shelbycountyreporter
By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer PELHAM Pelham Parks and Recreation is expecting another year of growth in its youth athletics programs as registration continues for several fall sports and new offerings attract more young athletes to the citys parks.
According to Recreation Program Supervisor Will Mayhall, participation has continued to increase across both longtime sports programs and newer initiatives.
We are anticipating another strong year of growth across our youth programs, Mayhall said.
Core sports like football, cheer, baseball, basketball, softball and soccer remain thriving community staples, while newer offeringslike our NHL Street Hockey programare bringing in entirely new groups of young athletes.
Across the board, community participation is trending up compared to last season.
Unlike many recreation leagues, most Pelham youth sports programs do not have roster limits, allowing the department to accommodate the majority of participants.
Most of our sports dont have roster limits, Mayhall said.
For the ones that do, we typically only have a few on a waitlist because our staff usually does a pretty good job of putting the cap limit right where we think we will be as far as participation numbers go.
Registration fees vary depending on the sport and equipment required.
Standard seasonal sports such as soccer, baseball and softball typically cost between $100 and $175, while tackle football costs $210 and cheerleading costs $250.
Single-day skills clinics generally begin around $10.
Mayhall emphasized that financial concerns should not prevent children from participating.
Cost should never keep a child from playing, he said.
Our department works directly with families to discuss financial assistance and flexible arrangements, so every child has the opportunity to participate.
The department also works to keep programs accessible by offering beginner-friendly clinics, providing necessary team equipment and creating opportunities for children to try new sports without significant financial or time commitments.
While physical activity is an important benefit, Mayhall said youth sports also help develop life skills.
Sports are simply the vehiclethe real benefits are life skills, he said.
Kids learn teamwork, effective communication, emotional resilience and how to win and lose with grace.
Participating in a team setting builds self-confidence and creates friendships that often extend far beyond the field or court.
He added that the programs provide safe, structured environments where children can build healthy habits while receiving mentorship from local volunteer coaches.
Our programs help instill healthy habits early in life, Mayhall said.
They teach youth the value of dedication and community while giving them mentorship from local coaches who care about their growth as people, not just athletes.
One of the departments fastest-growing programs has been NHL Street Hockey, which is preparing for its third season.
According to Mayhall, participation has doubled since the inaugural season, prompting the department to invest in additional equipment and dedicated rink accessories to expand playing opportunities.
The department also continues to offer introductory clinics, including Start Smart sports programs and youth volleyball clinics for children ages 5 to 12, giving young athletes an opportunity to learn the fundamentals in a fun, non-competitive setting.
Programs are led by community volunteers who complete annual state and national criminal background checks through the city of Pelham, along with Alabamas Coach Safely certification.
Mayhall said the programs benefit not only young athletes but the broader Pelham community.
They are a core pillar of local community life, he said.
On weeknights and weekends, our parks become gathering places where neighbors connect, families cheer together and civic pride is built.
They keep our parks vibrant and create a strong sense of community belonging.
Families can now register for several upcoming programs.
Early-bird registration for fall baseball and softball runs through Wednesday, July 29, with late registration available through Tuesday, Aug.
4.
Early-bird registration for volleyball ends Monday, July 27, with late registration closing Monday, Aug.
3.
Looking ahead, registration for the citys winter basketball leagues opens Tuesday, Sept.
1 for third- through sixth-grade players.
Registration for Pelhams new first- and second-grade basketball league begins Monday, Oct.
5.
Families can register online at Pelhamalparksandrec.com or in person at the Pelham Recreation Center.