Kickball is one of the most popular recreational sports in the country. Created in the early 1900s, and mostly played in elementary school yards, kickball has been a favored sport for generations. Since there is no specialized equipment, or the need for highly skilled positions, kickball has become an accessible sport for children of all ages.
After a successful first season, Arizona Crush Kickball is now gearing up for another one as registration is currently underway for the local youth kickball league that provides a positive recreational opportunity for those throughout the community.
"The Crush Kickball youth recreational league was developed in 2023 as an alternative to the more expensive and competitive leagues. I found my own children burned out from club sports or lacking the athleticism needed for competitive sports, but still wanting to be part of a sports team. Since there was no recreational youth kickball league throughout most of Arizona, Crush Kickball was launched to meet the need," explained Tracy Werner, president of Arizona Crush Kickball.
She said Crush is designed to promote a healthy youth lifestyle, develop player self confidence, foster good sportsmanship, encourage peer role modeling and, most of all, create a fun and safe environment for all Arizona youth. Although focus has been primarily on the Southeast Valley communities of Queen Creek, San Tan Valley and Florence, Crush hopes to become a statewide program over the next few years.
"In our inaugural season this past spring, Crush Kickball had about 90 registered players, which rostered eight teams in three different age groups," Werner said. "Registration is now open for the fall season and we hope to double the registration numbers, expanding the age divisions, and having enough teams in each division for an end-of-season tournament."
Regular registration is now open through Sunday, Sept. 1 for the 2024 fall season, which begins on Saturday, Sept. 7 and ends after Saturday, Nov. 23 play. Cost for the approximately 10-game season is $85 per child, with a $5 siblings discount. Late registration, which costs $115 per child, begins on Monday, Sept 2 and goes through Sunday, Sept. 15.
"This is considerably less than other recreational youth programs in the area. We offer scholarships that cover the full registration costs for those who meet certain financial criteria," said Werner. "For those families who educate their children using the Department of Education Empowerment Scholarship, Crush Kickball, LLC is an approved provider through Class Wallet. It is easy to pay the registration fees using the vendor pay system or by requesting a reimbursement."
She added that the Crush Kickball organization believes that every child deserves to play regardless of their ability to pay. Therefore, each season they offer a limited number of scholarships for those who need help paying registration costs. Information regarding these scholarships can be found here.
"If you are interested in donating to the Crush Kickball scholarship program and providing a way for youth of financially challenged families to have a recreational sports experience, please email me at [email protected]," noted Werner.
All games are played at San Tan Foothills High School, located at 1255 W. Silverdale Road in San Tan Valley.
"Eight of my children ranging in ages 7 to 16 are rostered players. If you ask them what they liked most about the league they would say things like: actual game playing, meeting teammates, making new friends, and the coach," added Werner. "Together we will not only grow the program but, more importantly, make a difference in the lives of youth within our community."
For more information on this youth recreational league, visit CrushKickball.com.
