09 Aug 2017 Opportunities abound for youth sports
A variety of youth sports programs are available throughout Faulkner County.
Here is a sampling of the programs. (This list will be posted on 501lifemag.com and periodically expanded/updated. To add a program to the list or update information, please email [email protected].)
Aquakids Swim Team
Location: Conway, Hendrix College pool.
The Aquakids Swim Team is a year-round competitive swim program that offers professional swim instruction to kids ages 5 to 18. Swimmers compete at local, regional and national swim meets.
Contact: Tony Marleneanu, 501.764.7946, [email protected].
For more information, visit aquakidsswimteam.com.
Arkansas Rush /Conway Rush Soccer
Location: Conway.
Rush Soccer is the local Conway Area Soccer Association and franchise partner to the largest soccer organization in the world.
Rush is committed to the development of healthy youth through the game of soccer. With a firm belief in the value of sport in promoting the physical, mental and social well-being of children, Rush Soccer is devoted to providing members with the finest soccer experience possible, teaching the fundamental skills of the game and developing athletes through organized leagues, teams, tournaments, training, coaches and athletic facilities.
Rush Soccer is committed to making soccer a pleasant, safe and rewarding experience for everyone involved, regardless of ability.
Ages 5-19 can enjoy the club experience however, Rush also has adult leagues and games as well.
Rush provides local soccer players more opportunities through its global network of Rush organizations.
The primary seasons are fall and spring, however, soccer is a year-round sport with lots of small-sided games in the summer and winter.
Contact person: Jeff Turnbow – 501-505-6278/[email protected]
For more information: ConwayRushSoccer.com.
Arkansas United Soccer Club
Location: Little Rock, Conway and Heber Springs.
Arkansas United offers recreational soccer for ages U4 – U18, providing a great environment for players of any level to enjoy the game of soccer. The recreational program is the largest of the Arkansas United programs and is mostly staffed with volunteer coaches. Arkansas United has a development academy for ages 8 and 9, with competitive soccer (by tryout) for ages 10-18.
Fall registration is open through July 31 for all programs. Late registration is Aug. 1-6 with a $20 late fee. Players registering after Aug. 6 will be placed on a wait list, with spots filled as needed.
Contact: Justin Hawkins – 501-603-9880/[email protected].
For more information, visit arkansasunited.com.
Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner Basketball League
Location: Games played in Conway.
Brief description: This program is open to boys and girls in the first grade through ninth grade. Registration is Oct. 30 through Nov. 17 at the club, 1405 Robins St. Practice begins in January, with games starting Jan. 15 and running mid-March.
For more information, call 501.329.8849 or visit bgcfaulkner.org.
Community Connections
Rivals United Flag Football
Location: Braves Field at Curtis Walker Park.
This flag football league is offered through Community Connections for children with special needs, ages 6-18. It runs September through November.
Contact person: Courtney Leach – 501-733-1627/[email protected].
For more information: communityconnectionsar.org.
Community Connections Basketball
Location: First Baptist Church.
The basketball program is designed for children with special needs, ages 5-18. The season will likely run October and November.
Contact person: Courtney Leach – 501-733-1627/[email protected].
For more information: communityconnectionsar.org.
Community Connections Martial Arts
Location: Grand Master Hans in Conway.
The martial arts program is designed for children with special needs, age 6-18, and meets for an hour, one Saturday per month September through May.
Contact person: Courtney Leach – 501-733-1627/[email protected].
For more information: communityconnectionsar.org.
Conway Coach Pitch/T-Ball
Location: Conway.
Baseball program for boys and girls ages 4 to 5. Games played mid-April to mid-May at Don Owen Complex. Registration is in March at Conway Parks and Recreation Department at 10 Lower Ridge Road.
For information: conwayparks.com.
Conway Crocs
Location: Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center.
The Conway Crocs swim team offers a great way for children ages 5 to 18 to stay active in the summer, have fun and learn good sportsmanship as kids will compete against other swim teams in Central Arkansas.
Registration is held in April and May. Swim meets are held in June and July.
Contact person: Anne Fraley, 501.450.9292 ext. 308.
For more information, visit conwayregional.org/healthfitnesscenter/aquaticsprogram.
Conway Noon Optimist Youth Football
Location: Games are played at Curtis Walker Park.
The program is open to Faulkner County students in the second through sixth grade. The league is certified by USA Football, and all coaches are trained, certified and background checked. All players are issued Guardian Caps for additional protection over helmets.
Returning player registration is Aug. 12, with new player registration Aug. 19. The season runs September through October. Games are played on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights.
Contact: Jimmy Toal, commissioner, [email protected], conwayyouthfootball.com.
Greenbrier Pee Wee Basketball
Youth basketball league for girls and boys in grades first through sixth.
Location: All games are played in Greenbrier.
Registration in late-October and games start in December and run through February.
Contact: Craig Johnston, 501.679.1775, [email protected]
Greenbrier Pee Wee Football and Cheer
A full-pad/tackle football association, the program has two teams for children in the third through sixth grade. The program is a member of the Arkansas Premier Youth Football League made up of Vilonia, Maumelle, Morrilton and Beebe.
Online registration starts in May and runs through July 14. The season starts Aug. 26 and runs through the end of October.
Contact: Matt Wilcox, director, 501.514.1532, [email protected].
Greenbrier Youth Baseball
For ages 4 to 15, the program includes T-ball for ages 4 to 6, coach pitch for 7 to 8 and kid pitch for ages 9 to 15. There is a spring season (March through May) and a fall season (September).
Contact: Justin Thomas, [email protected], 501.514.1705.
For more information, visit greenbrierbaseball.com.
Nothing But Net Basketball
Nothing But Net Basketball is a year-round basketball skills development program in Conway for athletes ages 6 and older. There are several different programs and training services for all skill levels. Young people are taught the game of basketball through the use of drills and techniques that not only challenge the player’s skill set, but also improve their basketball IQ.
Contact: Coach TJ Jones, 501.476.7872
For information: nbnbball.com.
Upward Basketball and Cheerleading
A program for kids in grades first through sixth, it emphasizes healthy competition, sportsmanship and fun. The league in the Conway area is sponsored by church partners Antioch Baptist and Conway First Church of the Nazarene.
For more information, please call Antioch Baptist Church at 501.329.5153.
Vilonia Parks and Recreation Softball and Baseball
For boys and girls ages 5 to 16, in the fall and spring.
Contact: Amanda Norwood, 501.796.8194, [email protected].
For more information, visit cityofvilonia.net
