Athletic Ministry

CYO Sports is one component of a parish's comprehensive youth ministry program which enables the partnership of parents, coaches, priests, religious, teachers, and adult leaders to manage and support a sports program that allows youth to grow in their relationship with God and come to better understand themselves and the Catholic faith.

Such a program:

• Employs healthy and enjoyable competition to promote the sharing of gospel values among athletes, parents, and coaches.
• Assists parish leadership in nourishing the emotional, spiritual, social, and physical needs of young people.
• Encourages young people to appreciate the gifts that they posses, and challenges them to share these gifts with their community.
• Allows youth to witness the life of Christian discipleship in their coaches and adult leaders.
• Encourages youth to become responsible members of their faith community.

Athletic Ministry recognizes the enthusiasm of the young Church while participating in individual and team sports.  It is this enthusiasm and passion which allows Parishes to interact with large numbers of children in Church based activities.  The challenge of a ministry in athletics is to consciously provide opportunities to promote character development and gospel values through the athletic experience.

In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Office for Youth & Young Adults partners with Parishes to create an athletic program which acts as an extension of the Parish's religious education program and mission statement.  Adult Christian leaders use the challenges of athletic competition to create a fun environment which fosters spiritual growth as well as emotional, social, and physical development.

The Office for Youth & Young Adults is proud to work with thousands of adult volunteers who guide young Church members through their involvement in cross country, soccer, football, field hockey, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, baseball, softball, and track & field.  These volunteers serve as coaches, parish athletic directors, league commissioners, regional coordinators and advisory board members.  Together, they work to provide a forum which teaches young athletes the skills necessary to excel in sports but more importantly to be active Church members.