Exceptional and Adaptive Sports
The YMCA Exceptional Sports Program provides inclusive, adaptive, and engaging sports opportunities for children and young adults with physical and developmental disabilities. Our goal is to create a supportive and encouraging environment where every participant can experience the joy of movement, build confidence, develop friendships, and learn new skills.
This non-competitive program is centered on fun, participation, and personal growth. Each participant is paired with a dedicated “buddy” who offers encouragement and guidance throughout practices and activities. Together, participants learn the fundamentals of each sport, with gameplay and celebratory activities taking place toward the end of the season.
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to play, belong, and shine. Exceptional Sports is a place where that happens every week!
Exceptional Basketball 2026
Exceptional Basketball provides a fun, supportive, and adaptive environment where participants can learn the fundamentals of basketball while building confidence, coordination, and teamwork skills.
Athletes will practice dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive movement through engaging drills and activities, working toward game-style play at the end of the season. Each participant is paired with a volunteer buddy to offer encouragement, guidance, and individualized support throughout every session.
Sessions focus on skill development, social interaction, and creating a positive experience where every athlete feels successful, valued, and celebrated.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Metro | Branch | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/31/25 | 2/1/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 35.00 | $ 35.00 | $ 45.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
01/21/26 - 02/25/26
|
Register |
Exceptional Fall Soccer 2026
Exceptional Soccer introduces athletes to the fundamentals of soccer in a welcoming, inclusive, and encouraging setting.
Participants will learn basic skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and field movement while developing teamwork and communication. Sessions include fun drills, structured activities, and small-group play that lead into game-style experiences later in the season.
Each athlete is paired with a volunteer buddy who provides one-on-one assistance to help ensure confidence, safety, and success on the field.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Metro | Branch | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/17/26 | 8/16/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 35.00 | $ 35.00 | $ 45.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
08/19/26 - 09/23/26
|
Registration Closed Opens on 05/17/26 |
Exceptional Flag Football Fall 2026
Exceptional Flag Football introduces athletes to football fundamentals in a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment.
Participants will learn skills such as throwing, catching, running routes, pulling flags, and basic team concepts. Sessions include engaging drills and group play, leading into modified game-style activities that emphasize participation, teamwork, and fun.
Each athlete is paired with a volunteer buddy to provide guidance, encouragement, and individualized support throughout the season.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Metro | Branch | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/30/26 | 10/11/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 35.00 | $ 35.00 | $ 45.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
10/14/26 - 11/18/26
|
Registration Closed Opens on 08/30/26 |
Exceptional Spring Soccer 2026
Exceptional Soccer continues building soccer skills while emphasizing confidence, physical activity, and social connection.
Participants will practice dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork through structured drills and fun group activities. The season will gradually progress into modified game play that allows athletes to experience team competition in a positive, low-pressure setting.
Each athlete is paired with a volunteer buddy who provides consistent one-on-one support to help them succeed.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Metro | Branch | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/1/26 | 3/15/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 35.00 | $ 35.00 | $ 45.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
03/18/26 - 04/29/26
|
Registration Closed Opens on 02/01/26 |
Exceptional Volleyball 2026
Exceptional Volleyball is designed to teach the basics of volleyball in a fun, adaptive, and supportive environment.
Athletes will learn skills such as serving, passing, setting, and court movement through hands-on drills and interactive games. As the season progresses, participants will apply these skills during modified game play to build confidence and teamwork.
Every participant is paired with a volunteer buddy who offers individualized support, encouragement, and guidance during each session.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Metro | Branch | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/22/26 | 5/3/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 35.00 | $ 35.00 | $ 45.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
05/06/26 - 06/10/26
|
Registration Closed Opens on 03/22/26 |
