Our youth sports programs balance fun with valuable instruction. The main focus is on participation and learning, not on competition. We believe in teaching more than sports skills. Teamwork, dedication and good sportsmanship are all part of the Lancaster Rec youth sports experience. Our youth dance classes strive to balance the mind, body and spirit through positive experiences.
We aim to provide a lifelong motivation and determination to stay active and healthy.
Check out our scholarship information.
Click here for a copy of our Parent Code of Conduct and Communicable Disease Waiver.
*Each program will follow a sport specific health and safety plan.
New Program Ideas?
Are you a skilled enthusiast eager to share your expertise? Whether your program is geared towards toddler/preschool, senior citizens, or any age in between, we invite you to join us! Collaborate with Lancaster Rec as an instructor and bring your unique program to life!
Archery
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This beginner archery course is designed to teach the fundamentals of archery and archery safety. Students will learn safety, how to properly load and hold bows, and proper shooting form. As students demonstrate their abilities, additional attention will be spent on aiming techniques. The goal of this class is not to hit bullseyes, but to gain a sense of respect for the equipment and have a firm grasps of basic shooting form.
Beginner 1 | ages 8-11 | 8 – 9 a.m.
Beginner 2 | ages 12-14 | 9 – 10 a.m.**This class is in the field across from the bard at Conestoga Pines Park, located at Arthur E Morris Pkwy, Lancaster, PA 17602**
Baseball
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Tee Ball and Rookie League Baseball | Ages 5-8
2027 Season runs March - June
Registration: Register 1/4 - 3/12
Batter up! Learn the fundamentals and rules of the game in our Little League Tee Ball & Rookie Leagues and move your way up through Lancaster Baseball.
Divisions:
Coed Tee Ball (Ages 5-6)
Rookie League (Ages 7-8)
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Jr. Tornado Baseball is for players aged 9 to 14 (determined by league age chart below) and is a partnership with SALSA Baseball and Jr. Tornado Baseball. Players are assessed by skill level to be placed on the appropriate team.
Divisions:
10 & Under
12 & Under
15 & UnderPractices and games are held at Lancaster Community Park, Lancaster City Parks and School District of Lancaster Ball Fields.
Spring Season: March – June (evaluation date 2/8 at JP McCaskey High School Gym)
Registration 12/7 – 2/5)Important: If a team is not available or there are not enough players, refunds will be processed.
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Calling all baseball enthusiasts, from rookies to seasoned players, join us for expert coaching, skill refinement, and a whole lot of fun on the diamond. This clinic is taught by McCaskey High School Baseball coaches and players.
Ages 5-8 | 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Ages 9-12 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Ages 13-15 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.Clinic is held at the JP McCaskey Varsity Baseball Field.
Basketball
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Little Hoopers Basketball (grades K-2)
Oct 7 - Nov 21
Registration: Register 8/3 - 10/2
Nothing but net! This fundamental coed program develops a strong skill foundation with appreciation for the game of basketball. Players participate in scrimmages to experience a non-competitive game environment.
Practices are held in Lancaster Rec Gym or SDOL gyms.
Practices on Wednesdays | 6 – 8 p.m.
Games on Saturdays | 9 – 10 a.m.
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Take your game to the next level! This league offers a more competitive basketball experience for more advanced players. All interested players will undergo an evaluation for team placement.
Only those residing in SDOL can participate in this Rec program.
Additional fees may apply for those selected to join the team.
Practices on weekdays
Home games held at SDoL Gyms. Away games are hosted throughout the county.
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Perfect for boys and girls, these leagues offer awesome basketball experiences with equal playing time for everyone. Kids will build skills and sportsmanship through fun practices and exciting weekly games. Sign up today and let your child feel the excitement of basketball!
Practice is held on weekdays with games on Saturdays. Coaches will notify players of practice days/times.
Practices and games are held at School District of Lancaster Gyms.
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Dive into the exciting world of basketball with our fun and supportive clinic! Designed for young athletes, this clinic focuses on teaching the fundamentals of basketball, including dribbling, shooting, passing, and teamwork.
Tuesdays | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Clinic is held at the Lincoln Middle School Gym.
Cheerleading
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Jr. Tornado Cheer Ages 6-14*
June - November
Registration: Registration Closed
Participants learn cheer fundamentals while showing their spirit, making friends and having fun. Squads practice during the week and cheer at midget football games throughout Lancaster County on weekends beginning late August or early September.
Important dates:
June 2 – Parent meeting
June 23 – Uniform sizing at Lancaster Rec (6-8 p.m.)
June 25 – Uniform sizing at Lancaster Rec (6-8 p.m.)Practices are held at Lancaster City/Township Parks or a School District of Lancaster facility.
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Elite Cheer Team
July - November
Registration: Registration Closed
Ready to take your cheer skills to the next level? Our brand-new competition-only cheer team is perfect for experienced cheerleaders looking to showcase their talent. From July to November, you’ll train twice a week, mastering high-energy routines for four local competitions. This program focuses on teamwork, performance, and fun!
Prior cheerleading experience is recommended. Don’t miss the chance to shine on the competition stage!
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday
Practices held in SDoL facilities
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Basics of Cheer Cheer Clinic (ages 5-14)
February - April (6 sessions to choose from)
Registration: Registration Closed
Join our Basics of Cheer clinic and elevate your cheer skills! Led by Jr. Tornado Cheer coaches, this fun, hands-on program covers stunting, basic tumbling, and cheer motions. Participants will learn proper form, build
confidence, and practice skills with expert guidance.Choose from 6 sessions—each 2-week session meets 4 days. Limited to 10 spots per session!
6 Sessions to choose from!
Session 1: February 3 – 12
Session 2: February 17 – 26
Session 3: March 3 – 12
Session 4: March 17 – 26
Session 5: March 31 – April 9
Session 6: April 14 – 23Tuesday and Thursday | 6 – 7 p.m
Clinic is held at SDoL facilities or Lancaster Rec Gyms.
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Mini Clinic (Ages 5 - 14)
April 27 - April 30
Registration: Registration Closed
Learn the fundamentals of cheer in a fun clinic format, led by Jr. Tornado Cheer coaches.
Clinic is held at the McCaskey Varsity Softball field.
Monday – Thursday | 6 – 8 p.m.
Dance
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Dance Classes | Ages 4 - Adult
Now Registering for 2026 Fall/Winter Classes
Registration: Click for more dance info
Love Dance? Ready to Take the Next Step?
Welcome to our NEW dance instructor, Lydia Baranoski.
With nearly 20 years of dance experience, Lydia is bringing fresh energy to our fall dance lineup including:
More Toddler & Little Dancers Classes
Zumbini
Adult Dance Classes
Adult Stretch and Restore
and MORE!Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just starting out, our fall season promises new adventures and opportunities for all levels and styles.
Esports
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Rec Minecrafters - Esports Intro | Grades 6-8
Mo, Tu, Fr | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Registration: Register Now until Full
Join our local Minecraft server and help build our community—literally! Grades 6-8
Middle school students can expect weekly challenges and fun activities for individuals and small teams to compete for prizes. Perfect for students with an interest in gaming and creativity. Come make your mark in the world of Minecraft!
Program Details:
Location: Rodney Park Community Center
Rodney Park Esports Center
14 Rodney Street
Lancaster, PA 17603Day: Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays| 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Dates: Begins Dec 2 – March 2
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The XP Lounge is a casual drop-in space for gamers of all levels to come together, hang out, and play the games they love. Choose your own adventure—whether it’s teaming up with friends, practicing solo, or trying out something new.
Program Details:
Location: Rodney Park Community Center
Rodney Park Esports Center
14 Rodney Street
Lancaster, PA 17603Mondays, Tuesdays| 7:30 – 9 p.m.
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Family Game Night | 10+ (with registered parent/guardian)
Fridays | 5:45 - 7:15 p.m.
Registration: Register Now until Full
Bring the whole crew for Family Game Night! Enjoy digital party games and activities designed for families to bond, laugh, and compete together. Form a team, register as a household, and make weekly memories full of fun and excitement.
All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Program Details:
Rodney Park Community Center
Fridays| 5:45 – 7:15 p.m.
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Game On - Survival Edition | Ages 18+
Fridays | 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Registration: Register Now until Full
For adults ready to test their gaming mettle! Each week will feature different game titles, from PC to Switch to Oculus, with a focus on esports skills, teamwork, and survival challenges. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or trying something new, “Game On” offers the perfect mix of fun and competition in a group setting.
Program Details:
Location: Rodney Park Community Center
Day: Fridays| 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Flag Football
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Be a part of our popular flag football league! Practice 1-2 nights a week depending on age group, with games on Saturdays. Coaches will notify player of practice days/times.
Practices and games are held at Lancaster City and/or Township Parks and/or School District of Lancaster Fields.
Division 1 | Ages 6-8 | 10 a.m.
Division 2 | Ages 9-12 | 11 a.m.
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Flag Football Clinic | Ages 9-14
Tuesdays and Thursdays | February 3 - March 10
Registration: Registration Closed
The clinic will cover sprinting mechanics, catching drills, running technique, throwing fundamentals, and pulling flags. Physical expectation are the ability to perform several 30 yard sprints, jog consistently for 2-3 minute intervals, jump 12” hurdles, and able to withstand burpees, pushups, and weighted exercises.
Session 1: Ages 9-11 | Tu/Th 6-7 p.m. | Sat 10-11 a.m.
Clinic is held in SDOL Gym.
Football
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Jr. Tornado Tackle Football
Ages 7-12 (age as of June 1, 2026)
Registration: Register Now until 7/31
Be a part of the Lancaster City/Township youth tackle football program. Our emphasis is on learning, playing and enjoying the sport of football safely, while also fostering sportsmanship, teamwork and self-discipline. McCaskey’s football coaching staff will be training our volunteer coaches in accordance with the skills and standards used at the high school level. Our teams will play in the Red Rose Midget Football League. Practices begin the first week of August.
Practice will be at the McCaskey Practice Football Field, with home games in the McCaskey Stadium.
Iddy Biddy Sports
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Iddy Biddy Soccer | Ages 3-5
November 5 - December 10 (no practice 11/28)
Registration: Register 8/17 - 10/30
Get off to a great soccer start with your preschooler! This coed program eases your child into the world of sports. Children and parents work together to get accustomed to an organized practice in a fun, non-threatening environment. Instructors focus on soccer skills as well as incorporating hand-eye coordination and agility.
Thursdays 5 – 6 p.m. OR 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Program is held in the Lancaster Rec gym
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Iddy Biddy Tennis | Ages 3-5
January 21 - February 18
Registration: Register 11/23 - 1/15
PTR International Master Professional, Delaine Mast, will help you and your child have fun while learning ball striking skills and the lifetime sport of tennis. Children and parents/caregivers will spend quality time being active, learning and having fun together! This is a partnership program with Tennis Central.
Thursdays | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Practice is held at the Lancaster Rec Center Gym.
Never Stop Moving
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Led by Never Stop Moving 365, this playful, high-energy class helps young children build confidence and develop essential movement skills. Through obstacle courses, games, and silly races, kids will run, jump, crawl, and play while practicing balance, coordination, and teamwork—all in a fun, supportive environment.
Program is held on Mondays: (No class on 10/12)
Ages 2 – 4 | 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
Ages 5 – 7 | 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.Program is located in the Lancaster Rec Gym.
Skateboarding
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Ramp Up Skateboarding Clinic
September 8 - 29 | October 13 - November 3
Registration: Register at rampupskateboarding.com
Would your child be interested in trying skateboarding?
Kick off your skateboarding journey with this FREE beginner clinic for young riders ready to roll! Participants will learn skateboarding fundamentals in a safe and supportive environment, including balance, movement, and board control. Skaters will build confidence, develop new skills, and discover a fun activity they can enjoy for years to come. No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to ride! (4 classes per session)
Participants are required to bring their own safety helmet (bike helmets are fine); skateboards will be available to borrow at no additional fee!
What to bring:
-A safety helmet is required (bike helmets are fine).
-Additional pads are recommended (knee, elbow, wrist, etc.).
-Closed toe shoes.
-Water bottleThis free Skateboarding clinic is presented by Ramp Up in partnership with the Lancaster Rec.
Groups:
Foundations | Ages 5 – 9 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Intermediate | Ages 6 – 12 | 6:45 – 7:45 p.m.Held at Lancaster Rec Center – Lower Level.
Soccer
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Our youth soccer program focuses on the fundamentals of the world’s most popular sport. Boys and girls of all ability levels enjoy teamwork and good-natured competition. Practice is held 1-2 nights a week depending on age group. Coaches will notify players of practice days/times. Coed and Boys Divisions have games on Saturdays and Girls Divisions have games on Sundays.
Practices and games are held at Lancaster Community Park.
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Soccer Camp | Ages 8-13
July 13 - July 16
Registration: Registration Closed
Led by McCaskey High School Soccer coaches, our camp promises to enhance your game. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the fundamentals or a seasoned player aiming to take your skills to the next level, our soccer camp is the place to be.
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
The camp will meet at the McCaskey Turf Field.
Softball
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Jr Tornado Softball | ages 7-14 (Age as of 9/1/25)
August 16 - October 31
Registration: Register Now until 8/11
Lancaster Rec Softball continues with the goal of getting more girls involved in softball and ensuring that they are playing at the appropriate skill level. Players pitch in this league. Girls must reside in Lancaster City or Township or attend any Catholic school or Sunday School in Lancaster County to join our teams!
Age Group Details
10U – Ages 9-10
12U – Ages 11-12
14U – Ages 13-14
Swimming
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Jr. Tornado Swim Team | Grades 5-9
Future dates to be announced
Registration: Registration Closed
Jr. Tornado Swim Team is an exciting opportunity for youth interested in competitive swimming! Swimmers will learn all four strokes through a stroke drill sequence program. Swimmers will work on starts, turns, race strategy and short drill-focused sets. Must be able to swim front crawl (freestyle) one length of the pool unassisted (25 meters) to register.
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Lifeguard Certification Class (15+)
2027 Dates to be announced
Registration:
Are you looking to be a lifeguard this summer? Upon successful completion of this three-day American Red Cross course, participants will receive Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification that is valid for two years.
For questions or additional information, email Spencer Shambaugh at sshambaugh@LancasterRec.org
Tennis
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Join us for one of our Future Red Tornado Tennis Camps! Learn tennis skill fundamentals led by the McCaskey High School Tennis Team coaching staff along with help from the high school tennis team.
Camp is held at the McCaskey High School Tennis Courts.
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Bring your family and friends and learn to play tennis! This FREE one-day event is open to all Lancaster youth and families! There will be tennis activities for all ages and abilities. Tennis Central will provide the racquets, balls, snacks, prizes and fun!
Hosted at McCaskey High School Tennis Courts
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.For more information, contact Delaine Mast at dmast4@aol.com.
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A fun introduction to a sport that you can play for a lifetime. Our youth tennis program emphasizes fun and fitness. Learn the basics and refine your skills from experienced instructors.
Little Aces | Ages 6 – 9 (2 options)
Friday | 5 – 6 p.m.
Saturday | 10 – 11 a.m.Super Servers | Ages 10 – 17
Saturday | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.Lessons are held at the Buchanan Park Tennis Courts.
Track & Field/Cross Country
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Jr. Tornado Track Club (ages 8-12)
Registration: Registration Closed
Train like a track star and get fit! Join the Jr. Tornado Track Club to learn the fundamentals of track and field.
Club is held at the Wheatland Middle School Track.
Volleyball
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Volleyball Clinic | Girls, Grades 6 - 8
October 20 - November 24
Registration: Register 8/3 - 10/16
Sharpen your skills and learn the fundamentals of volleyball in this beginner-friendly clinic for middle school girls! Led by the McCaskey Girls Volleyball Head Coach, participants will build confidence while developing skills such as serving, passing, setting, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. Open to girls in grades 6–8; no prior experience is necessary.
Tuesdays and Thursdays | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
This clinic will be held at Jackson Middle School.
Encouragement, Sportsmanship and Respect
Parents are held to a standard of behavior that provides a positive youth sports environment for all children through encouragement as well as support for volunteer coaches. Coaches are held to a standard of behavior that provides a positive youth sports environment for players. Focus is placed on a child’s growth and development, sportsmanship, respect, and fundamental skills.