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various youth sports

Youth Leagues & Classes

The River Trails Park District offers leagues and classes for youth throughout the year. Youth leagues are for all ability levels and kids looking to advance their understanding of the fundamentals of the sport. We believe that youth athletics provides a safe and fun environment for children to learn sportsmanship, skill development and teamwork.


  • Parent Association for Youth Sports

    Both parents/guardians of participants enrolled in any youth sports league must complete the PAYS program. Children whose parents/guardians have not completed PAYS will not be allowed to participate in any youth sport programs requiring PAYS certification. The clinic consists of viewing a video from National Alliance of Youth Sports and going through the handbook. This process only needs be once and if you are new to the youth athletic programs. Upon completion, individuals will sign a Parents Code of Ethics and receive the PAYS membership card and handbook.

    Easy as 1, 2, 3…

    To register for PAYS please visit http://www.nays.org/paysonline/.  When taking the PAYS training, make sure to either type in code #1319 or click River Trails Park District in the drop box. You must associate yourself with our chapter to receive the $5 per family fee.

    Youth Volunteer Coaches

    Teach sport skills as well as the values of teamwork, fair play and how to win as well as lose with grace. Volunteers are instrumental to the success of these programs by acting as a team coach or coach’s assistant. If interested, please call 847.255.1200. You will be trained according to River Trails and the National Youth Sports Coaches Association. As a thank you for volunteering, a 50% discount on registration fees will be given to coach’s child.  (1 head coach & 1 asst. coach per team).  Coaches can also join the Fitness Center free of charge for 3 months and can receive one free pool pass.

    All leagues need volunteer coaches. Team/player/coach requests not guaranteed. Both parents/guardians are required to be PAYS certified

    National Youth Sports Coaches Association & Certification

    National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) is a clinical training that certifies you according to NYSCA standards. NYSCA training is required of all River Trails head coaches to assure their dedication & responsibility to youth sports. Coaches are asked to take training online. Fee is $30 + $5 per each additional sport. The park district will reimburse for the initial $30 & the initial $5.

    Friendship Request Policy (for 4 year old-2nd grade levels)

    The River Trails Park District allows only one friendship request per person. This request can be put on the child’s registration form and must be matching. Siblings will automatically be placed on the same team unless otherwise requested. Requests made after the registration deadline may not be honored. River Trails Park District can only accept friendship request for 4 years old through 2nd grade levels of any athletic league. For 3rd grade and above, teams will be balanced by skill level, school, and gender or a draft will be held.

    River Trails Park District Jersey

    Jersey – $18.50 (Only available at the Weiss Center)

    River Trails Park District

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