Youth Recreation
The Greater Gainesville area offers plenty of opportunities for kids and families to participate in team sports and other activities. From instructional programs to competitive sports leagues and outdoor activities, your family is sure to stay fit and healthy.
Organizations such as Girls Place, Inc. and the Alachua County Boys & Girls Club offer after school and summer camp options that keep children active participating in volleyball, basketball, softball, lacrosse and other team sports in addition to offering academic support while Sun Country Sports offers kids the option to participate in activities including cheerleading, gymnastics and martial arts.
Those looking to participate in youth sporting leagues can join team golf clubs, AAU Lacrosse, AAU Soccer, AAU Football, AAU Basketball or the Alachua County branch of Girls On the Run. One thing is for sure, in Greater Gainesville, youth and family sports dominate the social scene.
Sports Commissions
Gainesville
The Gainesville Sports Commission (GSC) is a not-for-profit organization that strives to promote tourism through sports while creating a positive economic impact on Gainesville and Alachua County. Annually, the GSC hosts or helps to host over 40 events ranging from State High School Championships, AAU Track & Field Championships, the Sunshine State Games, the U.S. Synchronized Swimming Collegiate National Championships and the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) Girls’ Youth Continental Championship.
Alachua
The city of Alachua, long known for its recreation program, is increasing opportunities. The city is developing Legacy Park, which includes a 105-acre site the city recently acquired and the existing 25-acre Hal Brady Recreation Complex. Many activities, including the Fourth of July fireworks display that attracts 30,000 people and the Babe Ruth World Series tournaments, are centered at the park, located at the northwest edge of the historic central city.
Newberry
The Easton Newberry Sports Complex combines a multi-use recreation facility with the Easton Newberry Archery Center. The United States Olympic Committee has designated the archery center as a Community Olympic Development Program. It trains coaches and athletes and provides a world-class archery venue. Newberry also operates Champions Park (formerly called Nations Park), a $7-million, 16-field baseball and softball complex that was built with Alachua County Tourist Development Tax dollars and a grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.