Southwest Michigan Kids Sports Guide
When was the last time you heard your child say “I want to try Lacrosse” or “Can we learn how to ice skate“? In our household, and I’m sure many others, this is a recurring theme.
Children are inquisitive and have a natural desire to try out new activities.
Thankfully, the Kalamazoo area is loaded with kids sports teams and classes, no matter the age of the child, and no matter the interest. If your child is interested in introductory tennis lessons, or ready to join a soccer league, below you’ll find a list of places around Kalamazoo that offer sports for kids.
The list is organized by sport, and new classes and teams are popping up all the time, but we’re confident that no matter their athletic interests, there is a place where kids will have fun and can get their game on.
In this guide:
Baseball, Softball & T-Ball
If your kid loves the Kalamazoo Growlers, and grabbing their trusty mitt and playing catch, you might want to get them in on the baseball action happening in Southwest Michigan.
Most programs start at the Preschool age, so your little one can be swinging a bat as early as they can hold one. Look for spring signup during winter and be ready to play this kids sport as soon as that snow clears.
Leagues
Alamo Little League | 8590 W De Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | 4 – 14 yrs
Eastwood Little League | 5341 Fordham Ave, Comstock, MI 49041 | 4 – 14 yrs
Gull Lake Little League | 6996 N 32nd St, Richland, MI 49083 | 4-12 yrs
Kalamazoo Klash Girls Softball Club| 18 yrs and under
Mattawan Little League | 25499 Front St, Mattawan, MI 49071 | 4 – 14 yrs
Michigan Rebels | 1810 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 | 9 – 18 yrs
Milwood Little League | PO Box 2786, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003 | 4 – 14 yrs
Paw Paw Youth Baseball/Softball | 14865-57999 36 1/2 St, Paw Paw, MI 49079 | 7 – 14 yrs
South Portage Little League | 4801 E Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49002 | 4 – 14 yrs
West Portage Little League | 6669 S 12th St, Portage, MI 49024 | 4 – 14 yrs
Westwood Little League | 3435 Grand Prairie Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 | 4 – 14 yrs
Clinics
Next Level Performance | 12733 North, US-131, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 | 7 – 12 yrs
Basketball
Dribble, shoot and get ready to score those 3-pointers. Whether your child is looking for a camp to develop a specific technique or looking for a serious league, you’ll find it below.
Basketball classes typically run year-round, with competitive teams active during the school year.
Leagues
Courthouse Athletic Center | 7365 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage, MI 49002 | Grades 3 – 8
Portage Hoops | Grades 3 – 8
Upward Sports (12th Street Baptist Church) | 3911 S 12th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | Grades K – 6
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo | 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | Grades Pre-K – 8
Classes + Clinics
Courthouse Athletic Center | 7365 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage, MI 49002 | 4 – 15 yrs
Next Level Performance | 12733 North, US-131, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 | 7 – 12 yrs
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo | 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 3 – 7 yrs
Fencing
Kids have the chance year-round to learn the basics and gain mastery in this fun Olympic sport. Get ready to get those foils up and en garde!
Classes
Tri-Blade Fencing Academy | 8+ yrs
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo | 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 10+ yrs
Football
Whether your kid is a flag football or a traditional football fan, with vision to play for the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day, you can find a number of lessons and leagues here in Kalamazoo.
Classes run year-round, but leagues get ready to kick off as that first fall air blows.
Leagues
Flag Football
Kingdom Sports | 8151 Merchant Place, Portage, MI 49002 | 7 – 14 yrs
Portage Rocket Football | 5 – 10 yrs
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo | 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | Grades Pre-K – 8
Tackle Football
Kalamazoo Unified Youth Football Football Association (KUYFA) | 5 – 13 yrs
Portage Rocket Football | Grades 3 – 6 (residency restrictions apply; see website)
Classes + Clinics
Kingdom Sports | 8151 Merchant Place, Portage, MI 49002 | 5 – 6 yrs
Next Level Performance | 12733 North, US-131, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 | 7 – 12 yrs
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo | 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | Grades 1 – 8
Golf
Opportunities abound in Kalamazoo to perfect that swing that nabs a hole-in-one. Or, consider joining a league to improve your child’s golf game with options for all ability levels. Classes are available year-round.
Leagues
First Tee of West Michigan | 1041 King Hwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49048 | 7 – 17 yrs
Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association | 4200 Lovers Ln, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 | 13 yrs and under
Classes
First Tee of West Michigan | 1041 King Hwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49048 | 7 – 17 yrs
Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association | 4200 Lovers Ln, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 | 15 yrs and under
Red Arrow Golf Course | 1041 King Hwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49048 | 5+ yrs
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo | 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 8 – 15 yrs
Hockey & Ice Skating
Although traditionally a winter sport, Kalamazoo offers classes year-round for tykes through high school. Strap on some skates, or have them try floor hockey instead.
Teams
Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association | 5+ yrs
KOHA | 5076 Sports Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | 5+ yrs
Classes
Ice Hockey + Ice Skating
Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association | 3+ yrs
KOHA | 5076 Sports Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | 5+ yrs
Floor Hockey
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo | 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 6 – 12 yrs
Lacrosse
Lacrosse has gained popularity in Southwest Michigan in schools. For children interested in joining a league, there is now an option in Kalamazoo.
Leagues
BJ Sports | 3504 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | Grades K – 8
Running
Kids are always running us ragged, but there are other alternatives to get kids involved in running as a sport. Check out one of many Family-Friendly Fun Runs that occur during the year. Looking for a formal running program, consider:
Running Programs
Girls on the Run | Grades 3 – 5
Healthy Kids Running Series | 6519 Trotwood St, Portage, MI 49024 | Grades Preschool – 3
Let Me Run | Grades 4 – 8
Skateboarding
Many kids want to learn skateboarding, but lack the skills and knowledge and may give up after one too many falls. To gain confidence in a safe environment, kids can take classes and get rolling in no time.
Classes
Kingdom Sports | 8151 Merchant Place, Portage, MI 49002 | 5 – 13 yrs
Skiing & Snowboarding
When the first snow falls, it’s time to hit those slopes. We are lucky to have several ski resorts in Southwest Michigan without having to trek too far north. Consider the following ski resorts for kids classes, programs, and events, from ages four years and up.
Teams
Swiss Valley Ski Area | 13421 Mann St, Jones, MI 49061 | 5 – 14 yrs
Classes
Skiing
Bittersweet Ski Resort | 600 River Rd, Otsego, MI 49078 | 4+ yrs
Swiss Valley Ski Area | 13421 Mann St, Jones, MI 49061 | 4 – 12 yrs
Timber Ridge | 07500 23 ½ St, Gobles, MI 49055 | 4+ yrs
Snowboarding
Swiss Valley Ski Area | 13421 Mann St, Jones, MI 49061 | 7 – 12 yrs
Soccer
Soccer holds the spot of one of the most internationally played sports, and it’s a popular sport for many kids. There are a ton of year-round class options and leagues in the fall, perfect for those falling temperatures.
Featured partners: Soccer Shots, TKO Premier SC, Kingdom Sports
Sports Combo
Your child isn’t sure of what sport they want to hone in on? Take a combo class where they’ll have an opportunity to sample a variety of sports to narrow it down.
Classes
City of Portage | Kids Sports Sample | 7650 Oakland Dr, Portage, MI 49024 | 4-6 yrs
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo | Sporties for Shorties | 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 3-6 yrs
Tennis & Racquetball
Kalamazoo hosts the USTA Boys National Championships every year, and your kids might be ready to run around the tennis court rather than the house. Lessons and leagues are available beginning in preschool.
Classes
Tennis
West Hills Athletic Club | 2001 South 11th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | 3+ yrs
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo | 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 3+ yrs
Racquetball
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo | 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 8 – 16 yrs
Volleyball
Kids can bump, set, and spike their way on a court, or at the beach. Volleyball isn’t only a ‘teen sport’ anymore. Kalamazoo offers programs for elementary-aged children.
Leagues
Dead Frog Volleyball Club | 7365 S Sprinkle Rd Portage, MI 49002 | 12 – 18 yrs
Moxie Volleyball | 1309 Ogden Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 | 12 – 18 yrs
Next Level Performance | 12733 N. US 131, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 | Grades 6-12
Classes
Dead Frog Volleyball Club | 7365 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage, MI 49002 | Grades K – 12
Next Level Performance | 12733 N. US 131, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 | Grades 6-12
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo | 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 8 – 14 yrs
Wrestling
Kids are always tackling their parents or sibling around the house. Take this energy and allow kids to hone their skills in the sport of wrestling. Wrestling teaches kids to use their entire body. The season typically starts with the school year.
Classes
Kalamazoo Premier Wrestling Club | 5 – 14 yrs
Next Level Performance | 12733 N US 131, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 | 7+ yrs
PIN for Reference
More to Explore
