Youth Programs
Basketball (Winter 2024-2025)
- Instructional (4 years - 1st Grade, Co-ed)
- Instructional (2nd Grade, Co-ed)
- Recreational (Grades 3-8, Boys & Girls)
- Travel (Grades 5-8, Boys & Girls)
- High School (Grades 9-12, Boys)
Instructional (4 years - 1st Grade, Co-ed)
Registration Open: September 30 - November 17, 2024
Join the Ellington Parks & Recreation Department and learn how to play basketball! This program is designed to cover the fundamentals of basketball through coach-led drills and non-competitive games. Volunteer coaches are needed for this program. If you are interested in coaching, please email Robert Gorman (Recreation Program & Event Specialist) at rgorman@ellington-ct.gov.
Where: Ellington Middle School Gymnasium
When: Saturdays, December 14, 21; January 4, 11, 18, 25; February 1, 8
Time: 1st Grade 8:30AM - 9:30AM
Kindergarten 9:45AM - 10:45AM
4 year old's 11AM - 11:30AM (Parent Participation Required)
Cost: $60 = 4 year old's (includes T-shirt)
$80 = Kindergarten, 1st Grade (includes T-shirt)
Attire/Equipment: Basketball shoes, water bottle (labeled with name), 27.5" Basketball (4 year old's do not need to bring
their own ball)
Instructional Basketball is an in-house program. We do not guarantee specific requests for teams, times, or locations. Players cannot be transferred once assigned to a team. League assignments are determined by the participant’s current grade, participants are not able to play in a higher grade.
Register on ActiveNet:
Instructional (2nd Grade, Co-ed)
Registration Open: September 30 - November 17, 2024
Join the Ellington Parks & Recreation Department and learn how to play basketball! This program is designed to cover the fundamentals of basketball through coach-led drills and non-competitive games. Volunteer coaches are needed for this program. If you are interested in coaching, please email Robert Gorman (Recreation Program & Event Specialist) at rgorman@ellington-ct.gov.
Where: Crystal Lake Elementary School Gymnasium
When: Fridays, December 13, 20; January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; February 7
Time: 5:00PM - 6:00PM & 6:15PM - 7:15PM (depending on the game schedule)
Cost: $80 (includes T-shirt)
Attire/Equipment: Basketball shoes, water bottle (labeled with name), 27.5" Basketball
Instructional Basketball is an in-house program. We do not guarantee specific requests for teams, times, or locations. Players cannot be transferred once assigned to a team. League assignments are determined by the participant’s current grade, participants are not able to play in a higher grade.
Register on ActiveNet:
Recreational (Grades 3-8, Boys & Girls)
Registration Open: September 10 - November 17, 2024
Ellington's Recreational Basketball Program, for youth in grades 3 - 8 generally meets December through early March, pending facility approvals. For more information on our recreational basketball program, please contact our office at recreationstaff@ellington-ct.gov or (860) 870-3118.
Where: Practices/Games can be played at any of the following locations:
Windermere Elementary School - 2 Abbott Road (Ellington, CT)
Center Elementary School - 49 Main Street (Ellington, CT)
Crystal Lake Elementary School - 59 South Road (Ellington, CT)
Ellington Middle School - 46 Middle Butcher Road (Ellington, CT)
Ellington High School - 37 Maple Street (Ellington, CT)
When: Games are typically played on Saturdays (January - early March)
* Weeknight and Sunday games are possible
Practices: 1 per week (based on coach and gym availability)
Time: TBD (based on coach and gym availability)
Cost: $130 (includes jersey)
Attire/Equipment: Basketball shoes, water bottle (labeled with name), 28.5" basketball (Boys 7/8: 29.5")
Volunteer coaches are needed for this program. If you are interested in coaching, please email Kevin Barrett (Recreation Supervisor) at kbarrett@ellington-ct.gov.
Recreational Basketball is an in-house program. In the event of low registration, teams may play games in neighboring towns. We do not honor specific requests for teams, practice days, or locations. Players cannot be transferred once drafted to a team. League assignments are determined by the participant’s current grade, participants are not able to play in a higher grade.
Skills Assessment: Saturday, December 7th
Ellington Parks and Recreation volunteer coaches determine a player’s team placement based on a number of factors. Please plan to attend the skills assessment to assist our volunteer coaches in building well-balanced teams. We do our best with limited knowledge to create fair teams. The goal of this league is to provide fun, recreational play for youth. Everyone registered for the program will be placed on a team. You will receive an email with the exact time and location for the skills assessment. Only players who have registered (prior to the registration deadline) and paid for the program may participate.
Register on ActiveNet:
3rd & 4th grade girls 5th & 6th grade girls 7th & 8th grade girls 3rd & 4th grade boys 5th & 6th grade boys 7th & 8th grade boys
Travel (Grades 5-8, Boys & Girls)
Registration Open: September 10 - September 29, 2024
Ellington's Travel Basketball Program, for youth in grades 5 - 8 generally meets October through early March, pending facility approvals. For more information on our travel basketball program, please contact our office at recreationstaff@ellington-ct.gov or (860) 870-3118.
Tryouts: Only those that want to play at our most competitive level (travel) should attend the basketball tryouts. All others that register will be placed on an age-appropriate recreational basketball team. Players must attend and participate in a minimum of 2 tryouts (out of 3) to be eligible for selection to a travel team. Please remember that players must be registered before attending tryouts. Tryouts are typically held during the month of October. (See schedule below)
Where: Practices/Games can be played at any of the following locations:
Windermere Elementary School - 2 Abbott Road (Ellington, CT)
Crystal Lake Elementary School - 59 South Road (Ellington, CT)
Ellington Middle School - 46 Middle Butcher Road (Ellington, CT)
Ellington High School - 37 Maple Street (Ellington, CT)
When: Games will be based on the NCC Travel Schedule
Practices: 1-2 per week (based on coach and gym availability)
Time: TBD (based on coach and gym availability)
Cost: $130 + $105 (travel fee) + $85 (uniform - purchased through Scott's Sports Supplies)
Attire/Equipment: Basketball shoes, water bottle (labeled with name), basketball
Volunteer coaches are needed for this program. If you are interested in coaching, please email recreationstaff@ellington-ct.gov.
Tryout Dates 2024:
High School (Grades 9-12, Boys)
Registration Open: September 30 - December 9, 2024
Ellington's High School (Recreational) Basketball Program, for youth in grades 9 - 12 generally meets December through early March, pending facility approvals. For more information on our high school basketball program, please contact our office at recreationstaff@ellington-ct.gov or (860) 870-3118.
Where: Practices/Games can be played at any of the following locations:
Windermere Elementary School - 2 Abbott Road (Ellington, CT)
Center Elementary School - 49 Main Street (Ellington, CT)
Crystal Lake Elementary School - 59 South Road (Ellington, CT)
Ellington Middle School - 46 Middle Butcher Road (Ellington, CT)
Ellington High School - 37 Maple Street (Ellington, CT)
When: Games are typically played on Saturdays (December - February)
* Weeknight and Weekend games are possible
Practices: based on coach and gym availability
Time: TBD (based on coach and gym availability)
Cost: $130 (includes jersey)
Attire/Equipment: Basketball shoes, water bottle (labeled with name), 29.5" basketball
Volunteer coaches are needed for this program. If you are interested in coaching, please email Kevin Barrett (Recreation Supervisor) at kbarrett@ellington-ct.gov.
High School (Recreational) Basketball is an in-house program. In the event of low registration, teams may play games in neighboring towns. We do not honor specific requests for teams, practice days, or locations. Players cannot be transferred once drafted to a team.
Soccer (Fall 2024)
- Instructional (3 years - 2nd Grade, Co-ed)
- Recreational (Grades 3-8, Boys & Girls)
- Competitive (Grades 3-8, Boys & Girls)
Instructional (3 years - 2nd Grade, Co-ed)
Registration Closes: August 12, 2024
Join the Ellington Parks & Recreation Department and learn how to play soccer! This program is designed to cover the fundamentals of soccer through coach-led drills and non-competitive games. Volunteer coaches are needed for this program. If you are interested in coaching, please email Kevin Barrett (Recreation Supervisor) at kbarrett@ellington-ct.gov.
Where: Robert Tedford Memorial Park (Small Soccer Fields - A, C, D; Full Size Field)
When: September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26; Rain date: Nov. 2
Time: 3 & 4 year old's 8:45AM - 9:30AM
Kindergarten 8:45AM - 9:30AM
First Grade 10:00AM - 10:45AM
Second Grade 11:00AM - 11:45AM
Cost: $65 (includes T-shirt)
Attire: Children are required to wear shin guards, soccer socks and proper foot attire (cleats)
Equipment: Size 3 soccer ball, water bottle (labeled with name)
Register on ActiveNet:
Recreational (Grades 3-8, Boys & Girls)
Registration Closes: July 18, 2024
Ellington's Recreational Soccer Program, for youth in grades 3 - 8 generally meets August through early November. Teams are comprised based on age and play against towns in the local area. For more information on our recreational soccer program, please contact our office at recreationstaff@ellington-ct.gov or (860) 870-3118.
Where: Practices/Games can be played at any of the following locations:
Robert Tedford Memorial Park - 45 Sadds Mill Road (Route 140) (Ellington, CT)
Pinney Street Fields - 63 Pinney Street (Ellington, CT)
When: Games are typically played on the weekends (September - early November)
* Weeknight games are possible
Practices: 1-2 per week (based on coach and field availability)
Time: TBD (based on coach and field availability)
Cost: $105 + team jersey (all players must purchase their shirt in a link provided prior to the start of the season)
Attire/Equipment: Children are required to wear shin guards, soccer socks and proper foot attire (cleats)
Volunteer coaches are needed for this program. If you are interested in coaching, please email Dustin Huguenin (Recreation Director) at dhuguenin@ellington-ct.gov.
Competitive (Grades 3-8, Boys & Girls)
Registration Closes: July 18, 2024
2024 FALL SOCCER TRYOUT SCHEDULE
Ellington's Competitive Soccer Program, for youth in grades 3 - 8 generally meets August through early November. Teams are comprised based on age (birth year) and play against towns in the local area. For more information on our competitive soccer program, please contact our office at recreationstaff@ellington-ct.gov or (860) 870-3118.
Rising Age Groups for 2024/25:
- U9 (born 2016)
- U10 (born 2015)
- U11 (born 2014)
- U12 (born 2013)
- U13/14/15 (born 2012,2011,2010)
* Age groups may be combined depending upon the league composition *
Where: Practices/Games can be played at any of the following locations:
Robert Tedford Memorial Park - 45 Sadds Mill Road (Route 140) (Ellington, CT)
Pinney Street Fields - 63 Pinney Street (Ellington, CT)
When: Games are typically played on the weekends (September - early November)
* Weeknight games are possible
Practices: 1-2 per week (based on coach and field availability)
Time: TBD (based on coach and field availability)
Cost: $105 + team jersey (all players must purchase their shirt in a link provided prior to the start of the season)
Attire/Equipment: Children are required to wear shin guards, soccer socks and proper foot attire (cleats)
Volunteer coaches are needed for this program. If you are interested in coaching, please email Dustin Huguenin (Recreation Director) at dhuguenin@ellington-ct.gov.
Dek Hockey (Fall 2024) - J4cob's Arena
Recreational (Ages 7-12, Co-ed)
Join us for the inaugural season of the Jacob Roger Poulin Dek Hockey League! This program is designed to cover the fundamentals of hockey through coach-led practices and games. Volunteer coaches are needed for this program. If you are interested in coaching, please email recreationstaff@ellington-ct.gov.
What is Dek Hockey?
Dek hockey is an enhanced version of street hockey that is played on a smooth, plastic surface inside a hockey rink. Players wear sneakers and run. There is no skating, ice or rollerblades. The league is co-ed, and while there is required equipment, it is NOT full contact. This program provides children of all skill levels (brand new to seasoned players) an opportunity to develop hockey skills in a fun, fast-paced atmosphere. Teams will be comprised based on age... 7-9 year old's (Penguins) and 10-12 year old's (Beaver's).
Where: Robert Tedford Memorial Park (J4cob's Arena)
When: Games: 1 per week (typically played on Saturday)
Practices: 1 per week (based on coach and facility availability)
Time: TBD (based on coach and facility availability)
Equipment (Required): Helmet, elbow & shin pads, athletic sneakers, gloves and a regulation stick
The Ellington Recreation Department is currently taking a interest list for this program until all of the details have been finalized and we can ensure a viable league. If you are interested in playing dek hockey, please email recreationstaff@ellington-ct.gov.
Soccer (Spring 2024)
- Instructional (Ages 4-8, Co-ed)
- Recreational (Grades 3-8, Boys & Girls)
- Competitive (Grades 3-8, Boys & Girls)
Instructional (Ages 4-8, Co-ed)
Registration Open: March 1 - April 5, 2024
Join the Ellington Parks & Recreation Department and learn how to play soccer! This program is designed to cover the fundamentals of soccer through coach-led drills and non-competitive games. Volunteer coaches are needed for this program. If you are interested in coaching, please email Kevin Barrett (Recreation Supervisor) at kbarrett@ellington-ct.gov.
Where: Robert Tedford Memorial Park (Small Soccer Fields - A, C, D, E)
When: April 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13 (Makeup Date: May 20)
Time: Ages 4 & 5 5:30PM-6:15PM
Ages 6, 7, & 8 6:30PM-7:30PM
Cost: $45 (includes T-shirt)
Attire: Children are required to wear shin guards, soccer socks and proper foot attire (cleats)
Equipment: Size 3 soccer ball, water bottle (labeled with name)
Instructional Soccer is an in-house program. We do not guarantee specific requests for teams, times, or locations. Players cannot be transferred once assigned to a team. Team assignments are determined by the participant’s current age, participants are not able to play in a higher grade.
Register on ActiveNet:
Recreational (Grades 3-8, Boys & Girls)
Registration Open: February 9 - March 14, 2024
Ellington's Recreational Soccer Program, for youth in grades 3 - 8 generally meets April through mid-June, pending facility approvals and adequate field conditions. Teams are comprised based on age and play against towns in the local area. For more information on our recreational soccer program, please contact our office at recreationstaff@ellington-ct.gov or (860) 870-3118.
Where: Practices/Games can be played at any of the following locations:
Robert Tedford Memorial Park - 45 Sadds Mill Road (Route 140) (Ellington, CT)
When: Games are typically played on the weekends
* Weeknight games are possible
Practices: 1-2 per week (based on coach and field availability)
Time: TBD (based on coach and field availability)
Cost: $90
Attire/Equipment: Children are required to wear shin guards, soccer socks and proper foot attire (cleats)
Volunteer coaches are needed for this program. If you are interested in coaching, please email Dustin Huguenin (Recreation Director) at dhuguenin@ellington-ct.gov.
Register on ActiveNet:
BOYS:
Boys Born 2010-2011 Boys born 2012 boys born 2013 boys born 2014 boys born 2015
GIRLS:
Girls Born 2010-2011 girls born 2012-2013 girls born 2014 girls born 2015
Competitive (Grades 3-8, Boys & Girls)
Registration Open: February 9 - March 14, 2024
Ellington's Competitive Soccer Program, for youth in grades 3 - 8 generally meets April through mid-June, pending facility approvals and adequate field conditions. Teams are comprised based on age and play against towns in the local area. For more information on our competitive soccer program, please contact our office at recreationstaff@ellington-ct.gov or (860) 870-3118.
The current Parks & Recreation Commission policy holds the following provision: Players that are selected to competitive soccer teams for the fall 2023 season in Division 3, 4 or 5 levels, and who register by the defined deadline for spring soccer 2024 are eligible to return to their existing team for spring soccer, provided that particular team is enrolled in the spring 2024 schedule.
Rising Age Groups for 2023/24:
- U9 (born 2014 - 2015)
- U10 (born 2013)
- U11 (born 2012)
- U12 (born 2011)
- U13 (born 2010)
- U14 (born 2009)
- U15 (born 2008)
* Age groups may be combined depending upon the league composition *
Where: Practices/Games can be played at any of the following locations:
Robert Tedford Memorial Park - 45 Sadds Mill Road (Route 140) (Ellington, CT)
When: Games are typically played on the weekends
* Weeknight games are possible
Practices: 1-2 per week (based on coach and field availability)
Time: TBD (based on coach and field availability)
Cost: $90
Attire/Equipment: Children are required to wear shin guards, soccer socks and proper foot attire (cleats)
Volunteer coaches are needed for this program. If you are interested in coaching, please email Dustin Huguenin (Recreation Director) at dhuguenin@ellington-ct.gov.
T-Ball (Spring 2024)
Instructional (Ages 4-5, Co-ed)
Registration Open: March 1 - April 11, 2024
Join the Ellington Parks & Recreation Department and learn how to play tee ball! This program is designed to cover the fundamentals of baseball/softball through coach-led drills and non-competitive games. Volunteer coaches are needed for this program. If you are interested in coaching, please email Kevin Barrett (Recreation Supervisor) at kbarrett@ellington-ct.gov.
Where: Robert Tedford Memorial Park (Grass - Auxilary Field)
When: May 4, 11, 18; June 1, 8 (Makeup Date: June 15)
Time: 10:30AM - 11:30AM
Cost: $45 (includes T-shirt)
Equipment: Participants must provide their own glove, water bottle (labeled with name)
Note: No wood or metal bats are allowed in this program
* Children who turned age 4 in 2023 up to those who turned 5 years old before 12/31/2023*
Lacrosse (Spring 2024)
- Instructional (Kindergarten - 2nd Grade, Co-ed)
- Lightning (Grades 1-2, Boys & Girls)
- Bantam (Grades 3-4, Boys & Girls)
- Junior (Grades 5-6, Boys & Girls)
- Senior (Grades 7-8, Boys & Girls)
Instructional (Kindergarten - 2nd Grade, Co-ed)
Registration Closes: March 25, 2024
Join the Ellington Parks & Recreation Department and learn how to play lacrosse! This program is designed to cover the fundamentals of lacrosse through coach-led drills and non-competitive games. Our program is also non-contact, so children are able to learn the basics without having to worry about wearing all of the equipment.
Where: Pinney Street Fields (Small Fields A&B)
When: April 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18
Time: 9AM - 10AM
Cost: $45 (includes T-shirt)
Equipment: All of the equipment needed to participate in this program will be provided by the Recreation Department. With that being said, players should bring their own water bottle (labeled with name).
Lightning (Grades 1-2, Boys & Girls)
Registration Closes: February 12, 2024
Ellington's Lightning Lacrosse Program, for youth in grades 1 - 2 generally meets April through mid-June, pending facility approvals and adequate field conditions. For more information on our lacrosse program, please contact our office at recreationstaff@ellington-ct.gov or (860) 870-3118.
Where: Practices/Games can be played at any of the following locations:
Ellington High School - 37 Maple Street (Ellington, CT)
Pinney Street Fields - 63 Pinney Street (Ellington, CT)
When: Games: Both weeknight and weekend games are possible
Practices: 1-2 per week (based on coach and field availability)
Time: TBD (based on coach and field availability)
Cost: $55
Equipment Required:
Girls: Stick, goggles, mouth guard and cleats
Boys: Helmet (black), mouth guard, shoulder & elbow pads, cleats, athletic supporter, gloves and regulation stick.
Register on ActiveNet:
Bantam (Grades 3-4, Boys & Girls)
Registration Closes: February 12, 2024
Ellington's Bantam Lacrosse Program, for youth in grades 3 - 4 generally meets April through mid-June, pending facility approvals and adequate field conditions. For more information on our lacrosse program, please contact our office at recreationstaff@ellington-ct.gov or (860) 870-3118.
Where: Practices/Games can be played at any of the following locations:
Ellington High School - 37 Maple Street (Ellington, CT)
Pinney Street Fields - 63 Pinney Street (Ellington, CT)
When: Games: Both weeknight and weekend games are possible
Practices: 2-3 per week (based on coach and field availability)
Time: TBD (based on coach and field availability)
Cost: $105 Registration
Additional costs: $35 USA Lacrosse membership fee; $110 uniform
Equipment Required:
Girls: Stick, goggles, mouth guard and cleats
Boys: Helmet (black), mouth guard, shoulder & elbow pads, cleats, athletic supporter, gloves and regulation stick.
Register on ActiveNet:
Junior (Grades 5-6, Boys & Girls)
Registration Closes: February 12, 2024
Ellington's Junior Lacrosse Program, for youth in grades 5 - 6 generally meets April through mid-June, pending facility approvals and adequate field conditions. For more information on our lacrosse program, please contact our office at recreationstaff@ellington-ct.gov or (860) 870-3118.
Where: Practices/Games can be played at any of the following locations:
Ellington High School - 37 Maple Street (Ellington, CT)
Pinney Street Fields - 63 Pinney Street (Ellington, CT)
When: Games: Both weeknight and weekend games are possible
Practices: 3-5 per week (based on coach and field availability)
Time: TBD (based on coach and field availability)
Cost: $115 Registration
Additional costs: $35 USA Lacrosse membership fee; $110 uniform
Equipment Required:
Girls: Stick, goggles, mouth guard and cleats
Boys: Helmet (black), mouth guard, shoulder & elbow pads, cleats, athletic supporter, gloves and regulation stick.
Register on ActiveNet:
Senior (Grades 7-8, Boys & Girls)
Registration Closes: February 12, 2024
Ellington's Senior Lacrosse Program, for youth in grades 7 - 8 generally meets April through mid-June, pending facility approvals and adequate field conditions. For more information on our lacrosse program, please contact our office at recreationstaff@ellington-ct.gov or (860) 870-3118.
Where: Practices/Games can be played at any of the following locations:
Ellington High School - 37 Maple Street (Ellington, CT)
Pinney Street Fields - 63 Pinney Street (Ellington, CT)
When: Games: Both weeknight and weekend games are possible
Practices: 3-5 per week (based on coach and field availability)
Time: TBD (based on coach and field availability)
Cost: $125 Registration
Additional costs: $35 USA Lacrosse membership fee; $110 uniform
Equipment Required:
Girls: Stick, goggles, mouth guard and cleats
Boys: Helmet (black), mouth guard, shoulder & elbow pads, cleats, athletic supporter, gloves and regulation stick.
Register on ActiveNet:
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