at your local Community Center or contact NYCHA’s Community Coordinators at (212) 306-3351, 3490.

Education Through Sports Day
Education Through Sports Unit Program
Basketball
Bowling
Flag Football
Karate/Tai Chi
Lacrosse
Netball
NFL-NYCHA Officiating Academy
Soccer
Softball
Track & Field



Education Through Sports Day
Education Through Sports Day provides a series of instructional clinics that are designed to introduce NYCHA youth and Community Center staff to a variety of sports. Clinics are offered in many sports, including: golf,lacrosse, martial arts, soccer and volleyball. Education Through Sports Day events are held in all five boroughs each summer. All NYCHA youth are welcome to attend.

NYCHA Youth Sample Sports, Learn New Skills

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Education Through Sports Unit Program
The Education Through Sports Unit offers a wide variety of sports oriented activities to NYCHA residents ages 6 and up such as Basketball, Bowling, Chess, Flag Football, Karate/ Tai Chi, Lacrosse, Soccer, Netball, Softball and NFL-NYCHA Officiating Academy. These programs offer structured, organized physical activity and educational programming. These sports programs also afford residents the opportunity to develop improved mental and physical health. During the summer months, the Education Through Sports Unit provides special events in each borough which enhances NYCHA’s community center summer camp programming. These events include Sports Education Field Day, Track and Field, The Fishing Contest and the Citywide Carnivals. In addition, the Education Through Sports Unit also sponsors an Overnight Camping Program at Gateway’s Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn for children and youth, as well as collaboration with the New York Therapeutic Riding Center provides the nine-week Therapeutic Horseback Riding "Equestria" Program to children with physical disabilities, between the ages of 6 and 15.

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Basketball
NYCHA's Citywide Basketball Program is home to one of the largest inner-city basketball tournaments in New York City. Tournament registration is free and open to all NYCHA residents and Community Center participants, ages 18 and under. Over the years our basketball tournaments have showcased the talents of rising stars, such as top collegiate player Shannon Bobbitt of King Towers and NBA star, Stephon Marbury of O'Dwyer Houses.
Meet past and present Basketball League players (YouTube)

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Bowling
The Co-Ed Bowling League provides an opportunity for approximately 300 NYCHA teens to receive instruction on the fundamentals of bowling. Participants enjoy individual and team competition, leading up to a Citywide Bowling Tournament. This program raises self-esteem and teaches teamwork, while teens engage in a fun strength-building activity.
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Flag Football
The Citywide Flag Football Program is a collaboration between the Police Athletic League and NYCHA. The program offers a positive, fun experience through sports and teamwork. This no-contact sport is a safe way to play football without the use of equipment. Each participating team has an opportunity to play in the league in their respective borough. Each borough has a flag football league that meets from October through
December. The season wraps up with a citywide tournament.

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Karate/Tai Chi
The Karate/Tai Chi Program, open to children and adults, offers an opportunity to learn self-defense skills while gaining flexibility, strength, and endurance through martial arts. The program provides an introduction to martial arts in a structured environment with a focus on health.

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Lacrosse
The Lacrosse Program introduces players, ages 10-16, to one of America's oldest sports. NYCHA's Lacrosse Program, which currently operates in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, provides players with full lacrosse gear. During the season, participants also engage in educational classes about health, nutrition, safety and drug awareness. Select participants also have the opportunity to compete in various tournaments throughout the United States.

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Netball
The introduction of a Netball Program is a collaboration between Netball America and NYCHA. Netball is a team orientated sport and is similar to basketball but there is no dribbling, the ball and basket are slightly smaller, there is no backboard and players are designated to certain areas of the court. It is also a non-contact sport. A wide range of positions allows for different skills, sizes and ages. Come and try out this easy to learn sport (212-306-3338).

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NFL-NYCHA Officiating Academy
The National Football League and the New York City Housing Authority have partnered to establish the NFL Officiating Academy. This specialized, first-of-its kind football officiating training program in public housing is a pilot program that will begin in Manhattan. The objective of the program is to provide men and women, ages 17-24, with the critical skills necessary to become a game official. The program also aims to teach valuable life skills, and provide participants with potential opportunities for careers in sports officiating.

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Soccer
The Citywide Soccer Program is open to NYCHA youth ages 13 and under throughout the five boroughs. Each participating team engages in weekly practices and games. Practices are held under the supervision of experienced coaches who provide one-on-one instruction. The Soccer Program provides participants with an opportunity to exhibit self-expression, while building self-confidence and teamwork skills.
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Softball
NYCHA’s Co-Ed Softball Program offers youth, ages 18 and under,an opportunity to participate in a competitive league. The program begins with two weeks of instructional clinics leading up to a competitive softball season. Players are taught the importance of individual responsibility and team work, and receive, shirts, hats, gloves, balls and bats.
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Track & Field
NYCHA's Track & Field Program engages youth, ages 12 and under, in eight weeks of fun and training in preparation for an Olympic-styled event. The event provides organized competition in the following categories: 50 Meter Dash, 100 Meter Dash, 4x4 Relay, Javelin, Shot Put, as well as the Discus and Hammer Throw. Participants compete within their respective boroughs,
culminating in a citywide Olympics held at River Bank State Park.