The Salina Family YMCA in Salina, Kansas, recently launched the new sport-specific training program where athletes in the community can participate in one-on-one and group training sessions designed to help all ages and skill levels elevate their performance.
With the focus of these sessions being on personalized coaching, each class is built around each athlete’s sport, goals and experience level.
Jessica Biegert, the sports director of the Salina Family YMCA, said the program was created after the community voiced the need for these trainings and sufficient space is hard to find
“I come from the college coaching world, and I get tons of calls from families asking if me, my staff or college players would train their athlete,” said Biegert. “Here at the YMCA, we already have the space and equipment to train. This program is similar to other departments like personal training in wellness, swim lessons in aquatics and gymnastic lessons, so why not add more sports?”
Details on the Program
Currently, the Salina Family YMCA offers training for baseball, softball, flag football, football, soccer, softball, sports performance training and volleyball. Moreover, all trainings are offered at the YMCA’s gym or the on-campus fields.
One-hour sessions are priced differently based on Y membership affiliation: $50 for members and $70 for nonmembers per session. There’s also the option of one-hour group sessions — two to six athletes — for $75 per member or $95 per nonmember.
Biegert said the Y has trainers who have either coached in college and/or played collegiate sports. “Our basketball coach has over 20 years of college coaching experience,” said Biegert. “Our soccer coach is a current head college coach in town who wants to give back to make soccer available to all. We have the experts in our town, and it’s just them sharing their talents to the community.”
Benefits and Advice
For the Salina Family YMCA, the purpose for creating the program is to get offer training to help customize and tailor to the specific needs of athletes. Adding a range of sports and classes will develop participants at their pace and help build confidence.
“So, when they are trying out for school sports they have the knowledge, confidence and passion to excel on their school team,” said Biegert. “This will help the community’s sports teams improve and represent Salina, Kansas, playing fields and courts positively.”
For other rec center teams who might be considering offering their own sport training offerings, Biegert said if you’re in a college town then contact coaches at the school for assistance. Also, reach out to coaches at lower levels.
“They’re always looking for ways to better the game and they already have a strong reputation and experience in developing athletes,” said Biegert. “High school coaches may also have recommendations of community sport leaders who are experts and want to give back. This will benefit their program as the athletes can use their talents to their school team.”
