Tips for Choosing Your Child's Fall Sport
This summer was a season of sports New York City will never forget. In June, the Knicks showed us that when you play with passion, look out for your teammates, and channel the grit of our city, you can become champions. More than that, you can bring an entire city together and inspire a new generation of athletes.
On the pitch, the World Cup captured the hearts of all who love the beautiful game. We watched the games unfold from bars and apartment watch parties, while New Yorkers played on fields all around the city late into each evening to express their excitement.
This fall, Asphalt Green is here to keep the momentum going with sports, swim, and inclusive programs for all ages, skill levels, and abilities. Before you dive in, our experts put together a guide to help you sort through all the options you have, whether your family is hoping to start a new athletic journey or take your game to the highest level.
Swimming/Aquatics
If your child wants to enhance their swimming skills—such as stroke technique, breath control, and water safety—while also developing skills like teamwork, discipline, and confidence, consider one of our Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics (AGUA) Swim Academy programs. Our programs accommodate swimmers of all ages and skill levels, from infants and first-time swimmers to elite athletes.
- Attend an Introductory Swim Evaluation: Schedule an introductory swim evaluation to assess your child’s swimming skills and ensure your child receives instruction tailored to their ability.
- Understand the Swim Curriculum: Inquire about AG’s swim curriculum to learn how it progresses through different levels, such as learning basic strokes, mastering techniques, and building stamina. Understanding the curriculum’s progression can help you track your child’s development and set realistic expectations.
Hear from our very own Director of Citywide Aquatics Programs, Andrew Bryan:
“Learning to swim is essential for personal safety, and formal swimming lessons can reduce a person’s likelihood of drowning by up to 88%. Moreover, swimming offers incredible, low-impact health benefits that can truly last a lifetime. At Asphalt Green, we believe that swimming fosters a fun environment and stimulates social camaraderie, while providing a rewarding platform to be challenged both physically and mentally.”
Basketball
If your child wants to boost their basketball skills—such as shooting, dribbling, teamwork, and game strategy—while also developing self-discipline, confidence, and coordination, Asphalt Green’s basketball programs are a great choice.
- Identify the Right Program: Asphalt Green offers various basketball programs, including introductory classes for beginners, advanced training for competitive players, and age-specific leagues. Choose a program that suits your child’s experience level and age group.
- Understand the Training Focus: Ask about the specific focus areas of the basketball program, such as individual skill drills, team strategies, or game scenarios. This helps ensure the program is tailored to your child’s specific goals in basketball, whether they wish to play recreationally or competitively.
Hear from our very own Director of Basketball Operations, Christopher Cassels:
“Youth sports participation is a great environment to develop relationships, self-confidence, team building, and begin to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Basketball, more specifically provides a great mix of discipline while training to be an elite athlete and specific skill development through the introductory stages of the sport. Whether you desire to introduce basketball to your child for the first time or work towards becoming an elite competitive player, Asphalt Green Basketball has many options for you and your family.”
Martial Arts
If your child wishes to foster self-discipline, self-esteem, coordination, communication, and motor skills, look no further than martial arts.
- Understand the Goals of each Martial Art: Different martial arts emphasize unique skills/philosophies. Karate focuses on striking techniques using punches, kicks, and knee strikes. Taekwondo emphasizes fast kicks and agility. Before enrolling, identify the skills/values you want your child to develop.
- Research/Watch Videos: If you and your child are new to martial arts, finding training videos online can help your child gauge what the classes will be like and increase their excitement and interest.
Hear from our very own Martial Arts Coordinator, Max Castro:
“AG Martial Arts participants learn a variety of martial arts styles. They will not only strengthen their bodies, but they will boost their confidence, self-esteem, and discipline while having fun in class.”
Flag Football
Asphalt Green Flag Football is a great choice if your child wants to enhance their teamwork, agility, strategic thinking, communication, and sportsmanship.
- Understand the Program Structure: Asphalt Green’s Flag Football Developmental League focuses on fundamentals like throwing techniques, catching, running with the football, and more. Review the program details to ensure it aligns with your child’s interest in learning the basics before participating in structured scrimmages.
- Observe a Class or Scrimmage: If possible, attend a flag football class or scrimmage to see the program’s structure and the level of fun and learning your child can expect. Flag football allows children to improve their physical fitness through running and quick movements, enhance teamwork and communication skills, and boost their confidence as they learn new techniques and strategies. The non-contact nature of the game also makes it a safer alternative to tackle football, allowing children to enjoy the sport while minimizing the risk of injury.
Hear from Asphalt Green Flag Football’s Ryan Zerfas:
“In our program, kids will learn the FUNdamentals of the game of flag football. How to throw, catch and run with the ball, but most importantly, how to socialize in a team sports environment. Flag football is designed to minimize contact and maximize fun for all involved. Our experienced coaching staff will teach students of the game the wins, losses and lessons of the game. The younger kids will build skills on Monday afternoons, working their way up to our Friday Night Lights football league which will find participants playing in weekly official games concluding with playoffs and championships. Skill building begins at 5/6 years old, and students can progress to our Friday Night Leagues.”
Register for Fall Sports Today
Now that you’ve heard from some of our coaches and learned a few tips for approaching youth athletics, take the next step by exploring our full list of sports programs. Whether your child is interested in team sports like soccer, basketball, or flag football, or individual activities such as swimming or martial arts, we offer a wide range of options tailored to different needs, goals, and interests. Find the perfect fit to help your child thrive and enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle!
