Hazel Dell Metro also offers Cal Ripkin for ages 11-12 (70-foot base paths).Clark County Family YMCA, 360-885-9622.For most children, sports offer less recognized — but perhaps more significant — rewards.Vancouver Tennis and Racquetball Center is operated by Vancouver Parks and Recreation, 360-696-8123.Asking friends, classmates, and neighbors about the programs they have enjoyed can be a good starting point — especially when investigating individual activities such as gymnastics or martial arts, which are offered by a wide variety of private businesses.• What is the skill level required of someone new to the sport or program?Many local studios offer classes for youths in a variety of martial arts.Senior Babe Ruth and American Legion: These are competitive summer teams for high school-age players. Information is available in the online Community Sports Calendar, updated each Tuesday on Columbian.com/sports.Resources for assessing the benefits and drawbacks of a youth sports program include:Vancouver Tennis and Racquetball Center, 360-696-8123.American Academy of Pediatrics, <a href="http://www.aap.org">http://www.aap.org</a>• What is the complete cost of the program and does it cover insurance? Their background: In 1983, Terry and his wife, Mary, began Clark County Youth Football (CCYF) with about 65 athletes.

Two Leagues serve Clark County: Hazel Dell Metro (hazeldellmetro.com), and Camas-Washougal Babe Ruth (cwbaberuth.com, 360-870-3503). The number of private teams organized by parents — particularly in baseball and basketball — continues to grow in Clark County.Most local courses have programs for youth golfers.When looking for sports programs for a child, the President’s Council on Physical Fitness recommends parents spend time with their child playing different sports and recreational activities.Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State University, <a href="http://www.educ.msu.edu/ysi">http://www.educ.msu.edu/ysi</a>Still other studies indicate that childhood obesity is a significant problem in America, one that can impact kids for a lifetime.

Online registration is currently open. Don’t be too quick to specialize in one activity, many experts and coaches say. Some of the options: swimming, gymnastics, track and field, equestrian sports, cycling, rowing, tennis and martial arts.Most organized sports programs offer financial assistance, or the option to trade volunteer time for participation.Lord’s Gym Wrestling Club: Program for wrestlers in grades 1-12.

Clark County Youth Football (CCYF) is currently planning on a fall season as normal with all programs. (Note that many programs offer financial aid).Club Green Meadows, 360-256-1510.Lake Shore Athletic Club, 360-574-1991.• What is the time commitment involved for games and practices?Camas Parks and Recreation, 360-834-5307.Public organizations that offer youth sports programs include:The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends delaying specialization until a child has reached puberty.Recent studies point to a variety of benefits for children who participate in organized sports. Information is available from high school coaches.In Clark County, youth sports programs are available through parks and recreation departments, community education programs, fitness clubs such as the YMCA, and established youth sports programs such as Little League and youth soccer clubs. Tax ID #86-1129653. We believe you must play the best in order to be the best and compete at the highest levels.Stay tuned for all the latest LVFFL newsOur inaugural season is set to begin Friday Nights, January 12th through March 9th (dates subject to change).The LVFFL Flag is a program designed for the more competitive teams.