Access Sports

Track

Access Sports All Play

Spring 2021 - In-Person Program

Access Sports is excited to announce a 2018-19 pilot program called Access Sports All Play: Inclusive sports combining athletes with intellectual disabilities and peers on a team.

Access Sports will continue to run some of its sports programs the same as previous years while taking a new approach to others. Access Sports All Play will supplement current programing.

Athletes with intellectual disabilities and peers will practice and compete together on integrated teams. Athletes will be part of an inclusive team where they can learn from peers and form friendships. Understanding and

camaraderie created through team play will lead to increased social and emotional growth for all team members.

During All Play, the role of volunteers will shift from one-to-one mentorship/support to wearing the same

uniform and acting as equal players on a team. Volunteers will also serve as team leaders who support all players

as needed. Peers will have a natural opportunity to embrace diversity and respect differences while providing

athletes with disabilities an inclusive environment free from judgment.

Registration for Access Sports All Play teams will be open to students with and without disabilities.

Baseball - 'Buddyball'

Want to be an athlete?

Financial assistance is available to help cover the cost of athlete registration fees.

For more information, complete the CONTACT US form on our website and mention

"financial assistance needed" in the comment box. We will contact you to discuss how

we can get your athlete involved in our program!

Access Sports partners with the Elmhurst Baseball & Softball League to offer Buddy Ball! This program is designed to provide young athletes with disabilities a positive baseball experience. Youth are encouraged to have a safe, fun and challenging opportunity to enjoy the game in an encouraging and supportive environment.

Each week there is a skill development practice and a game where athletes learn the features of good sportsmanship and fair play. This specialized training includes a peer mentor for each player on the field along with a shirt, hat and baseball pants. Players just need to bring their own glove.

The season also includes a game played during the All Star Weekend and a nighttime game under the lights!

Winter 2021 - Online Program

Summer 2022 Buddy Ball Baseball Registration ‘In Person’ May-June
$25
Register at: http://www.elmhurstbaseball.com
Click Register Now / Select Buddy Ball from the drop down and follow the prompts

Summer 2022 - In-Person

We will be holding an online program this winter featuring live ZOOM sessions every Saturday from 10:00 - 10:30 AM. This session will run January 16th through February 27th.

Basketball

Soccer

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and has taken the United States by storm. More kids play soccer than any other sport. This includes kids with disabilities. American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) has been a leader in youth soccer especially in Elmhurst, IL. Because of its commitment to our youth and strong presence in the community, Access Sports partners with the AYSO 399 VIP program to provide soccer to its athletes.

Athletes learn basic soccer skills and teamwork. The Access Sports teams are divided by age and grade. There are currently three levels--introductory, 2nd to 5th grade, and 6th grade to transition. Access Sports teams often play games against other AYSO soccer teams during the season.

The fall soccer season is 8 weeks long from mid-September to early November and the spring season is also 8 weeks long from mid-April to early June. Access Sports provides specialized coaching and peer buddies on the field. Practices/games are one hour on Saturdays.

AYSO 399 handles soccer registration for Access Sports. It is important to register on time to avoid late fees or run the risk of not being able to play because the league is at capacity. Registration for the following season is in April/May. Please check the Access Sports calendar of events for registration dates and times. Or, you can check www.ayso399.org. When registering your child, please register for the VIP program. Once registered, AYSO will forward your child's information to Access Sports. The $35 registration fee (plus a $20.00 non-refundable national AYSO fee and a $2.75 processing fee) includes a jersey, shorts, socks and ball.

Join us for track, a program designed for athletes who like to run!

Track training includes appropriate stretching and warm ups, staying in lanes while running, endurance, starting a race, crossing the finish line, relay race/exchange of baton, softball throw, discus/frisbee throw, standing long jump and sportsmanship.

Athletes will learn to be more independent on the track running in small groups along with peer volunteers. Peers will be encouraged to support and encourage all runners and serve as role models on the track. Extra support will be provided as needed.

Track will be in the York Community High School Field House on Sundays from September 22 - October 27.

Grade School Team: 3:00 - 4:00pm

Middle / High School: 4:00 - 5:00pm

Registration is $25. Be sure to register by Friday, September 13 to secure your spot and a team shirt!

Basketball is divided into two age levels (Elementary School Athletes and Middle School & Up Athletes) with four teams in each level. Weekly sessions include a team practice that focuses on game awareness, dribbling, catching, passing, shooting and rebounding. Players progress at their own pace with the assistance of youth volunteers. Each session wraps up with a game (Middle School Age level uses IHSA refs for their games) and our season ends with a round robin tournament.