The Valley Reporter – Get out there and play! MRV update on fall youth sports

Think youth sports are just a bunch of kids running around and having a wild time? Wrong! Youth sports are more than just fun and games: They are transformative experiences that can have a profound impact on young people's lives. Whether on teams or individually, organized sports provide immediate and long-term health, emotional and social benefits that last a lifetime. Sports get kids moving, which benefits their cardiovascular health, burns calories, boosts metabolism and improves strength and agility. Plus, physically active teens tend to have better quality sleep, which is important during the teen years. Aside from the physical benefits, research shows that physical activity reduces stress and anxiety while promoting well-being.

Contributing to team success and having the opportunity to learn new skills builds children's self-esteem and competence and promotes a positive self-image. By experiencing both the successes and challenges of sport, children develop coping skills and learn the importance of resilience and perseverance. Participation in sport also helps develop important life skills such as goal setting, time management and leadership. By bringing children with similar interests together and encouraging interaction, children learn about teamwork, healthy competition, sportsmanship and empathy. These valuable social skills extend beyond the playing field and into other areas of life.

Oh, and the concept of the dumb athlete? Well, that's just a myth! In fact, regular physical activity is associated with improved memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Through the strategic decisions required during play and the need to adapt to changing situations during play, young athletes sharpen their cognitive skills, leading to better academic performance and better overall cognitive function.

Learn more about MRV youth sports this fall:

In the fall, the Mad River Valley Soccer Association (MRVSA) offers a soccer experience for Mad River Valley youth in preschool through sixth grade. Teams are formed by grade level and regularly participate in season-long intra- and inter-league games. The program focuses on skill development in a relaxed environment. Games are educational and encourage equal playing time for all participants. Initial games are held the weekend after Labor Day and final games are held the last weekend in October or the first weekend in November. A Mad River Valley Soccer jersey is included in the program fee. Please register as early as possible so you can be prepared for the season. MRVSA registration is open through early September. Registration link: www.madrivervalleysoccer.org. Contact MRVSA Registrar JB Weir with any questions. This email address is protected from spambots. JavaScript must be enabled to view it!. Scholarships are available for those in need – This email address is protected from spambots. JavaScript must be enabled to view it!.

Rippers, the Mad River Riders mountain bike program for kids, meets on Tuesday evenings and will continue through the end of August and possibly early September. For more information, visit https://www.madriverriders.org/youth-cycling-programs.html

Registration for baseball closes August 23. Divisions offered for the fall are Farm, Minors and Majors. If you have any questions, email Jamie Winters This email address is protected from spambots. JavaScript must be enabled to view it!Link to register TeamSnap :: Fall Ball 2024 ::

Registration for youth basketball begins on September 19. The link is at This email address is protected from spambots. JavaScript must be enabled to view it!. This league is for boys and girls in grades 1 to 6. The program for first and second graders meets one day per week. Grades 3 to 6 have two practices per week and a game on Saturday.

Youth lacrosse will be held every Wednesday night this fall at Mad River Park. For more information, visit MRVRD.org.

Registration for the Bill Koch League, the youth cross country program, will take place later in the fall. If you have any questions, please contact This email address is protected from spambots. JavaScript must be enabled to view it!.

Volunteer this month: Consider serving as a coach or manager of a sports team and help build a foundation that will have a lifelong positive impact on every child.

For more information about youth sports, visit MRVRD.org. MRVRD grant applications for 2025 must be submitted by November 1, 2024. If you have any questions, contact Executive Director Laura Arnesen. This email address is protected from spambots. JavaScript must be enabled to view it!.