Downtown I Greater Baltimore
410-396-7019
The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks offers a citywide baseball and softball program for youth and adults in the spring from May to July and in the fall from September to November. The Little Leagues for children 5–12 years old operate in several community parks throughout the city. Parents should call the headquarters to be referred to their local program. If a neighborhood does not have a league, residents may contact department’s permit office at 410-396-7070.
1103 E. Fort Avenue, 21230; 410-789-4220
Located at the Coke Field in Locust Point, the South Baltimore Little League is a private volunteer organization that supports wholesome baseball and softball activities for local youth 4–18 years old. Younger players 4–6 years old play T-ball, while older players are separated by age group. Registration begins in February and the season runs from March until mid-June.
410-396-0848
The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks offer a citywide basketball program appropriate for boys and girls 6–18 years old who are interested in developing basketball skills through league play. The league runs from May to July at various locations throughout the city. Registration and tryouts begin in April, and age groups are broken up by two-year intervals. To register, visit the Druid Hill park headquarters at 3001 East Drive or contact the office by phone.
2900 E. Fayette Street, 21224; 410-585-8810
The Banner Neighborhoods’ co-ed basketball leagues take place in the spring from March to June for youth 8–10 and 11–13 years old who reside in southeast Baltimore City. All practices and games take place at William Paca Elementary School (games are on Saturdays) and the play-off championships are held at Ellwood Park. As part of Banner Neighborhoods’ mission to promote resident-based leadership and neighborhood pride and stability, the youth in the league sign team agreements that say they will attend school every day, earn passing grades, stay out of trouble, be a positive member of the community, and take part in service projects, such as tree planting or park and city block trash pickup.
2900 E. Fayette Street, 21224; 410-585-8810
The Banner Neighborhoods’ co-ed football leagues begin registration in the spring, followed by a skills evaluation and draft. Beginning in September, one-hour practices are held once during the week at Ellwood Park, and games are played every Sunday at the Patterson Park extension. In November, the season ends with playoffs and a championship game. As part of Banner Neighborhoods’ mission to promote resident-based leadership and neighborhood pride and stability, the youth in the league sign team agreements that say they will attend school every day, earn passing grades, stay out of trouble, be a positive member of the community, and take part in service projects, such as tree planting or park and city block trash pickup.
410-396-0848
The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Park offers a youth tackle football program that is open to boys and girls 8–14 years old. The league separates youth into the following age groups: 9–11, 10–12, and 11–14 years old. For more information, contact your neighborhood recreation center.
1728 Bank Street, 21231; 410-276-9798
Affiliated with American Sokol, an organization dedicated to physical, mental, and cultural advancement of individuals and communities, Sokol Gymnastics is the only gym offering gymnastics classes downtown. There are toddler classes for children 2–5 years old, beginner classes for children 6 years old and up, and intermediate and advanced classes. Tumbling and trampoline classes are also offered.
6101-B Hillen Road, 21239; 410-491-2942 or 410-323-8243
Baltimore Youth Hockey is a nonprofit organization serving boys and girls 4–17 years old at varying levels of talent and experience. Managing three leagues, the organization emphasizes skill development, sportsmanship, self-discipline, confidence, and respect for others. Practices and games are held at Mount Pleasant Ice Arena in North Baltimore, the Dominic “Mimi” DiPietro rink in Patterson Park, and the Reisterstown Sportsplex in Baltimore County.
After a child has completed a hockey basics class at a local rink, they may enter Baltimore Youth Hockey’s recreation program. Offered to youth 6–18 years old, the teams are separated into age groups (6–8, 9–10, 11–12, 13–14, and 15–18 years old) and play at Reisterstown Sportsplex and Mount Pleasant Ice Arena beginning early October. Teams practice once per week and play a game once a week and finish the season with a tournament at the end of December.
Baltimore Youth Hockey runs a community service program for underprivileged youth from East and Southeast Baltimore by offering a free ice hockey experience with loaned hockey equipment for use during the ice hockey season. The Patterson Park Stars is a 15-week program of ice hockey instruction for boys and girls 7–13 years old who play at the Dominic “Mimi” DiPietro rink in Patterson Park on Sundays from 10 a.m.–12:15 p.m. BYH solicits donations to help offset the price of ice rental, USA Hockey registration, hockey attire and equipment, and breakfasts for the kids.
http://sgh.goalline.ca/
Susquehanna Rapids Girls Hockey is a nonprofit elite program for girls 6–18 years old who plan to pursue prep school or college hockey. The girls will train with skilled instructors and experienced coaches, who in addition to developing skill will help promote character development, confidence, and team building, while creating a fun environment. The program primarily uses the Reisterstown Sportsplex and the Mount Pleasant Ice Arena. Children who are new to the sport should first take a learn-to-skate class and a hockey basics class at a local rink, such as the Mount Pleasant Ice Arena in North Baltimore City or the Dominic “Mimi” DiPietro Family Skating Center in Patterson Park.
200 S. Linwood Avenue, 21224; 410-396-9392
Owned and managed by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks, the Dominic “Mimi” DiPietro Family Skating Center in Patterson Park is a seasonal facility offering public skating sessions and hosts many high school, college, and private youth hockey league games from October to March. Families can take advantage of the “open skate” times during the week and on weekends, and parents may contact the facility to set up private group or individual ice-skating lessons for their child. The 85- by 200-foot full-size rink is equipped with a warm-up room, fireplace, concession stand, and skate shop. Birthday parties, group event packages, and seasonal passes are available. The rink also manages the broomball league program for adults. To inquire about broomball, please e-mail Angie Wanner.
1301 S. Ellwood Avenue, 21224; 443-573-2450
The Clarence “Du” Burns Arena is an indoor sports and entertainment facility that is home to the MISL Baltimore Blast. The facility features an 85- by 183-foot indoor artificial turf field with seating for up to 650 people.
410-332-0130
The South Baltimore Youth Soccer League is a private volunteer organization that promotes and organizes youth soccer within the south Baltimore and surrounding areas for all children 3–18 years old. The league’s goal is to provide a positive atmosphere while emphasizing good sportsmanship, fair and equal play, and respect for players and volunteers alike. Registration begins in July, and the season runs from late August to November. The teams are grouped according to age and play at the Latrobe Park in Locust Point. The tot teams will receive uniforms like the big kids and play games on Saturday mornings. Older teams may practice at least one time during the week and most (but not all) games will occur on Saturday mornings and afternoons. For an additional fee, players have the option to continue playing soccer in the winter as the SBYSL extends the season with indoor games held at the Meyer Pavilion in Brooklyn.
1120 Park Avenue, 21217; 410-523-6110
Bolton Swim & Tennis offers the community a worthwhile summer swim program for children and youth 5–18 years old. The Bolton Hill Barracudas swim team has more than 100 swimmers each summer and is a member of the Central Maryland Swim League. The team has won four division championships, and many of the team’s more accomplished swimmers have attended invitational meets as well. The season runs from late June through the end of July and includes five Saturday morning competitive meets. All children compete within their age groups as opposed to skill. Non-swimmers or inexperienced swimmers are welcome and will learn various strokes in small, non-threatening groups. Strong emphasis is placed on sportsmanship, team spirit, and teammate support.