Youth Athletics

In Saint Paul, every kid can play!

Eligibility for Youth Athletics

• No residency requirement: Every child and teenager up to 18 is eligible for Saint Paul youth sports, regardless of where they live. People who live in the City have first choice of all programs. Participants who do not live in Saint Paul may pay an additional registration fee.
• All gender identities welcome: Participants may register on the sports team which aligns with their gender identity. Participants who do not identify as male or female may register on the sports team of their choice.

How to register Frequently asked questions Over 18? Join an adult sports league!

Our Expectations of Adults

We ask that you help us create a positive and supportive youth athletics environment. That means:

• Kids are #1.
• Fun and development is prioritized over winning.
• Inappropriate language is not tolerated.
• Let the coaches do the coaching. Let the officials do the officiating.
• Fans cheer positively (no public displays of anger).
• Respect the officials and the opposing teams, players, coaches, and fans.
• Accept winning or losing with dignity.
• Keep the facility and grounds clean.
• No tobacco, alcohol, or e-cigarettes at recreation facilities.
• Be a positive role model.

Our program is built on the principles of fair play, good sportsmanship, and respect for one’s self and one’s opponent. It is our expectation that everyone involved in youth athletic programming will contribute in a positive manner to a healthy environment where participants will feel safe and welcome, and where they will find their athletic experience rewarding.

Volunteer to coach youth sports Get paid to officiate

Information by Sport

Baseball

Youth RBI Baseball teams play for ages 9 and up at recreation centers throughout Saint Paul. League play beings in May.

• Registration: March 1–31
• Age guidelines: The date used to determine the league in which any youth can play in is May 1 of the current year. For example, to play in 10U baseball, a player must be 10 years or younger on or before May 1.

Basketball

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation offers basketball in the winter for ages 3 and up. Basketball registration is FREE for ages 9 and up, and just $30 for younger kids.

• Registration: Starts September 1. We are extending our registration period for basketball!
  • For 10U, 12U, and 14U, register by October 11
  • For 18U, register by December 6
  • For 4U, 6U, and 8U, register by December 13
• Age guidelines: The date used to determine a player’s eligibility for a league is February 17 of the current season. For example, to play in 10U basketball, a player must be 10 years or younger on or before February 17 of the season they are playing.
• Timing:
  • For 10U leagues and older, practices usually start in late October or early November and are held one to two times a week, immediately after school or later in the evening.
  • 8U leagues and younger begin in January.
  • Practice times are set based on gym and coach availability. 

Flag Football

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation offers flag football in the fall for ages 7–14. We no longer offer tackle football. Flag football registration is FREE for ages 9 and up, and just $30 for younger kids.

• Registration: June 1–30
• Age guidelines: The date used to determine the league in which any youth can play in is November 14 of the current year. For example, to play in 10U football, a player must be 10 years or younger on or before November 14.

Lacrosse

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation offers summer and fall youth lacrosse programs for ages 7–12. These are set-up in a clinic-style play using a combination of skill-based learning and in-house scrimmages. Lacrosse registration is FREE for all ages!

• Registration
  • Summer: March 1–31
  • Fall: June 1–30
• Age guidelines
  • Summer: The date used to determine the league in which any youth can play in is May 1 of the current year. For example, to play in 10U summer lacrosse, a player must be 10 years or younger on or before May 1.
  • Fall: The date used to determine the league in which any youth can play in is October 11 of the current year. For example, to play in 10U fall lacrosse, a player must be 10 years or younger on or before October 11.

Soccer & Futsal

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation offers outdoor soccer in the fall and indoor soccer (futsal) in the spring for ages 4–14. Soccer and futsal registration is FREE for ages 9 and up, and just $30 for younger kids!

• Registration
  • Spring futsal: January 1–31 (rec centers will be closed on January 1 for New Year’s Day, but online registration is available)
  • Fall soccer: June 1–30
• Age guidelines
  • Spring futsal: The date used to determine the league in which any youth can play in is May 1 of the current year. For example, to play in 10U futsal, a player must be 10 years or younger on or before May 1.
  • Fall soccer: The date used to determine the league in which any youth can play in is October 11 of the current year. For example, to play in 10U soccer, a player must be 10 years or younger on or before October 11.

Slowpitch Softball

RBI softball teams play at recreation centers throughout Saint Paul for ages 9–18. League play beings in May. Softball registration is FREE for all ages!

• Registration: March 1–31
• Age guidelines: The date used to determine the league in which any youth can play in is January 1 of the current year. For example, to play in 10U softball, a player must be 10 years or younger on or before January 1.

T-Ball and Machine Pitch

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation offers both traditional T-ball and parent-child T-ball for ages 3–8. T-ball allows a young child to learn the skills of batting, catching, running the bases, and throwing.

We are no longer offering Nearball, but check out Machine Pitch for that age group and skill level instead! Machine Pitch offers a transition level of play between T-ball and baseball. As the name suggests, a machine will be used for pitching. 

This no-score league allows for youth to be coached through the batting experience. Instruction, rules and equipment are modified to enhance learning and fun.

• Registration: March 1–31
• Age guidelines: The date used to determine the league in which any youth can play in is May 1 of the current year. For example, to play in 6U T-ball, a player must be 6 years or younger on or before May 1.

Volleyball

Bump. Set. Spike! The City of Saint Paul organizes several indoor volleyball leagues for youth ages 7–18 at all skill levels. Volleyball registration is FREE for all ages!

• Registration: January 1-31 (rec centers will be closed on January 1 for New Year’s Day, but online registration is available)
• Age guidelines: The date used to determine a player’s eligibility for a league is May 1 of the current year. 

Other Youth Sports

• The Saint Paul Sunnies is a developmental swim team for Saint Paul kids between 10 and 14 who have experienced barriers to traditional swim teams. Learn about the Sunnies here.
• We offer sailing lessons for ages 14 and up at Lake Phalen, and partner organizations teach youth to paddle, row, and scull. Learn about sailing and boating lessons here.