YMCA Youth Basketball League – A Family Experience

With the NBA season in full swing, it’s a great time to put the spotlight on our own sports stars in the Andover/North Andover YMCA Youth Baseball League (YBL). The league is devoted to teaching children in grades 4-8 teamwork and leadership in an effort to instill lifelong lessons of health and wellness that will lay the groundwork for a happy, healthy future and a successful community.

Andover/North Andover YMCA Supports Sustainable Communities

At the Andover/North Andover YMCA, we understand that the health and wellness of our communities is one of the most pressing issues facing the Merrimack Valley, and pride ourselves on creating meaningful and significant experiences for everyone. We are part of the Merrimack Valley YMCA, which also serves the cities of Lawrence and Methuen, as well as communities south of Andover/North Andover and in southern New Hampshire. Therefore, many of our programs and initiatives are designed with community collaboration in mind, such as our Reach Out for Youth & Families campaign.

Expansion Project Supports Growth of Popular Gymnastics Program

Gymnastics at the Andover/North Andover YMCA. Copyright © Mary Ann Alwan

Gymnastics is one of the most comprehensive lifestyle exercise programs for children, incorporating strength, flexibility, balance, and discipline. At the Andover/North Andover YMCA, we’re proud to offer a variety of gymnastics classes, encouraging the development of strong and healthy youth in a safe, fun environment.

Andover/North Andover YMCA Hopes to Grow Learn-To-Swim Program

Learning to Swim at the YMCA. Copyright © Mary Ann Alwan

At the Andover/North Andover YMCA, our swim programs are helping youth develop valuable skills and a lifetime love of the water, while instilling responsibility and safety instruction. Thanks in part to a grant from the Carol M. White Physical Education Program, we are able to offer a Learn-to-Swim program in collaboration with the Andover Public Schools.

Expansion to Help Those with Special Needs Thrive

The Expanded Aquatics Facility will better accommodate our programs for those with special needs.

At the Andover/North Andover YMCA, we hope to nurture the potential of every child with our swimming and wellness programs developed to help youth with special needs. Several times a week, 60 children with special needs come to the Y from St. Ann’s Home, the Franciscan Hospital for Children and the Andover Public Schools for private and group swim lessons. We are also honored to host the Massachusetts Special Olympics Swim Team’s annual meet and welcome the Special Olympians to practice in our pool.

The Expanded YMCA to Provide Increased Opportunities for Teen Leadership

YMCA Youth & Government students at the MA State House. Copyright © Mary Ann Alwan

Every day, teenagers in the Andover/North Andover community visit the YMCA to explore their interests and spend time with friends and family. We’re committed to encouraging these teens to be proactive about their health and wellness by joining our sports teams and leadership programs, taking classes, and using the wellness center. With the population of our community growing, and membership at the YMCA increasing, we want to make sure that the YMCA remains an invaluable resource for teenagers.

Expansion Project Benefits the Entire Family

Robb Family. Copyright © Mary Ann Alwan

As part of our commitment to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Andover/North Andover YMCA has a variety of family activities that help parents incorporate healthy habits into their kids’ daily routines from an early age. With the expansion project, we hope to inspire a lifetime love of physical activity that’s enjoyable and accessible for the whole family.