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Youth Sports
Healthy Living starts here
The Y is the starting point for youth to learn about staying active and developing healthy habits. Our coaches and staff become positive, supportive role models in the lives of our young athletes.
But the benefits of participating in sports are far greater than just physical health. Whether it’s gaining self-confidence, leadership skills, or learning the value of teamwork, participating in sports at the Ridgewood Y helps children to grow inside and out.
General Athletics
Speed + Agility Rust Buster for Teen Athletes (GRADES 6-12)
Time to shake off the rust so you can enter preseason ready to train!
This program prepares middle and high school-aged athletes of all levels for their respective school sports after time off in a low-pressure, yet challenging environment, and without the added stress of performing in front of coaches.
Programming will consist of speed, plyometric, and agility drills using ladders, cones, hurdles, and sleds, as well as upper body conditioning and mobility to retrain basic athletic movement and recondition fast-twitch muscles. By reintroducing a consistent, yet easy-to-maintain schedule, athletes can reacclimate to having a training regimen. Athletes will complete the session feeling warmed up and confident to begin preseason training.
Program typically runs during Winter and Summer sessions.
Aquatics
Ridgewood YMCA Breakers Swim Team
2026 LONG COURSE TRYOUTS WILL OCCUR IN APRIL
The Ridgewood YMCA Breakers helps young swimmers strive for a healthy, active lifestyle while also embracing the Y’s four core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Our trained coaching staff focuses on athletic development and aims to improve swimmers’ competitive skills and endurance through progression and an appropriate level of competition. It is designed to motivate and challenge swimmers to reach individual goals while still enjoying the benefits of a team sport.
For more Breakers info and questions, contact Meaghan Donnelly at [email protected]
Basketball
Basketball Skills Academy (Grades 5-12)
Open to players in grades 5–12, no tryouts necessary! Basketball Skills Academy helps players of all levels strengthen their game between competitive seasons. Led by our experienced PRIDE AAU basketball coaches, participants will refine their skills, build confidence, and enhance their understanding of the game. The program focuses on both the physical and mental sides of basketball—emphasizing fundamentals, strategy, teamwork, dedication, and leadership—to prepare players for success on and off the court.
Program typically runs during Winter session.
Basketball Elite Player Development (Grades 5-8 + 9-12)
Open to players in grades 5–12, no tryouts necessary! Basketball Skills Academy helps players of all levels strengthen their game between competitive seasons. Led by our experienced PRIDE AAU basketball coaches, participants will refine their skills, build confidence, and enhance their understanding of the game. The program focuses on both the physical and mental sides of basketball—emphasizing fundamentals, strategy, teamwork, dedication, and leadership—to prepare players for success on and off the court.
Program typically runs during Winter session.
One-Day Clinic (Grades 5-8 + 9-12)
Get game-ready for school basketball tryouts! This one-day clinic focuses on skill refinement, technique, and confidence-building through high-level drills and scrimmage play. Players will sharpen shooting, ball-handling, defense, and court awareness while getting real-time feedback to elevate their performance ahead of tryouts.
Program typically runs during Fall II session.
Pride AAU Basketball (Grades 5-8 + 9-12)
FALL 2025 TRYOUTS ARE SEPTEMBER 9 + 11
Led by Coach Pat O’Hagan along with top AAU, travel team, and high school coaches in north Jersey, the primary goals of this program are to promote the physical, mental, and moral development of amateur athletes and to promote good sportspersonship and good citizenship. Tryouts required.
Program typically runs during Spring I, and Fall I sessions.
To register for PRIDE AAU, you must try out and be accepted to a team. Once accepted, athletes may register for their designated team.
About Our Coaches
Pat and Mike O’Hagan are lifelong athletes who competed in multiple sports through college and have dedicated themselves to coaching ever since. Together, they bring unmatched energy and passion to every practice, inspiring young players to develop their skills, embrace teamwork, and grow both on and off the court. Their philosophy emphasizes hard work, personal growth, and a love for the game.
Judo
Judo (Ages 5-7 + 8-11)
Judo is a fun and disciplined martial art that teaches kids how to use movement, balance, and leverage rather than strength alone. In this class, children will learn beginner judo techniques through age-appropriate drills, games, and partner work. They’ll build confidence, improve coordination, and develop respect for themselves and others — all while staying active and having fun! No experience needed.
We are thrilled to partner with Sakura Judo Academy in Glen Rock for this program. Classes will be lead by Dimitriy Tsyrlin, who is a black belt in Judo, a certified judo coach, and the owner of Sakura Judo Academy. He has many years of coaching experience, working with children and adults of all levels—from complete beginners to athletes who compete nationally and internationally. His teaching style blends strong fundamentals, safety, and a fun, engaging approach that helps students build confidence, discipline, and resilience.
All participants will be required to purchase a Gi (not included in program price) for this class. Gis can be purchased in advance of the class at Sakura Judo Academy, or on the first day of this class at the Y.
Program will begin in Winter 2026
Soccer
Lil' Kickers Soccer (Ages 3-4)
Join our experienced coaches to learn the core skills and become a better soccer player. Through playing fun games, drills, and exercises, you will learn how to dribble, pass, and shoot like a pro. Whether you have played before or this is your first time taking the field, your player will have fun and learn a lot!
Program typically runs during Winter, Spring I, Spring II, Fall I, and Fall II sessions.
Soccer Stars (Ages 5-10)
Step onto the field and gain the knowledge and skills needed to take your game to the next level. Our coaches will challenge your player to improve as a passer, defender, and goal scorer. Through drills, games, and simulations, new and experienced players will develop the strong fundamentals of the game.
Program typically runs during Winter, Spring I, Spring II, Fall I, and Fall II sessions.
Wrestling
Wrestling (Grades 3-7 + 8-12)
Master technique, build strength, and compete at the next level! Our wrestling program features two sessions—one for grades 3-7 and another for grades 8-12 where athletes can develop and sharpen their skills under the guidance of accomplished, accredited coaches.
Program typically runs during Spring II and Fall I sessions.
WINTER SESSION BEGINS JANUARY 2026 | REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 8 2025
| Session | Registration opens | Session begins | Session ends |
|---|---|---|---|
Winter | December 8, 2025 | January 5, 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
Spring I | February 2 | March 2 | April 26 |
Spring II | March 30 | April 27 | June 21 |
Summer | May 25 | June 22 | August 23 |
Fall I | July 20 | August 31 | November 1 |
Fall II | October 5 | November 2 | January 3, 2027 |
Winter (2027) | December 7, 2026 | TBD | TBD |
Programs typically run in 8-week session blocks.
Registration remains open two weeks into each session. Late registration costs will be prorated.
Not all programs run during each session. To view individual program availability, please visit the program registration page or click the button below.
For more information and questions, contact Danielle Devine at ddevine@ridgewoodymca.org
For more Breakers info and questions, contact Meaghan Donnelly at [email protected]
Financial Aid
We believe the opportunity to gain personal growth from our programming should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial situation or socioeconomic status. Our Membership for All program ensures that nobody is turned away because of inability to pay.
Download our application here.
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