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GET ACTIVE AND BE A SPORT
The YMCA of Avery County offers a variety of sports programs for youth and adults throughout the year. The John M. Blackburn Indoor Athletic Facility and the O’Connell Fieldhouse are able to offer more activities, more often, and for every age group.
The Blackburn Athletic Facility houses two full gymnasiums that provide space for a variety of sports and activities including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, indoor soccer and more. The O’Connell Fieldhouse features two golf simulators, batting cages and adjustable pitching machines for either hardball or softball, and a functional fitness area.
Check out the Athletic Facility Schedule below for Open Gym times, scheduled hours for Pickleball, Basketball and more!
YOUTH ATHLETICS
YOUTH STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
For High School Youth who want to work on strength, agility, and speed to improve their athletic performance. This hour long program can help you take your skills to the next level and just in time for your sport’s season!
Registration is required.
WHEN: Tuesday and Thursday Evenings; Beginning September 14th
TIME: 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm
WHO: High School Students. You do not have to be a student athlete to register.
LOCATION: O’Connell Fieldhouse
COST:
- Drop-In – $10/class
- Members – $80/ 10 classes
- Non-members – $100/ 10 classes
For more information please contact Erica Shingleton, Ericas@ymcaavery.org.
CLUB SPORTS
Each month the YMCA will highlight skills and drills practice for a featured sport. Join us to build or enhance your skills while playing in scrimmages and having fun!
This Fall season will feature Club Basketball
Registration is open.
WHEN: Wednesday Evenings; Beginning September 1st
TIME: 5:00 pm- 6:00 pm
WHO: Anyone ages 5-18 years old
LOCATION: Blackburn Athletic Facility, GYM B
COST: Three ways to play
- $5/drop in rate
- MEMBERS – $20/month
- NON-MEMBERS – $30/month
For more information please contact Erica Shingleton, Ericas@ymcaavery.org.
FALL YOUTH SOCCER
Make this season great! The YMCA Fall Youth Soccer Season registration is now open. Our season starts August 23rd and ends with the last game on Saturday, October 16th. The first game will be Saturday, August 28th. Games will be every Saturday and game times will run from 9am-1pm.
- WHEN: August 23rd – October 16th
- WHERE: Games and Practices will be held at Newland Christian Church – 2800 Miller’s Gap Highway, Newland, NC 28657
- TIMES: Practices times will be weekday evenings. Team practice times will be announced by the coaches. Game times will be Saturdays from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
- COST: $55 members
$65 Non-members
For more information please contact Erica Shingleton, Ericas@ymcaavery.org.
ADULT ATHLETICS
Krav Maga
Introducing a new way to learn self defense. Krav Maga is a simple and effective self defense practice that focuses on instinctive movements and realistic training scenarios.
Registration Required.
WHO: Adults 16 and older
WHEN: Wednesday Evenings from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm and Saturday Mornings from 8:00 am – 9:30 am
WHERE: The Main YMCA Facility in the Healthy Living Room
COST: $20 for both YMCA and Non-YMCA Members Offered at No Cost for Avery County First Responders
For more information please contact Erica Shingleton, Ericas@ymcaavery.org.
Pickleball
Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. From one-on-one games to team games you won’t find a sport that is more engaging for the whole family!
Reserve Your Court Time Below To Join The Fun!
WHO: Anyone who is familiar with the basics or Pickleball
WHEN: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
TIME: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
WHERE: The Blackburn Athletic Facility, Gym A
For more information please contact Erica Shingleton, Ericas@ymcaavery.org.
4 Easy Steps to Register for Pickleball:
- Click on the “Make a Reservation” button and fill in all requested information
- Under Appointment Type select Court 1, Court 2, or Court 3.
- Under Staff Type select the same Court number and Advanced Pickleball: Court 1, Advanced Pickleball
- Click “update” and then select your date and time by clicking “book”.
For more information please contact Erica Shingleton, Ericas@ymcaavery.org.
Beginners Pickleball
If you are new to the sport or trying it for the first time, Beginners Pickleball is the perfect place for you!
Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. From one-on-one games to team games you won’t find a sport that is more engaging for the whole family!
Reserve Your Court Time Below To Join The Fun!
WHO: Anyone who is new to or trying the sport for the first time.
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays
TIME: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
WHERE: The Blackburn Athletic Facility, Gym A
For more information please contact Erica Shingleton, Ericas@ymcaavery.org.
4 Easy Steps to Register for Beginners Pickleball:
- Click on the “Make a Reservation” button and fill in all requested information
- Under Appointment Type select Court 1, Court 2, or Court 3.
- Under Staff Type select the same Court number and Beginner Pickleball: Court 1, Beginner Pickleball
- Click “update” and then select your date and time by clicking “book”.
For more information please contact Erica Shingleton, Ericas@ymcaavery.org.
Introduction to Pickleball Program
Interested in learning how to play Pickleball? Join our Introduction to Pickleball Program to learn the basics, work of skill development, and have fun!
Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. From one-on-one games to team games you won’t find a sport that is more engaging for the whole family!
Registration Required.
WHO: Anyone who wants to learn the basics of how to play.
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays
TIME: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
WHERE: The Blackburn Athletic Facility, Gym A
For more information please contact Erica Shingleton, Ericas@ymcaavery.org.
3 Easy Steps to Register for Introduction To Pickleball:
- Click on the “Make a Reservation” button and fill in all requested information.
- Under Appointment Type select “Intro to Pickleball”
- Click “update” and then select your date and time by clicking “book”.
For more information please contact Erica Shingleton, Ericas@ymcaavery.org.
Self-Defense Classes
A new beginners self-defense class will be starting in September. If you have ever wanted to learn the basics of how defend yourself from an attack this is the place to be! Instructor Carl Frost has over 35 years of experience teaching and training in Martial Arts. These classes will meet once a week for three week, with a maximum of 12 participants in each class.
For more information please email Erica Shingleton, Athletics Director at Ericas@ymcaavery.org.
MAKE A RESERVATION
Reserve your time slot on a Pickleball Court, in a Batting Cage or Golf Simulator!
Click the button, fill in your information so we can find you in our system and the choose your date, time and activity!
Hours of reservations for Pickleball Courts, Batting Cages and Golf Simulators are:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:00am-12:00pm and 4:00pm-7:00pm
- Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00am – 12:00 pm
- Saturdays 8:00am-12:00pm.
Only available time slots left will be shown. Issues getting logged in? Call the YMCA Membership Services desk for help – 828-737-5500.
Athletic Facility Schedules
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EVENT RESERVATIONS
Looking for a fun and engaging place to hold your next party? Rent one of the Blackburn Athletic Facility gyms to host your next event. Reservations can be made for Saturday afternoons after 12:00pm.
For more information or to reserve the space, please contact Erica Shingleton, Ericas@ymcaavery.org.
