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Youth Sports and Recreation
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department provides programming and recreational opportunities for youth ages 4-18. The youth program is available year-round through the Department’s Community Centers.
The activities provided include after-school and summer enrichment programming and food services, teen mentoring, academic support, and much more!
There are a variety of FREE recreational sports where players receive equipment, uniforms, facility usage, and coaching. League play is organized and directed by experienced youth sports professionals.
We invite you to visit your neighborhood community center to learn more.
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AFTER-SCHOOL
ACHIEVEMENT
PROGRAM -
AFTER-SCHOOL
ENRICHMENT
PROGRAM -
SUMMER
ENRICHMENT
PROGRAM -
OPENING DOORS
TEEN
PROGRAM -
AFTER-SCHOOL
MEAL
PROGRAM -
SUMMER
FOOD SERVICE
PROGRAM -
SOCCER
FOR
SUCCESS -
H-TOWN
SOCCER
ACADEMY -
YOUTH
BASKETBALL
PROGRAM -
GREATER HOUSTON
POLICE ACTIVITIES
LEAGUE (GHPAL) -
FIRST TEE
OF
HOUSTON -
ASTROS
JR. RBI
PROGRAM -
INSTRUCTIONAL
JR. RBI AT
BAT PROGRAM
AFTER-SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (A.S.A.P.)
Since 1997, the city of Houston has funded after-school programming for youth through the Mayor's After-School Achievement Program (A.S.A.P.). This program is designed to engage juveniles in structured, supervised activities after school to reduce juvenile crime and victimization during these dangerous hours.Through A.S.A.P., the City of Houston funds schools and non-profit agencies to provide after-school programming for a minimum of 30 children per site, at least five days per week between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Each funded school or non-profit organization sets its own curricula, usually with input from students, parents and other collaborative partners. However, each curriculum must incorporate academic enhancement, enrichment, skill development and community service.
Programming must be provided for a minimum of 20 children per site, at least five days per week. Funded schools and organizations set their own curricula in collaboration with students, teachers, parents and program partners.
The A.S.A.P. Goals are as follows:
- To provide safe, supervised, structured programming for youth after school
- To prevent delinquency and reduce crime committed by/against juveniles
- To improve participants’ school performance, conduct, and attendance
- To encourage the ongoing involvement of parents and the community in youth programs.
- To motivate youth to develop citizenship and good health habits
- To build positive partnerships to create fun, affordable, quality after-school programming for youth
HOW TO APPLY
The Request for Proposal (RFP) for the upcoming 2023 After-School Achievement Program is expected to be released soon. To be considered for funding, interested applicants must attend at least one mandatory application workshop, and meet the minimum requirements of the program.
All applicants/vendors must be a registered vendor with the City of Houston Strategic Procurement Division prior to submitting a ASAP application to conduct business with the City. The link to apply is http://purchasing.houstontx.gov/index.shtml.
AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (A.E.P.)
- Download Flyer and List of Locations- Online Registration
- Online Registration Instructions
The After-School Enrichment Program (AEP) is a fun recreational and cultural enrichment program for youth ages 6 - 13. Registration is required for this fun-filled program. Youth participants are engaged in a wide variety of activities that include crafts, nutrition, fun fitness, nature exploration and instructional sports. The program is available at 51 HPARD community centers with a heightened sense of cleaning and safety measures as this program has high physical contact with surfaces, people and equipment coupled with proximity.
Parents are required to review and acknowledge a program orientation via ActiveNet registration process. Transportation to and from the community center is the parent’s responsibility. Staff to youth participant ratio is 1:25 with qualified professional recreation staff and background checks are required for all volunteers and partnerships.
The program is FREE of charge for all participants. Online registration will be available and can be accessed at https://apm.activecommunities.com/houstonparks/Home OR www.houstonparks.org.
HPARD's Afterschool Enrichment Program operates under "Texas Standards of Care" as defined by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Additionally, field trips may be scheduled at minimum cost.
Ages: | 6 - 13 years old |
Fees: | FREE |
Registration: | Online registration required Ongoing pending space availability. |
Program Dates | September 3, 2024 - May 9, 2025 (Monday - Friday, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Except on City of Houston observed holidays: Monday, November 11, 2024 Thursday, November 28, 2024 Friday, November 29, 2024 Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Wednesday, January 1, 2025 Monday, January 20, 2025 |
Location: | Download list of locations |
Information: | For more information call 832.395.7295 or 832.395.7296 |
SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (S.E.P.)
- Program Flier and Locations- Online Registration
- Online Registration Instructions
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s 2024 Summer Enrichment Program will operate at 53 Community Centers from June 10 – August 16, 2024. This program is a 10-week day-camp style program for youth ages 6-13. Registration is required for this fun-filled program and will be available online, beginning April 1. Activities include crafts, nutrition, fun fitness, nature exploration, recycling awareness, and bird watching.
Transportation to and from Community Centers is the parent’s responsibility.
The cost is $30.00 per child per week. Online registration is required, and fee exemptions are available to parents or guardians who qualify. Appropriate documentation is required. Ask for more information regarding qualification criteria. The Summer Enrichment Program operates under “Texas Standards of Care” as defined by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Please note that UNANNOUNCED site visits are conducted by both City and State officials.
View frequently asked questions about Summer Enrichment Program
OPENING DOORS TEEN PROGRAM
Opening Doors gives teens, ages 14-18, an opportunity to participate in community service activities, mentor their younger peers, develop their character and self-worth, while preparing for their future endeavors. Interviews with city leaders, resume building, college prep and tours, are also a part of the program. Each week the teens will get a chance to learn new skills and enhance the skills they currently have, while also having a summer full of fun! Field Trips, educational workshops, and a team building day-camp trip to the Lake Houston Wilderness Park, is all included in this program. The Opening Doors’ 8-week summer program starts June 17 and ends August 8 , 2024, is located at Judson Robinson, Jr. Community Center, Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Program Dates | Jun. 17 - Aug. 8, 2024 (Mon. - Thu.) |
Time: | 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Fee: | $30 per week; per participant* |
*Exemptions available for those who qualify |
AFTER SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM
The After-School Meal Program provides a snack and supper to youth ages 18 and under who participate in programming at one of 45 H.P.A.R.D. community centers or at approved partner sites. It is funded by a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture (T.D.A.) Child and Adult Care Food Program (C.A.C.F.P.). Sites were approved by the T.D.A. based on their eligibility requirements, which designate eligible areas as those served by a school in which 50% or more of the children enrolled are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.There are no enrollment requirements for the C.A.C.F.P. program. Participating youth will be served a free snack and supper between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, from September 6, 2022, through May 31, 2023. H.P.A.R.D. manages the program for the City of Houston and participating sites are sponsored under H.P.A.R.D. The facility hosting the program must provide educational or enrichment activities, be open to all children, and not limit participation or membership on the basis of the child’s ability. H.P.A.R.D. accepts registrations throughout the year from groups interested in becoming an After-School Meal Program site. Groups that would like to register to become an After-School Meal Program Site may contact Rummeka Allen at 713.676.6832.
Ages: | 1 - 18 |
Registration: | Not Required |
Fee: | FREE |
Program Dates | Sep. 6, 2022 – May 31, 2023 Mon. - Fri. ONLY |
Time: | 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Location: | Printable pdf |
Information: | 713.676.6832 |
SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
Since 1980, HPARD has sponsored the Summer Food Service Program for youth ages 18 and under. The nutritious packed lunches are prepared and delivered daily to each site and comply with federal and state requirements. They include one serving of milk, two or more servings of vegetables and/or fruits, one serving of grain or bread, and one serving of meat or meat alternative.Offers: | Lunches and snacks at over 200 sites across the city for children ages 1 – 18 to replace meals provided during the school year. No registration is required. HPARD has sponsored this program since 1980. |
Ages: | 1 - 18 |
Fee: | Free (no registration required) |
Locations: | Over 200 sites across Houston and Harris County |
Days: | Jun. 5 – Aug. 18 (Weekdays only) |
Time: | Breakfast: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Lunch: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Information: | 2-1-1 (and give operator your zip code for closest site to you) 713.676.6832 |
SOCCER FOR SUCCESS
![SOCCER FOR SUCCESS](images/logos/SoccerSuccessLogo.jpg)
Partnering with community-based organizations, like the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the U.S. Soccer Foundation operates Soccer for Success sites.
Across the U.S., they are providing thousands of children in grades K-8 with free after-school programming. Houston Soccer for Success serves around 1,500 youth through 8 sites in the Houston Area.
The program meets 3 times a week for 75-90 minutes per session over two 12 week seasons each year. That includes two practices and one game day each week. Each participant receives a Soccer for Success jersey at the end of the season.
Ages: | 5 – 14 years |
Fee: | Free |
Time: | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
2024 Spring Season Dates: | Feb 12 - May 10, 2024 |
2024 Spring Season Registration Dates: | Jan 10 - 30, 2024 |
2024 Fall Season Dates: | Sep 9 – Dec 14, 2024 |
2024 Fall Season Registration Dates: | Aug 1 - Sep 8, 2024 |
Location: | Alief Park, Milby Park, Herman Brown Park, Cloverland Park, Highland Park, Burnett-Bayland Park, Marian Park |
Online Registration Link: | www.houstonsoccerforsuccess.org |
Information: | 832.395.7576 larry.nguyen2@houstontx.gov adrian.juarez@houstontx.gov |
H-TOWN SOCCER ACADEMY
![H-TOWN SOCCER ACADEMY](images/logos/H-TownSoccerLogo.jpg)
Our primary objective is to reach out to youth in underserved communities and provide a quality competitive soccer club experience that is affordable, equitable, and inclusive. We aim to coach youth high level soccer skills, tactics, fitness and conditioning, winning with graciousness, and losing with dignity and honor.
H-town Soccer Academy is a member of the Houston Youth Soccer Association (HYSA), South Texas Youth Soccer Association (STYSA), and United States Youth Soccer (USYS).
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SPRING | |
Ages: | 6 - 18 |
Season Fee: | $315 per season (does not include uniform) |
Program Dates: | Jan. 15 – May 31, 2024 |
Locations: | Milby Park Fields #1 – 2 2001 Central St, Houston, TX 77017 Alief Park Field #4 11903 Bellaire Blvd Houston TX 77072 |
Information: | 832.395.7576 larry.nguyen2@houstontx.gov adrian.juarez@houstontx.gov |
FALL | |
Ages: | 6 - 18 |
Season Fee: | $315 per season (does not include uniform) |
Program Dates: | Aug. 1 – Dec. 14, 2024 |
Locations: |
Alief Park Fields #4 11903 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77072 Milby Park Fields #1 – 2 2001 Central St, Houston, TX 77017 |
Information: | 832.395.7576 larry.nguyen2@houstontx.gov adrian.juarez@houstontx.gov |
YOUTH BASKETBALL PROGRAM
Youth Basketball Program with Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD), Houston Rockets and The Greater Houston Police Activities League (GHPAL) will offer a recreational youth basketball program while providing a safe environment. Youth will learn at practices sport-specific skills, such as throwing, catching, dribbling, shooting, defense, agility, and speed. In addition, they will learn motor skills development, fitness conditioning, and have opportunities for healthy competition. Program meets twice per week on either TUE/THU or MON/WED for 1 hour per practice; End-of-Season Tournament will be held at Fonde Community Center.![]() |
SUMMER | |
Ages: | 9 - 17 yrs |
Fee: | Free |
Program Dates: | Jul 1 – Aug 2, 2024 |
Practice Days: | Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu |
End-of-Season Tournament: | Saturday, Aug 3, 2024, at Fonde Community Center (110 Sabine St.) |
Locations: | Emancipation, Fonde, N. Wayside, Marian, Moody, Townwood, Montie Beach |
Registration Dates: | Jun 17 - Jul 8, 2024 |
Online Registration Links: | Home | Houston Parks and Recreation Department Online |
Information: | 832.395.7281 |
WINTER | |
Ages: | 9 - 17 yrs |
Fee: | Free |
Program Dates: | Jan 27 – Mar 7, 2025 |
Practice Days: | Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu |
Game Days: | Saturdays (scheduled will posted online by 1/20/2025) |
End-of-Season Tournament: | March 8, 2025, at Fonde Community Center (110 Sabine St.) |
Locations: | Alief, Fonde, Moody, Sunnyside, Clinton, Hartman, N. Wayside, Tidwell, Denver Harbor, Marian, Robinson Jr., Townwood, Emancipation, Monte Beach, Sagemont, Woodland |
Registration Dates: | Dec 16, 2024 – Jan 17, 2025 |
Online Registration Links: | Home | Houston Parks and Recreation Department Online |
Information: | 832.395.7281 |
GREATER HOUSTON POLICE ACTIVITIES LEAGUE
The Greater Houston Police Activities League (GHPAL) and Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) will offer 4 Youth Baseball/Softball Clinics for kids ages 9 – 17 years old in the Spring and Summer at Memorial Park Field #1 (next to pool). Youth will learn the fundamentals of baseball/softball by working on various skills in stations, such as infield work (grounders, fly balls, throwing between bases), hitting (swing mechanics), and outfield work (fly balls, grounders, throwing technique). The clinic will conclude with a game between the GHPAL Officers, Houston Hustle Officers, and the youth. Snacks and water will be provided.FIRST TEE OF HOUSTON
In August 2014, the First Tee of Greater Houston adopted responsibility for the operations of the youth program and the facility’s ground maintenance while the City of Houston retained ownership of the property. The First Tee provides programs for youth 7-18 years old of age that teach character development, healthy habits, and life skills using the game of golf.For program information, please visit https://firstteegreaterhouston.org/
ASTROS JR. RBI LEAGUE
Join HPARD and our hometown Houston Astros for our FREE, Jr. RBI Baseball, Softball and T-ball program for youth ages 4-18.League play begins March 18, 2023 and runs through April 29, 2023.
Register in person from January 17 – February 27, 2023, at 13 target league sites.
Volunteer Coaches are needed, and training is provided. Contact your nearest Community Center for more information.
Ages: | 4 - 18 |
Fee: | Free |
Registration Dates: | January 17 – February 27, 2023, In person |
Registration Times: | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, Weekdays |
Registration: | Register in person at Target League Sites |
Location: | Download a pdf of Targeted League Site Locations |
Information: | 832.395.7275 832.395.7276 832.395.2777 |
INSTRUCTIONAL JR. RBI AT BAT PROGRAM
Youth ages 6 -13 may also take part in Fun At Bat Instructional Baseball skills learning on Wednesdays at 53 Community Centers for registered After-School Enrichment Program participants.Register online for the FREE After-School Enrichment Program at https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/houstonparks/home?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true.
Ages: | 6 - 13 |
Fee: | Free |
Registration: | Ongoing |
Registration Dates: | March 22 – May 10, 2023, Wednesdays |
Registration Times: | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm (during After-School Enrichment Program) |
Locations: | Download a pdf of Instructional JR. RBI Site Locations |
Information: | 832.395.7261 832.395.7297 832.395.7294 |