Athletics

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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!

GOLF SIMULATOR & BATTING CAGE RESERVATIONS

Reserve a 50 minute time slot for a Golf Simulator or Batting Cage.

There is a $2 reservation fee for NON-MEMBERS in addition to the $10/$5 guest fee to access the YMCA for the day.

Click the button to log into your YMCA Membership Account and follow these steps to schedule your reservation today!

Step 1: Log onto your Daxko Member profile*

Step 2: Beside Services, click New.

Step 3: Select the Avery County Branch, select your Reservation Type, and click View Availability

Step 4: Pick the desired Day and Time, select the Member(s) for the Reservation, and click Done.

Step 5: Click Continue to sign your Agreements/Waivers, and Click ‘I Agree‘.

Step 7: To Confirm your reservation, click ‘Check-Out.’

Note: there is a five-visit schedule limit

*Issues getting logged in? Call the YMCA Membership Services desk for help – 828-737-5500.

To book the Fieldhouse for Team use, please contact Kierstin Johnson at [email protected] to ensure your reservation is secured.

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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 Friday evenings or Saturday afternoons. During your allotted party rental, the party will have access to athletic equipment, tables, chairs, and a refrigerator.

All Blackburn Athletic Facility Partys are 3 hours

Click the button to log into your YMCA Membership Account and follow these steps to schedule your reservation today!

Step 1: Log onto your Daxko Member profile*

Step 2: Beside Activities, click Register for a Program.

Step 3: Select the Blackburn Party from the categories list.

Step 4: Click Party, then the blue Register button.

Step 5: Select the adult who will be responsible for the party reservation.

Step 6: Select the date and time of the Party.

Step 7: To Confirm your reservation, click ‘Proceed to Checkout.’

Step 8: Complete the form with your information and if you would like to add a bounce house to the reservation, click Next.

Step 9: Read the Agreement/Waivers and click Accept & Sign.

Step 10: Click Checkout and complete your payment online.

*Issues getting logged in? Call the YMCA Membership Services desk for help – 828-737-5500.

For more information, please contact Faith Boyette at [email protected].

MEMBERSHIP LOGIN

YOUTH ATHLETICS

HOMESCHOOL PE

Homeschool PE is open for Spring registrations! Open to all Homeschool students, join us for an hour of structured physical activity, including games, athletic skill development, team building skills, swimming and more.

  • WHERE: Blackburn Gym B
  • WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays; August 3rd-October 23rd
  • TIME: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
  • WHO: Ages 4-12
  • COST: $40/child for YMCA Members; $60/child for Non-YMCA Members
For more information, please contact Faith Boyette at [email protected].
Homeschool PE Registration

FALL YOUTH SOCCER 2026

Make this season great! Registration for the YMCA Spring Youth Soccer Season is open! Games will be every Saturday, and game times will run from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Registration Open July 1st-September 1st (Late Registration Extended Until September 20th)

Open to ages 4 – 12 years old

  • WHEN: September 14th-Novemebr 21st
  • WHERE: Games and Practices will be held at Newland Christian Church –  2800 Miller’s Gap Highway, Newland, NC 28657
  • TIMES: Practice 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
  • REGULAR REGISTRATION COST: $30/child for YMCA Members; $45/child for Non-YMCA Members
  • LATE REGISTRATION COST: $50/child for YMCA Members; $60/child for Non-YMCA Members
For more information, please contact Faith Boyette at [email protected].
Fall Soccer Registration

SPIRIT 

This program is for kids wanting to learn dance basics, taught by the Lees-McRae College Dance Team and Head Coach Victoria Bowman. We’ll cover Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Pom, and end with a showcase in the Blackburn Athletic Facility. No experience required. This program is for children ages 5-11. There are limited spots for this program. REGISTRATION IS OPEN JUNE 1st-AUGUST 8th.

WHEN: Monday and Wednesday; August 3rd-October 23rd
TIMES: TBD

COST: $60/child for YMCA Members, $80/child for Non-YMCA Members

For more information, please contact Faith Boyette at [email protected].
Pre-K-2nd Grade Registration

ADULT ATHLETICS

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!

WHO: Anyone who is familiar with the basics or Pickleball

MORNINGS: Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30 am – 1:30pm & Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9:00 am – 11:00 am

EVENINGS: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

WHERE: The Blackburn Athletic Facility, Gym B

For more information please contact Kierstin Johnson, [email protected].

Athletic Facility Schedules

John M. Blackburn Indoor Athletic Facility Schedule
Paul O’Connell Field House Schedule

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