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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Beginner Archery I I Ages 8-14
Saturday | April 18 - May 23
Registration: Register 3/1 until full
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 (Use Age Chart)
Season runs March - June
Registration: Register 1/5 until 3/13
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 & UnderMandatory skills assessment will be held on February 1, 2026, at JP McCaskey High School Gym.
Assessment details to come.
Practices and games are held at Lancaster Community Park, Lancaster City Parks and School District of Lancaster Ball Fields.
Important: If a team is not available or there are not enough players, refunds will be processed.
Click here for the Spring 2026 Age Chart.
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Baseball Clinic (Ages 5-15)
July 27 - July 30
Registration: Register 3/20 - 7/24
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)
February 11 - March 21
Registration: Register 12/8 - 2/6
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 and the last three Saturday morning scrimmages are held at Lancaster Rec Gym.
Practices on Wednesdays | 6 – 8 p.m.
Games on Saturdays | 10 – 11 a.m.
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Our co-ed basketball league is competitive with the spotlight on learning, improving and having fun. Playing time is balanced so players of all ability levels can develop skills through game play. Coaches encourage good sportsmanship and teamwork.
Practice is 1-2 weekday nights per week, with games on Thursdays. Coaches will notify players of practice days/times. Players listed on varsity rosters are not permitted in this league.
Practices and games are held at School District of Lancaster Gyms.
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CJ's Hoop For Hope Summer Basketball League | Grades 3-12
To Be Announced
Registration:
Looking for a summer basketball league? Look no further! Teams will be coed. Coaches will notify players of practice days and times.
Please Note: This partnership program is not operated by Lancaster Rec. Please direct any questions to Chris Johnson (CJ) at chrisjohnson839@gmail.com.
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Girls Basketball Clinic (Grades 3-6)
September 16 - October 21
Registration: Registration Closed
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.
Clinic is held at a School District of Lancaster Gym.
Cheerleading
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Jr. Tornado Cheer Ages 6-14*
June - November
Registration: Register 1/26 until full
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.
Practices are held at Lancaster City/Township Parks or a School District of Lancaster facility.
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.)
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Elite Cheer Team
July - November
Registration: Register 1/26 until full
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: Register 2/23 - 4/24
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 Summer Camps
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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XP Lounge
Mo, Tu | 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Registration: Register Now until Full
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
Field Hockey
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Field Hockey Camp (ages 8 - 12)
Tuesdays and Thursdays | June 20 - July 30
Registration: Register 3/23 - 6/26
Calling all beginners and aspiring field hockey players! Get ready to step onto the field and learn the ropes at our upcoming field hockey clinic. This clinic is your chance to discover the fundamentals and build confidence.
Tuesday & Thursday | 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Held at McCaskey Turf Field.
Flag Football
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NFL Flag Football League (ages 6-14)
March - June
Registration: Register 1/12 - 3/6
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 9-11 | 11 a.m.
Division 3 | Ages 12-14| 12 p.m.
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Flag Football Clinic | Ages 9-14
Tuesdays and Thursdays | February 3 - March 10
Registration: Now until 1/31
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 3/2 until full
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.
3 Step Registration Process
1. Complete registration form
2. Pay equipment deposit
3. Pay registration fee (online registration)Practice will be at the McCaskey Practice Football Field, with home games in the McCaskey Stadium.
Hockey
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Ball Hockey Clinic (ages 5-12)
Coming Soon
Registration: Registration is Closed
Join us for a fun and active Ball Hockey Clinic designed for players of all skill levels! This clinic focuses on the fundamentals of ball hockey, including stickhandling, passing, shooting, and teamwork. Led by the Millersville Ice Hockey Team/Coaches, participants will improve their skills, build confidence, and enjoy fast-paced, game-style drills in a supportive environment. Great for kids looking to learn the game or sharpen their abilities!
Clinic will be held at Lancaster Rec Center – lower level.
Iddy Biddy Sports
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Iddy Biddy Soccer | Ages 3-5
November 6 - December 11 (no practice 11/27)
Registration: Registration is closed
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.
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Iddy Biddy Tennis | Ages 3-5
Thursdays | January 22 - February 19
Registration: Register Now until 1/16
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.
Karate
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New Program! Learn karate lessons in a fun and exciting, family-oriented environment. Our goal is raising students? focus and self-esteem by providing the tools needed for increased confidence, self-discipline and self-defense. We aim to help build a strong and safer community one student at a time.
Starting in September, students will be required to purchase a gee for an additional fee of $45. This includes their first white belt. As students progress, they will earn promotions new belts, or strips onto their current belt.
Gees are a one-time fee until students grow out of their uniform and need to order a larger one. Uniforms typically arrive one week from being ordered.Ages 4-5 | 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Ages 6-8 | 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Lancaster Rec Gym
Skateboarding
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Ramp Up Skateboarding Clinic
Registration: Registration Closed
Would your child be interested in trying skateboarding?
Register for our free, pop-up clinic and receive hands-on guidance from certified skateboarding coaches! Ramp Up is the quickest, safest, and most fun way to get started. Participants are required to bring their own safety helmet (bike helmets are fine); skateboards will be available to borrow at no additional fee!
Additional session times on the 18th maybe added if all spots fill, and waitlist numbers show need.
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.
Held at Lancaster Rec Center – Lower Level.
Soccer
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Lancaster Soccer (ages 5-19)
March - May
Registration: Register 1/12 - 2/25
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: Register 3/16 - 7/8
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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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. Practices with start in March and be held at St Joseph’s Fields and/or Lancaster City/Township Fields. Girls must reside in Lancaster City or Township to join our teams!
Age Group Details
8U – Ages 7-8 (coaches pitching)
10U – Ages 9-10 (player pitching)
12U – Ages 11-12 (player pitching)
14U – Ages 13-14 (player pitching)
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Softball Clinic | ages 5-10
Nov. 3 - 12 (dates vary by age group) | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Registration: Registration Closed
Calling all softball 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 Softball coaches and players.
Dates for the clinic will vary based on age group.
Ages 5-10 | 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm on November 3rd and 10th
Ages 11-15 | 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm on November 5th and 12thClinic is held at the McCaskey East Gym.
Swimming
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Jr. Tornado Swim Team | Grades 5-9
Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursday | Sep 16 - Oct 9
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.
This program will meet on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 9/16 – 10/9 from 7 – 8 pm.
Practices are hosted at F&M Alumni Sports and Fitness Center
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Lifeguard Certification Class
Ages 15+
Registration: Spring 2026
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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Tennis Lessons (Ages 6-17)
April 11 - May 16
Registration: Register 1/26 - 4/10
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 Summer | Ages 6 – 9 | 10 a.m.
Super Servers Summer | Ages 10 – 17 | 11 a.m.
Lessons are held at the Buchanan Park Tennis Courts.
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Tennis Camp (Ages 6 - 14)
June 8 - 11 | 5 - 6 p.m.
Registration: Register 3/2 - 6/5
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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Tennis Fest (All Ages)
Wednesday | May 6 (rain date May 7)
Registration: Email dmast4@aol.com for more info
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.
Track & Field/Cross Country
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Jr. Tornado Track Club (ages 8-12)
Monday & Wednesday | April 13 - May 27
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. (No practice 5/25)
6:30 – 8 p.m.
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Fall Running Club
Ages 8-12
Registration: Registration Closed
On your mark…get set…GO! Our coed Running Club focuses on teaching the basics of track and field and is a great way to get your child active and healthy. Instructors stress running technique and proper mechanics while building endurance and confidence.
Club is held at Buchanan Park.
Volleyball
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Bump, set, and spike your way into the game! Learn the fundamentals of volleyball in a fun and supportive clinic led by the Franklin and Marshall College coaches and team. Participants will develop basic skills, including serving, passing, setting, and teamwork, through engaging drills and gameplay.
Tuesdays | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
This clinic will be held at SDoL gyms.
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.