Best Fall Sports Leagues For Kids In Cleveland

The Daily Meal Staff|Sept. 12, 2014 7:00 am EST

Team sports can help kids learn about hard work, discipline, teamwork and also keep them healthy and active. Sports leagues are a wonderful way to have kids learn skills, while also building relationships with others. From basketball, football, cheerleading, soccer, volleyball and more, here are some of the premier leagues in the area to keep your child active during the fall and winter months.

Cleveland Police Athletic League
1300 Ontario St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 623-3360
www.clevelandpal.org

The Cleveland Police Athletic League was started by the one and only Elliot Ness over 70 years ago. This program benefits kids from low income families, helping to keep kids off the street and teach them about teamwork and sportsmanship. There are several sports options offered, including football, baseball, basketball, tennis and even boxing and karate. The program is free and options are available for kids and young adults ranging in age from 5-21 years old.

City of Cleveland – Recreational Activities
601 Lakeside Ave
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
(216) 664-2000
www.city.cleveland.oh.us

There are several locations for the variety of fall teams that the City of Cleveland's Department of Recreational Activities has to offer. Fall programs include flag football, indoor soccer, softball and co-ed volleyball. There is even a winter basketball team available for those interested in that sport. The City of Cleveland is devoted to bringing superior services to its residents through the recreational centers and staff. With several locations throughout the city, there is surely one nearby that will suit your needs.

Cleveland Muny Football League
601 Lakeside Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 355-5667
www.cmfleague.org

The Cleveland Muny Football League has helped develop several star high school, college and even some professional football players from a young age. With 25 teams and eight different fields, the Cleveland Muny Football League is the premier youth football league in the area for kids ages 6-14. The league helps teach the kids involved about hard work, dedication and teaches them about the sport. There are also cheerleading squads for the kids to participate in if that is of interest rather than football. There is no charge to play on one of the teams.

i9 Sports Fall Basketball League
Cosmas and Damian
10439 Ravenna Rd.
Twinsburg, OH 44087
(330) 208-6463
www.i9sports.com

The i9 Sports Fall Basketball League at Cosmas and Damian is a family-friendly league that focuses on healthy competition and fun. Making sure every participant feels included and practices in a safe manner with good sportsmanship is what's emphasized at the i9 Sports Fall Basketball League, and at all i9 Sports league teams. There are three age groups so that the competition is fair and appropriate. Boys and girls are grouped from age 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12. The league starts November 16, 2014 on Sunday afternoons and runs through December 21, 2014. There is a baseball league offered in the spring.

Soccer Sportsplex Excalibur Soccer Club
31515 Lorain Rd.
North Olmstead, OH 44070
(440) 979-9997
www.soccersportsplex.com

The Soccer Sportsplex Excalibur Soccer Club teaches kids ages 4-12 about soccer and allows them to practice and play on teams throughout the fall and winter months with state-of-the-art indoor soccer fields. The teams are divided by age and there are programs available this fall from October 29, 2014 to December 3, 2014. This soccer league focuses on the growth and development of the young athlete and helps cultivate a love of indoor sports. There is a small fee to join this league.

Marcia Hudgel is a writer, yoga teacher, wife, mother to her animals and aunt to 10 nieces and nephews living in Cleveland, OH. She writes about family, animals. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.