Best Fall Sports Leagues For Kids In The Bay Area

EBYS (East Bay Youth Sports) is a youth sports organization showcasing NFL Flag Football and Tackle Football. EBYS is dedicated to building character, sportsmanship, confidence and ability of the youth in the San Francisco East Bay area. This year-round, full-service sports organization aims to develop character, sportsmanship and confidence through sports, while building successful individuals. EBYS offers family-friendly schedules throughout the East Bay with fall and winter leagues. Contact Flag Football is open to ages 6–12, NFL Flag Football is for ages 4-13 and Tackle Football for ages 7-13. The Basketball Fun Clinic, for ages 5-13, is an "instructional play" program just right for beginners and intermediate players who are matched according to ability. The focus of the games is on teamwork and the fundamentals of the game, and not on the finer technicalities, yet stays challenging for intermediate players to increase their ability and love of the game. Check the website for full details and to register.

The BAYS Foundation recognizes the valuable role organized sports play in young people's lives. It "believes that organized sports can engage and transform the experiences of all young people, and when part of structured programs with a larger educational mission, can help change lives and strengthen communities." Unfortunately, many Bay Area low-income children lack opportunities to play organized sports, and with budget cuts to education, after-school programs offer the only chance for some kids to get regular physical activity. Fortunately, many non-profit programs have been created to fill the gap and provide access to sports for Bay Area youth. The BAYS Foundation works with organizations to strengthen programs that provide such sports opportunities by developing relationships with partner organizations, and working with them by providing needed funds and human resources to impact the programs and the children they serve in meaningful ways. The BAYS Foundation supports the following non-profit organizations that increase access to organized sports, including sports leagues camps, and educational programs across the Bay Area. Check out each organization to learn more about its sports programs: America SCORES Bay Area, East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring (EPATT), Girls on the Run Bay Area, KEEN San Francisco, Oakland Community Pools Project and Real Options for City Kids (R.O.C.K).

The SF Youth Fencing Club is part of Halberstadt Fencers's Club, a top fencing club and education facility since 1942. As one of the premier fencing clubs in the United States, Halberstadt athletes are often finalists in local and national tournaments, so parents know children will definitely learn from some of the nation's top pros. Fencing is an awesome sport that, according to Halberstadt Fencers' Club, improves perception, concentration, imagination and quick analytical thinking. Fencing also helps develop resilience, self-control, self-confidence and positive motivation. With excellent instructors, ongoing classes and camps, for beginner (from age 7) to advanced students, what more could you ask for? An introductory special for ages 7 to 10, $148 for four classes in one month, is available to new students only. Visit the website for complete information.

Silver Creek Sportsplex offers tons of sport and fitness options for kids and their families. There are so many sport options for kids here that every child can enjoy, and become part of a learning team. Lil' Kickers soccer for ages 18 months to 9 years is a popular program, with high-energy classes to enhance a child's well-being. Youth Baseball offers several classes for ages 3-11 and is a great way to nurture a kid's love of sports and physical activity. Other sports classes include box lacrosse, skating, golf, badminton, martial arts, roller hockey and more; varied age groups are according to sport. Visit the website for complete information.

SoccerKids may be just what your 2.5-year-old to 7-year-old soccer lover needs to learn and play soccer, without the pressure of an older sibling's team. With classes at multiple locations in San Francisco and Marin, SoccerKids is pretty convenient and close to home for many parents. Fall 2014 classes at all locations begin early September; classes are one and 1.5 hours, and fees begin at $165 for once-weekly sessions. Classes are offered year round with age-appropriate instructors, and max class size is 15 kids. SoccerKids Team Training is an excellent opportunity for kids to take their soccer knowledge to the next level with league play while they continue receiving instruction. Children excited to learn baseball will enjoy the TeeBallKids classes, offered at several San Francisco and Marin locations. Visit the website for additional information and to register.