Free Summer Sports Programs for NYC Kids Offered by City Parks Foundation

Throughout the summer, City Parks Foundation is offering free summer sports programs for kids in New York City, including free tennis, golf, soccer, and track and field instruction and free use of equipment in parks across all five boroughs.

On July 6, in parks throughout New York City, City Parks Foundation kicks off its 2015 Summer Sports Program for young people. Throughout the summer, City Parks Foundation provides more than 14,000 NYC children with free tennis, golf, soccer, and track and field instruction including free use of equipment in more than 80 locations citywide.

Jump to the full 2015 schedule

BNP Paribas is the presenting sponsor of CityParks Tennis and LACOSTE is the official apparel sponsor. CityParks Tennis provides free tennis lessons to children, ages 6-16, in more than 36 parks throughout the five boroughs. The program promotes physical fitness while building self-confidence and is designed to make the sport of tennis freely available to those who want to learn the game in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Lessons for kids are offered at all skill levels. Opportunities include free beginner lessons, tournaments, leagues, excellence programs, and special events. CityParks Tennis runs through Aug. 14 and concludes with an exciting tournament for beginners held at the Central Park Tennis Center and the BNP Paribas Aces Tournament for intermediates held at Flushing Meadows Tennis Center in mid-August.

CityParks Golf presented by Fondation Lacoste makes it fun and easy for boys and girls ages 6-17 to learn to play golf. The free golf lessons and use of equipment, held in public parks and on citywide courses, makes the sport of golf accessible to kids of all skill levels throughout New York City. The emphasis of the program is not only on learning the basics of the sport, but also on developing self-esteem, discipline, and sportsmanship. The program gives kids a chance to improve their skills and ultimately try out for the CityParks Intermediate Program and Junior Golf Academy – specialized programs for dedicated young golfers available at the CityParks Junior Golf Center, a facility in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn that also offers programming for new or first-time youth golfers from New York City. CityParks Golf will be held in two sessions, running July 6-30 and Aug. 3-28.

CityParks Track & Field presented by EmblemHealth with support from Nike+ Run Club gives New York City kids ages 5-16 the chance to learn the basics of the sport, from hurdles and relay races, to long jump, shot put and javelin throw. All participating youngsters have the opportunity to display the basic skills learned at the end of the season at an organized track meet held at Icahn Stadium, the world class sports complex on Randall’s Island on Aug. 12. 

CityParks and the New York City Football Club (New York City FC) are launching a community youth soccer initiative this year running for six weeks starting on July 6. At each session, participants will receive technical guidance and ball mastery training supported by New York City FC in partnership with City Parks Foundation coaches. Players are then split into teams for fun, "street soccer"-style games. The format is designed to promote camaraderie, creativity and player ownership of the game. The pilot program will take place weekly in one park in each of the five boroughs, with hopes that the model can be scaled as interest in soccer in New York City grows among kids of all athletic abilities.

2015 City Parks Foundation’s Sports Schedule

To register: http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/2015-summer-youth-sports-registration/.

CityParks Tennis

presented by BNP Paribas

July 6 – Aug. 14, 2015

BRONX

Haffen Park

Hammersley, Ely, and Gunther Avenues

Monday/Wednesday, 1-4pm

Mill Pond Park

Gateway Center Boulevard (Exterior Street) & East 150th Street

Monday/Wednesday, 1-4pm

Pelham Bay Park

Bruckner Blvd. & Middleton Rd.

Tuesday/Thursday, 1-4pm

St. James Park

Jerome Ave. & E. 193rd St.

Tuesday/Thursday, 1-4pm

St. Mary’s Park

East 145th Street & St. Ann's Avenue

Monday/Wednesday, 1-4pm

Van Cortlandt Park, Stadium

W. 242nd St. & Broadway

Tuesday/Thursday, 9am-12pm

Monday/Wednesday, 9am-12pm (Intermediate)

Williamsbridge Oval

E. 208th St. & Bainbridge Ave.

Monday/Wednesday, 9am-12pm

Woodlawn Park

W. 233rd St. & Jerome Ave.

Tuesday/Thursday, 9am-12pm

BROOKLYN

Bensonhurst Park

Cropsey Avenue & Bay Parkway

Tuesday/Thursday, 1-4pm

Fort Greene Park

DeKalb Ave. & S. Portland Ave.

Monday/Wednesday, 9am-12pm

Highland Park

Elton St. & Jamaica Ave.

Tuesday/Thursday, 9am-12pm

Jackie Robinson Playground

Malcolm X. Blvd. & Chauncey St.

Tuesday/Thursday, 9am-12pm

Kaiser Park

Neptune Ave. & Bayview Ave.

Monday/Wednesday, 9am-12pm

Kelly Playground

Ave. S & E. 14th St.

Monday/Wednesday, 9am-12pm

Leif Ericson

8th Ave. & 66th St.

Tuesday/Thursday, 9am-12pm

Lincoln Terrace

Buffalo Ave. & E. New York Ave.

Monday/Wednesday, 1-4pm

Marine Park

Fillmore Ave. & Stuart St.

Monday/Wednesday, 1-4pm

McCarren Park

N. 13th St. between Bedford Ave. & Berry St.

Monday/Wednesday, 1-4pm

McKinley Park

7th Ave. & 75thSt.

Monday/Wednesday, 1-4pm

Tuesday/Thursday, 1-4pm (Intermediate)

Prospect Park

Parkside Ave. at the Parade Ground

Tuesday/Thursday, 1-4pm

MANHATTAN

Central Park Tennis Center

93rd St. near West Drive

Tuesday/Thursday, 1-4pm

East River Park

Montgomery St. to E. 12th St. & F.D.R Drive

Tuesday/Thursday, 9am-12pm

Fred Johnson

151st St. east of 7th Ave.

Tuesday/Thursday, 9am-12pm

Inwood Hill Park

207th St. & Seaman Ave.

Monday/Wednesday, 1-4pm

Riverside Park

Riverside Drive & W. 119th St.

Monday/Wednesday, 9am-12pm

QUEENS