Youth Basketball

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is bringing back its youth basketball leagues for our upcoming Winter basketball season. Youth co-ed recreational basketball is a great opportunity for participants to learn skills, practice teamwork and have fun while being physically active. This co-ed basketball league is structured to be a safe, recreational league aimed at beginner to intermediate players. This is a non-competitive league with volunteer coaches. Weekly practices are scheduled for eight weeks and are held at your registering recreation center. A total of six games will be played in the season at the determined recreation center in each area. Game times, dates, and locations are subject to change based on total league enrollment. Registration costs include a jersey and an end of season award for each registered participant.

Registration is required and will be available July 27th to November 22nd. Program space is limited, and registration is first come, first served. A $10 late fee will be applied for registration beginning November 23rd through December 6th. There must be a minimum of 80% of the maximum participants registered in a division to conduct the league for that age group. Due to safety and fairness to the players, teams will not exceed the maximum number of participants. Austin Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to close late registration if enrollment reaches max capacity. Each league will offer the following age divisions for registration: 6U (5–6 years old), 8U (7–8 years old), 10U (9–10 years old), and 12U (11–12 years old). Divisions are based off the participant’s age as of January 1, 2026.

Registration costs $40 for City of Austin residents and $70 for non-City of Austin residents. Financial aid will be available for any eligible households. For more information related to financial aid please visit www.AustinTexas.gov/FinancialAid.

The program fee is refunded in full only if the class is canceled by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department.

Please visit your local community recreation center listed below for an opportunity to register.

Youth Soccer

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers youth soccer leagues in the Fall and Spring. Youth co-ed recreational soccer is a positive opportunity for participants to learn skills, practice teamwork and have fun while being physically active. This co-ed league is structured to be a safe, recreational league aimed at beginner to intermediate players. This is a non-competitive league with volunteer coaches. Weekly practices are held at your registering recreation center. A total of six games will be played in the season at the determined recreation center in each area. Game times, dates, and locations are subject to change based on total league enrollment. Participants are required to bring their own shin guards and water bottle to all games and practices. Registration costs include a t-shirt and an end of season award for each registered participant.

Registration is required, and program space is limited. Registration for Fall Soccer will be available July 27th to August 23rd . Program space is limited, and registration is first come, first served. A $10 late fee will be applied for registration beginning August 24th through September 6th. There must be a minimum of 80% of the maximum participants registered in a division to conduct the league for that age group. Due to safety and fairness to the players, teams will not exceed the maximum number of participants. Austin Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to close late registration if enrollment reaches max capacity. Each league will offer the following age divisions for 6U (5–6 years old), 8U (7–8 years old), 10U (9–10 years old), and 12U (11–12 years old). Select Recreation centers in the south Austin area will offer a 4U age division (3-4 years old). Divisions are based off the participant’s age as of January 1, 2025.

Registration costs $40 for City of Austin residents and $70 for non-City of Austin residents. Financial aid will be available for any eligible households. For more information related to financial aid please visit www.AustinTexas.gov/FinancialAid.

The program fee is refunded in full only if the class is canceled by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department.

Please visit your local community recreation center listed below for an opportunity to register.

Spring Soccer

Regular Registration: February 1, 2026 - February 28, 2026
 

Late Registration: March 1, 2026, through March 14, 2026  (Includes a $10 late registration fee)
 

Registration Costs: $50 for City of Austin residents and $70 for non-City of Austin residents. Financial aid will be available for any eligible households.
 

Practices Begin: Week of March 23rd
 

Games Begin: Saturday, April 11 through November 8th
 

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is seeking enthusiastic and supportive VOLUNTEER COACHES to make a positive impact on youth in our community. If interested in becoming a volunteer coach, please contact a north, central or south-zone recreation center. Interested in applying for a youth sports official position? Please contact the Athletics Office at 512-978-2670.

Summer Basketball

Regular Registration: February 1, 2026 - May 9, 2026.
 

Late Registration: May 10, 2026 - May 23, 2026 (Includes a $10 late registration fee)
 

Registration Costs: $50 for City of Austin residents and $70 for non-City of Austin residents. Financial aid will be available for any eligible households.
 

Practices Begin: Week of June 29th
 

Games Begin: Saturday, July 11th through August 15th. The Community Recreation Division reserves the right to host the 10U/12U games on weeknights (Monday through Friday), depending on enrollment numbers.
 

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is seeking enthusiastic and supportive VOLUNTEER COACHES to make a positive impact on youth in our community. If interested in becoming a volunteer coach, please contact a north, central or south-zone recreation center. Interested in applying for a youth sports official position? Please contact the Athletics Office at 512-978-2670. 

Age Divisions

** Registration for 4U categories in youth sports will be limited to select locations that provide youth soccer. Please ask your registering recreation site if they offer 4U youth soccer before registering. 

The City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation will be adopting the current age chart for determining a participant's age category for each season beginning July 27, 2025. A participant's division for each sport will be determined by their birth year as of the start date of the season.

We are committed to providing a safe and fun recreational league for all youth participants. As such, all participants are required to play in their respective age bracket, with no exceptions of playing in an age bracket below their actual age. 

Special considerations may be made by the program site at the request of the parents to allow a participant to play up one age category. This request must be made by the parent at the time of registration and at the discretion of the program site and is limited to one age category. The City of Austin Parks and Recreation strongly encourages parents to ensure their child participates in the actual age category based on their age. 

Frequently Asked Questions

General Program Information

What sports do you offer for youth ages 4-12? 
The City of Austin currently offers co-ed seasonal youth sports for soccer and basketball throughout the year. Ages for each sport are 6U (5–6 years old), 8U (7–8 years old), 10U (9–10 years old), and 12U (11–12 years old). Select Recreation centers will offer a 4U age division (3-4 years old) for youth soccer. 

What are the key dates for the upcoming season (registration deadlines, start/end dates)? 
Registration for each program is seasonal, with Fall and Winter Sports opening first Registration for each sports program occurs seasonally. The schedule begins with Fall and Winter Sports, followed by Spring and Summer Sports. Each registration period consists of a regular registration phase, which is then followed by a two-week late registration phase that incurs a $10 late fee, followed by Spring and Summer Sports. Each registration period includes a regular registration period, followed by a 2-week late registration period, which incurs a $10 late fee. 

Fall Soccer 
Regular Registration: July 27 to August 23
Late Registration: August 24 to September 6
Practices Begin: Week of September 22 
Games Begin: Saturday, October 4 to November 8

Winter Basketball  
Regular Registration: July 27 to November 22 
Late Registration: November 23 to December 6 (Includes a $10 late registration fee) 
Practices Begin: Week of January 12
Games Begin: Saturday, January 31 to March 7 

Spring Soccer 
Regular Registration: February 1 to February 28
Late Registration: March 1 to March 14
Practices Begin: Week of March 23
Games Begin: Saturday, April 11 to May 16 

Summer Basketball 
Regular Registration: February 1 to May 9 
Late Registration: May 10 to May 23 (Includes a $10 late registration fee) 
Practices Begin: Week of June 29 
Games Begin: Saturday, July 11 to August 15 for 6U/8U
Games Begin: Week of July 13 to Week August 18 for 10U/12U 

 

Where are practices and games held? 
Practices are held at your registered recreation center. Recreation center locations vary from North, South, and Central/East Austin. Please reference our recreation center map locator to find the location nearest to you.   

What is the typical practice and game schedule like? 
Practices are scheduled 2-3 weeks out from the first game and are usually 1-2 times per week on a weekday evening. Practice times may vary based on the volunteer coach’s availability. While we encourage participants to attend each practice to ensure the development of your child’s skill for each sport, attendance for practice does not determine your child's participation in each game, as APR has strict standards for equal play for all participants. Games are held on Saturdays, beginning in the morning at a centralized location in your area. Please be aware that this location may not be at your registration site or your practice location. The organizer for your league's schedule will do their best to ensure a rotation of different game times each Saturday. Some older age groups may play on a weeknight for the basketball season, depending on enrollment numbers. Should you have any questions related to practice schedules or game schedules, please communicate with the staff at your registering site. 

What is your league's philosophy/mission? 
The Austin Parks and Recreation is committed to providing a fun and safe sports league that focuses on teaching fundamentals and stresses sportspersonship, skill development, and inclusion. Our seasonal leagues provide a recreational setting structured for beginner to intermediate players. Led by volunteer coaches, games are noncompetitive to emphasize teamwork and physical fitness. Developmental skills are taught in an energetic, positive, and safe environment where players learn to respect the sport. 

How are age divisions determined? 
The Austin Parks and Recreation offers five age groups for each sport, including 6U (5–6 years old), 8U (7–8 years old), 10U (9–10 years old), and 12U (11–12 years old). Select Recreation centers will offer a 4U age division (3-4 years old) for youth soccer. Age groups for participation in each sport are based on the participant's age during the calendar year for the sports season/year. For information, please reference the Austin Parks and Recreation age calendar. Youth Sports | AustinTexas.gov

What is the cost to register, and what does the fee include? 
Registration costs are $50 for City of Austin residents (based on a City of Austin address) and $70 for non-City of Austin residents. Financial aid will be available for any eligible households. Registration costs for each season will include a uniform and an award at the end of the season for each registered participant. Parents and guardians must provide additional equipment depending on the sport, including shorts, shin guards, cleats, and a water bottle. 

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships? How do we apply? 
The Austin Parks and Recreation does offer financial aid to any eligible households. Households that apply for financial aid must be awarded before registration to be eligible to use financial aid. For more information related to financial aid, please visit www.AustinTexas.gov/FinancialAid  

What is your refund policy? 
The program fee is refunded in full only if the class is canceled by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. 

Registration & Team Formation

How do I register my child?
You can register in person by visiting one of the fourteen recreation centers located in North, Central/East, and South Austin. Alternatively, you can register online by visiting the city’s  enrollment page and filtering or searching for your chosen recreation center. To find the             location nearest to you, please refer to our recreation center map locator. Youth Sports | AustinTexas.gov

What information or documents are needed for registration?
Each participant must submit a registration form, which includes a waiver. Although a birth certificate and medical waiver are not required, parents and guardians are encouraged to provide any necessary medical information and complete a photo waiver release form.

Can my child be placed on a team with a friend or specific coach?
The Austin Parks and Recreation will consider requests to be placed on a team with a specific coach or friend (known as "buddy requests"). While we cannot guarantee this preferential placement, we will prioritize placing family members or participants from the same household in the same age group on the same team.

When will we be notified of team assignments? 
Team rosters will be finalized the week after registration closes. Parents and guardians can expect to be contacted by their child's coach at least two weeks before the first game. If you have not received notification from your league organizer or coach by this time, please reach out to the recreation center where you registered.

How are teams formed? 
Teams are formed based on total enrollment to ensure an even distribution of players on each roster. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department cannot guarantee preferential placement for players on a team, except for family members or participants from the same household who are in the same age group. However, we will take all requests into consideration.

Equipment & Apparel

What equipment does my child need to participate?
Participants should wear comfortable clothing, including suitable bottoms and closed-toe sneakers. While cleats for outdoor sports are recommended for better performance, they are not mandatory. Additionally, soccer leagues require each player to wear shin guards. It’s also advisable to bring a reusable water bottle, which can be refilled at water stations.

Do you provide uniforms or jerseys?
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department provides one jersey as a uniform for each  registered player. Parents are responsible for supplying any additional uniform items.

Are there any equipment requirements (e.g., soccer balls and basketballs)?
Parents are not required to purchase any equipment to include balls, nets or additional recreation supplies. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department will provide all sporting supplies for games and practices. 

Game & Practice Logistics

How will I know if a practice or game is canceled due to weather?
For any cancellations due to inclement weather, please expect a notification from your team’s coach. The city of Austin also has a “rainout line,” which is updated with a voice recording regarding the cancellation of games because of weather or unsafe field conditions.

Are canceled games rescheduled?
The Austin Parks and Recreation plans for up to two weeks of make-up games in the event of cancellations due to facility closures or inclement weather. These rescheduled games will be held during an additional one - two weeks at the end of the season. 

     Fall Soccer
     Rain Out Dates: November 15 & 22
.    Spring Soccer
     Rain Out Dates: May 23 & 30

What is the playing time policy for games?
The Austin Parks and Recreation is dedicated to offering a fun and safe sports league that emphasizes teaching the fundamentals in a recreational environment, suitable for beginner to intermediate players. As a requirement, all players must participate for at least one full quarter in the first half of the game and at least one full quarter in the second half.

What should my child bring to practice/games?
Water bottle, appropriate athletic attire.

Are parents expected to stay at practices/games?
At least one parent or guardian is required to be present at all times for any practices or games. 

Coaching & Volunteers

Are your coaches’ volunteers or paid staff?
The Austin Parks and Recreation may use paid staff or volunteers as coaches each season.

What kind of training or background checks do coaches undergo?
All coaches, whether volunteers or staff, must complete a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) to be eligible to coach as a volunteer. Upon successful completion of the CBI, they are required to complete a coaches training. This training includes taking a coach pledge and completing the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) training.

How can I volunteer to coach or help the league?
If interested in becoming a volunteer coach, please contact a North, Central or South-zone recreation center.

Do volunteers receive any discounts or benefits?
At this time The Austin Parks and Recreation is not offering any discounts or benefits to volunteer coaches. 

League Policies & Conduct

What is your policy on sportsmanship and parent conduct?
All participants are required to abide by the City of Austin Sports Code of Conduct. In this Code of Conduct, a “participant” is defined as any player, coach, parent, and/or spectator attending or playing in our programs and will be held to these standards...

• Demonstrate courtesy, even when others do not
• Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-control
• Respect the rights and privileges of other participants and staff
• Respect City of Austin property and the property of others
• Cooperate with and assist the staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline
• Respect the game officials even when you disagree with their calls
• Respect Austin Parks and Recreation staff, facility rules, and program regulations being enforced.
• Be mindful of your conduct. Make sure no action occurs that could reflect badly on yourself or your team.

Parents, guardians and coaches are required to attend a coaches and parents meeting before the start of the season and complete a parent and coaches' pledge. Both pledges encourage good spectatorship, respect to all employees, attendees and participants at all times. Coaches/Spectators will be responsible for seeing that all their participants (i.e., all spectators and extended family/friends who attend the program) know and abide by the rules/regulations and the Austin Parks and Recreation’s Sports Programs Code of Conduct, before, during, and after games. Coaches shall be the official representatives of the team and all participants. The violation of any of these rules and guidelines listed in our policies and procedures by any participant is subject to disciplinary actions including possible suspension and permanent removal from our youth sports programs. For more information related to the Austin P Parks and Recreation Department Sports Programs Code of Conduct, please visit our code of conduct webpage Sports Programs Code of Conduct | AustinTexas.gov

How do I communicate with my child's coach?
Parents will be provided communication to their coach at the start of the season. If you have any issues reaching out to your coach, please inform the staff at your registering recreation center.

What is the process for addressing concerns or complaints?
The City of Austin requests that parents, guardians or spectators communicate any concerns to the immediate attention of a City of Austin staff. The receiving staff will address the situation and make any determination for resulting actions to be taken. In some instances, further intervention may be required which can include the collection of statements or the assistance from additional city employees, supervisors, or managers. If so, we kindly ask for your patience while we investigate the concern/complaint and will keep you informed through the process.

Do you have a concussion protocol in place?
The city will closely monitor each participant's activity for signs of concussion, heat exhaustion, as well as any activity-related symptoms. These include headaches or pressure to the head, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, sensitivity to lights or noise, confusion, feelings of sluggishness, or indications of “just not feeling right”. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor each participant's activity for signs of concussion, heat exhaustion, and any signs of illness or physical exertion. All city personnel will immediately remove any participants who exhibit these signs and symptoms, or at the request of their parents and guardians.

Post-Season & Other

Are there end-of-season celebrations or awards?
Awards are provided at the end of the season. Each site will work with their teams to provide an opportunity to host an end of year celebration for participants on their roster.

How can I stay updated on league news and events?
Please visit your nearest recreation center and sign up for their facility newsletters or visit our Youth Sports webpage. Youth Sports | AustinTexas.gov

PARD Sports Program Code of Conduct

Volunteers Needed!

If interested in becoming a volunteer coach, please contact a north, central or south-zone recreation center. Interested in applying for a youth sports official position? Please contact the Athletics Office at 512-978-2670.