Youth sports in Boerne is supported by a community of parents and businesses who recognize each child and sport at all levels. Nearly every sport is represented in some way through several organizations — most of which are parent-formed and managed. Boerne even has lacrosse, one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. The variety of sports offered provides kids a chance to try out each one to find their perfect fit and personal interest.

It’s no secret that participating in youth sports is beneficial for a child’s overall health and self-confidence, and teaches them the importance of being a team player. Below is an introduction to recreational youth sports supported in Boerne, but there are many select leagues, along with gymnastics, dance and cheer, available to challenge your child as well.

YMCA

The Boerne Family YMCA Youth Sports Program (www.ymcasatx.org/boerne) has long been providing opportunities for boys and girls, ages 13 and under, to develop skills, understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and learn to build relationships through teamwork, all in a safe and competitive environment. A year-round sports schedule includes Flag Football, Volleyball and Soccer in the fall, Basketball and Volleyball in the winter, Basketball, Volleyball and Soccer in the spring, and Basketball in the summer. Plus, a variety of clinics in advance of each league are scheduled. Age requirements vary per sport and co-ed teams are welcome in all YMCA-sponsored sports except Basketball, where the popular fall season registers more than 600 boys and girls. Dedicated parents volunteer to coach each team, and all practices and games take place within Boerne. Various other sports activities are available including Judo, Kids Camps during the summer and holidays, after school programs, and even ITTY BITTY (Intro to Sports) for 3-5 year-olds where parents participate in activities with their little ones.  

The YMCA partners with the Toro Soccer Academy  (www.torosocceracademy.com) for their Recreational co-ed U4-U10 leagues which focus on the fundamentals of soccer and increasing their technical skill set as kids get older. U11-U16 Select programs may register directly through the Toro website.

Boerne Tennis (www.boernetennis.com) is also a YMCA partner, providing several programs, clinics and instruction for all ages and skill levels. Registration is available through the Boerne Tennis website.

Boerne Soccer Club – FC Thunder

The Boerne Soccer Club (www.boernesoccer.org) has been providing recreational-through-select soccer leagues since 1979. In the Recreational Program, players from U4 to U16 are led by volunteer parent coaches who are provided a curriculum and guidance through staff coaches and directors to ensure each child is taught fundamental skills and good sportsmanship in a fun environment. Fall and spring leagues total six months of play each year, with all practices and games taking place within Boerne. U11+ teams may require game travel to San Antonio and other cities in the surrounding Hill Country.

The Boerne Soccer Club also includes Academy and Select Programs for an extended age range of players in a more competitive setting and for a longer time commitment per year. Coaching in these programs is provided by paid professionals who follow a specific curriculum for advanced instruction.

Little League

Boerne Little League (www.boernelittleleague.com) provides baseball and softball programs for boys and girls ages 4 through high school. From Tee Ball and Minors Coach Pitch to Kid Pitch through the Senior level for both baseball and softball, kids develop their playing skills and learn the importance of team sports. All coaches are volunteers and follow the rules of the Little League organization. A short fall season from August through October provides a great opportunity for skill development, while the longer and more competitive spring season runs January through May. Games take place at Boerne’s Northrup Park, with some travel for the higher divisions.

Recognizing the need for quality baseball and softball fields for youth through adults, the City of Boerne purchased and developed Northrup Park almost 20 years ago. Park amenities include concession stands, specific fields for T-ball, youth baseball and softball and adult softball, sand volleyball courts, a covered basketball court, a covered playground, a horseshoe pit and picnic areas with public restrooms. 

Boerne CYO

St. Peter’s of Boerne Catholic Athletic Association (www.stpetersboerne.com/aboutuscyo) falls under the umbrella of the City Catholic Youth Organization sports program and is referred to as simply CYO. The organization currently provides Basketball, Volleyball and Track for boys and girls in the Boerne community. Basketball begins in late fall with separate boys’ and girls’ teams for ages 4 through 14 and plays against other parishes in San Antonio. Volleyball is a girls-only, ages 6 and older, fall league with practices beginning in August. Track is divided into six age groups, between 4 and 16, with meets in January and February. Track teams are often combined with kids from St. Elizabeth Anne Seton Catholic Church in Leon Springs. New for 2019: Boerne CYO is working diligently to add a girls’ softball program to their line-up.

Boerne Lacrosse 

Boerne Lacrosse (www.boernelacrosse.org) provides competitive spring programs for boys in grades 1 – 12 and for girls in grades 3 – 8. The regular season extends from February to May and the program offers both summer and fall opportunities for kids who want to play and improve year-round. Practices take place in Boerne with game travel throughout San Antonio, and the high school team often seeks competition as far as Austin and Houston. Boerne Lacrosse is open to boys and girls within the greater Boerne area, including Fair Oaks, Leon Springs, Helotes and Kerrville. 

D1 Sports Training

New to Boerne, D1 (d1boerne@d1training.com) is a unique training concept geared towards athletes from ages 7 through adult. Sport-specific training is designed to help each athlete achieve their goals and is modified as players grow. D1 is housed in The Dugout of Boerne facilities, where baseball and softball clinics are held.