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YMCA of Central Stark County

To put Christian Principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Teamwork and Community Go Hand in Hand

150 years – that is a long time to be developing youth through sports, and that is exactly what the YMCA of Central Stark County has been doing. The YMCA strives to reach goals of youth development by incorporating the 6 Character Counts Pillars of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship in all youth sport programs. The Y has been able to accomplish these goals through collaborations with local organizations like the Canton Charge.

For 3 years, the YMCA has built a successful partnership with the Charge. With a shared goal and vision, both the Y and the Charge have witnessed the impact that can be made by collaborating and positively connecting with youth and their families through sport. James Hall, the YMCA’s Canton Charge Representative, stated the following: “It has been our goal to expand and reach out to youth in our community, especially those who enjoy playing basketball. The YMCA is an organization that aligns with our values.” A David YMCA parent with a child in the youth basketball program said: “The collaboration with the Charge, I believe, is positively impacting the community and everyone involved. My child was able to learn, grow, and experience new things that they otherwise may not have been afforded.” 

This year, as part of the Y’s 150th celebration, the final round of a county wide free throw contest was held on the court at the March 11 Canton Charge home game. The 7 finalists were recognized on the court during the 3rd quarter in front of all in attendance. This only seemed appropriate since Dr. James Naismith, in 1891, started the sport of basketball at the YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. 

Going into year three of the Jr. Charge Partnership with the YMCA of Central Stark County, approximately 700 kids participated this year. The Jr. Charge kids came from the following 6 YMCA’s:  Eric Snow, Lake Community, Louisville Area, Minerva Area, N. Canton Community, and Paul and Carol David YMCA. The growth this year was outstanding and this partnership between the Charge and the Y helped to further instill the values of respect, responsibility and fairness. 

At the March 11 Charge home game, Landyn Wade, a youth sport participant from the Minerva Area Y, was able to hand out the game ball to start the game. Also, the Y kids had the opportunity to be a part of the “high five tunnel” on the court as the Charge players came out to start the game. One Y parent said the following about the chance to see a Charge game: “The game was a great time and the kids loved being involved in pre-game activities, which introduced us as a family to a Charge game. We would definitely go back now, and the kids will love seeing their favorite players again! It was definitely a great experience all around.”

 In addition to being “integrated” into a home Charge game, all Jr. Charge kids had the opportunity of a lifetime to attend a basketball clinic that was held by the Charge Head Coach Jordi Fernandez and the Charge players. Two clinics were held:  one at the Lake YMCA and one at the N. Canton YMCA and 250 kids participated in these clinics.  Another Y parent stated, “While my son is not star struck, he did think it was cool to see the players and was amazed at how tall they were. The clinic was fantastic and he was thrilled to have been involved and I enjoyed watching him learn from the Head Coach and Charge players. Thank you for providing such an amazing arena for the kids to learn about sports and develop their skills.” Thanks in part to our partnership with the Canton Charge, the YMCA of Central Stark County will continue to impact young lives and families through sport for another 150 years.

Pam Leddon, Associate Executive Director 
and
Rob Dent, Associate Executive Director/Sports Director