🏅 Youth Sports Guide for Chambersburg-Area Families

Baseball, soccer, swimming, football, running, wrestling, archery, martial arts, bowling and more — plus what families should know before signing up.

Looking for a sport for your child?

Maybe your preschooler wants to try their first team. Maybe your elementary-age child is looking for their thing. Or maybe you already have an athlete ready for a more competitive challenge.

Families throughout the Chambersburg, Greencastle, Waynesboro and Mercersburg areas have plenty of options — from traditional recreational leagues to swim teams, running clubs, martial arts, archery, travel sports and school camps.

But choosing a youth sports program involves more than finding a registration link.

How competitive is it? What will it really cost? How often will you practice? Will you travel? What equipment will you need? Is fundraising required?

This guide is designed to help local families find sports opportunities — and know what to ask before registering.

💡 Please note: Ages, fees, seasons, practice schedules and registration dates can change. Always confirm current information directly with the organization.

🔎 Find What Your Family Needs

• 🌱 New to youth sports? Start here
• 🏅 Multi-sport & recreation programs
• ⚾ Baseball & softball
• ⚽ Soccer
• 🏀 Basketball
• 🏈 Football
• 🏐 Volleyball
• 🏑 Field hockey
• 🥍 Lacrosse
• 🤼 Wrestling
• 🏊 Swimming
• 🏃 Running, track & cross-country
• 🏹 Archery
• 🥋 Martial arts
• 🎳 Bowling
• 🚲 Biking & mountain biking
• 🎾 Tennis, golf & other sports
• ♿ Adaptive & inclusive sports
• 🏫 School sports camps & clinics
• 👶 Sports for younger kids
• 🏆 Recreational vs. travel
• 💵 What will sports really cost?
• ⏰ The other hidden cost: time
• ✅ Questions to ask before registering
• 💰 Financial assistance
• 📝 Add or update a local program

🌱 New to Youth Sports? Start Here

Your child doesn't need to know their favorite sport before getting involved.

Trying different activities can help children discover what they enjoy while developing coordination, confidence, teamwork and new skills.

Terms you may see

• 🌱 Recreational: Participation, skill-building and fun
• 🎯 Developmental: Emphasis on learning and improving skills
• 👶 Introductory: Designed for beginners
• 🏕️ Camp/clinic: Short-term instruction without a full-season commitment
• 🚗 Travel: Games may be played outside the immediate area
• 🏆 Competitive/club: May include tryouts, tournaments and a greater time or financial commitment

💡 Macaroni KID Tip: If your child isn't sure about a sport, a clinic, YMCA program or school camp can be a great way to try it first.

🏅 Multi-Sport & Recreation Programs

These are great places to start when you aren't looking for one specific league.

🏅 Chambersburg Recreation Department

📍 235 S. Third Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201
📞 717-261-3275
📧 chambersburgrec@chambersburgpa.gov
🌐 Chambersburg Recreation Department

The Recreation Department offers changing seasonal programs for preschoolers through teens.

Recent programming has included:

• ⚾ T-ball
• ⚽ Soccer
• 🏀 Basketball
• 🏃 Sports clinics
• 🏊 Aquatics
• 🏟️ Leagues and open-gym opportunities

Seasonal offerings change, so this is one of the best places to check several times each year. 

🏅 Chambersburg Memorial YMCA

📍 570 E. McKinley Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201
📞 717-263-8508
🌐 Youth Sports at Chambersburg Memorial YMCA

Recent youth offerings include:

• 🏀 Basketball
• 🏐 Volleyball
• ⚽ Soccer
• 🏈 Mini & Big Football
• ⚾ Mini & Big T-Ball
• 🥒 Pickleball
• 🏃 Running
• 🤸 Kinder Gym

The Mini & Big programs are especially useful for younger beginners because a parent, guardian or older sibling participates alongside the child. 

🏅 Waynesboro Area YMCA

📍 810 E. Main Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268
📞 717-762-6012
🌐 Waynesboro Area YMCA

The Waynesboro Area YMCA offers changing seasonal sports, clinics and camps.

Recent programs have included:

• 🏀 Basketball
• ⚽ Soccer
• 🏐 Volleyball
• 🏃 Running
• 🥒 Pickleball
• 🏈 Flag football and other seasonal offerings

Current basketball clinics, for example, include skill-development programs for elementary-age players. 

⚾ Baseball & Softball

⚾ Chambersburg-Area Baseball & Softball

Families should watch local youth baseball and softball organizations for:

• T-ball
• Recreational baseball
• Recreational softball
• Older youth divisions
• Tournament opportunities

Because registration information changes each season, confirm current ages, fees, uniforms, fundraising requirements and equipment directly with the league.

⚾🥎 Greencastle-Antrim Baseball & Softball

Community baseball and softball serve children throughout the Greencastle-Antrim area.

Before registering, ask:

• Which division is appropriate for my child?
• Are uniforms included?
• What equipment does the family provide?
• Is fundraising mandatory?
• Are concession or field-work shifts required?
• How many practices/games are held each week?

⚾ Mercersburg Baseball & Softball

The Chambersburg Suburban League currently lists two Mercersburg-area organizations.

Mercersburg Baseball & Softball Association

📍 10404 Shimpstown Road, Mercersburg, PA 17236
📧 mercersburgbsa@gmail.com

Mercersburg Youth Baseball

📍 101 Faust Street, Mercersburg, PA 17236
📧 mybsecretary@gmail.com
🌐 Mercersburg Youth Baseball registration site

Both serve Mercersburg-area families, so check the current age/division information to determine which program fits your child. 

⚾🥎 Marion Athletic Association

📍 82 Kennedy Street, Marion, PA 17235
📧 bmember@marionaa.com
🌐 Marion Athletic Association

Marion offers youth baseball and softball, including younger divisions. Current registration includes an in-person uniform fitting and payment step in addition to online registration. 

⚽ Soccer

⚽ Greencastle Galaxy AYSO

📍 Antrim Township Park, 12315 Grant Shook Road, Greencastle, PA 17225
📬 PO Box 362, Greencastle, PA 17225
🌐 Greencastle Galaxy AYSO

• 🏷️ Type: Recreational/developmental
• 🌱 Focus: Participation and player development
• ⚽ AYSO principles: Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Positive Coaching and Good Sportsmanship
• 👶 Beginner opportunities: Programs for younger children
• 🙋 Parent involvement: Volunteer-driven organization

This is one of the strongest local options for families specifically seeking recreational rather than club soccer. 

♿ AYSO EPIC

Greencastle AYSO also offers EPIC — Everyone Plays In our Community, an adaptive soccer pathway for athletes with disabilities.

• ♿ Inclusive/adaptive
• 🤝 Buddy support may be available
• ⚽ Emphasis on participation, skills, confidence and friendship

Check current AYSO registration for availability.

⚽ Greencastle United Soccer Club

📬 PO Box 491, Greencastle, PA 17225
📧 support@greencastlesoccer.com
🌐 Greencastle United Soccer Club

• 🏷️ Type: Developmental/competitive
• 🎯 Focus: Long-term player development
• 🧪 Tryouts: Used for older/select players
• 🏆 Good fit for: Players looking for a more competitive pathway

The club emphasizes development ahead of winning and holds annual player-placement tryouts for applicable age groups. 

⚽ Waynesboro Youth Soccer Association

📍 Robert E. Stum Soccer Complex, 11500 Country Club Road, Waynesboro, PA 17268
📧 WaynesboroYouthSoccer@gmail.com
🌐 Waynesboro Youth Soccer Association

• 📅 Seasons: Spring and fall
• 🌱 Options: Non-travel
• 🚗 Options: Travel
• 🏕️ Also offered: Camps and clinics
• 🙋 Parent involvement: Coaching, concessions and field help

💡 Good to know: The association currently posts a no-refund policy and regularly needs concession and field volunteers. 

⚽ Tuscarora Youth Soccer Club

📞 717-964-8972
📬 PO Box 92, Mercersburg, PA 17236
🌐 Tuscarora Youth Soccer Club

TYSC offers one of the widest local soccer progressions:

• 👶 Soccer Shots: Ages 2–5
• ⚽ U8 local rec: Ages 6–7
• ⚽ U10 local rec: Ages 8–9
• 🚗 Traveling recreational: Ages 8–18
• 🏆 Competitive travel: Ages 8–18

Home fields include locations in St. Thomas and Mercersburg, including James Buchanan High School and Montgomery Township Park. 

🏀 Basketball

Look for youth basketball through:

• Chambersburg Recreation
• Chambersburg Memorial YMCA
• Waynesboro Area YMCA
• School camps and clinics

The Waynesboro YMCA currently offers elementary-age girls' basketball clinics focused on skill development, while Chambersburg YMCA programming includes boys' and girls' basketball camps by grade level. 

💡 Registration Tip: Winter basketball registration may begin before families are thinking about winter sports.

🏈 Football

🏈 Chambersburg Youth Football

Families interested in Chambersburg-area football should look for youth flag and tackle opportunities.

Before registering:

• What equipment is supplied?
• What equipment must families purchase?
• How many practices are held each week?
• When does preseason begin?
• How far do teams travel?
• Is fundraising required?
• Are parents required to volunteer?

Football is one sport where the registration fee may represent only part of the actual family commitment.

🏈 Tuscarora Jr. Titans

For families in the Tuscarora/Mercersburg feeder area, look for local youth flag, tackle and girls' flag programs serving the school community.

Be sure to verify the current local organization and season details directly, particularly because similarly named programs exist outside Franklin County.

🏐 Volleyball

Younger volleyball opportunities often appear as clinics and camps rather than full-season leagues.

Good places to watch:

• Chambersburg Memorial YMCA
• Waynesboro Area YMCA
• Greencastle-Antrim school camps
• Chambersburg-area school camps

The Chambersburg YMCA currently offers volleyball camps and clinics emphasizing serving, setting, passing, hitting and gameplay. 

🏑 Field Hockey

Greencastle-Antrim athletics periodically hosts youth field-hockey camps.

For a beginner, ask:

• Are sticks provided?
• Are shin guards required?
• Does my child need a mouthguard?
• Are turf shoes or cleats needed?
• Is the camp designed for first-time players?

A camp can be a great way to try field hockey before purchasing specialized equipment.

🥍 Lacrosse

Local lacrosse opportunities can be seasonal.

Watch for:

• YMCA camps
• School clinics
• Community programs
• Summer sports camps

💡 Equipment Tip: Ask whether beginner programs loan sticks or protective gear before purchasing a full set.

🤼 Wrestling

🤼 Chambersburg Youth Wrestling

Youth wrestling is available for primary/elementary-age athletes in the Chambersburg area.

Programs may include both beginners and experienced wrestlers.

Ask:

• Which grades can participate?
• Are tournaments required?
• How are wrestlers grouped?
• Is a singlet provided?
• Do families buy shoes/headgear?
• Are tournament fees separate?
• How much weekend travel is involved?

🏊 Swimming

🏊 Moss Spring Stingrays

📞 717-597-4067
🌐 Moss Spring Swim Club

Moss Spring offers both swim instruction and a summer swim-team pathway.

2026 Stingrays levels included:

• 🌱 Level 1: New/newer swimmers, generally ages 5–8
• 🏊 Level 2: Swimmers with experience in all four strokes, generally ages 9–12
• 🏆 Level 3: Experienced swimmers, generally ages 13–18

Current swim-team fees vary by level and whether the swimmer is a club member; nonmembers can participate. 

💡 Good to know: You don't necessarily have to join the pool as a full member for swim-team participation, although member pricing is lower.

🏊 Mercersburg Area Swim Club

📍 James Buchanan High School pool, Mercersburg
🌐 Mercersburg Area Swim Club

• 👧👦 Ages: 5–18
• 🏷️ Type: Competitive swim club
• ☀️❄️ Seasons: Summer and winter
• 🌎 Who can join: Swimmers do not have to attend Tuscarora School District
• 🏊 Prerequisite: Swimmers should already be able to swim independently
• 🏆 Leagues: CPAL in winter and MASSL in summer

This is a competitive-swimming program rather than a learn-to-swim program. 

🏃 Running, Track & Cross-Country

🏃 Greencastle Flyers Running Club

🌸 Spring Track & Field

📍 Greencastle-Antrim High School/Kaley Field
🌐 Greencastle Flyers Spring Track

• 👧👦 Grades: 1–6
• 🏃 Events: Hurdles, relays, throws, sprints, jumps and distance
• 💵 2026 fee: $40
• ⏱️ Format: Four-week introductory program. 

🍂 Fall Cross-Country

🌐 Greencastle Flyers Cross-Country

• 👧👦 Grades: 1–6
• 🌱 Open to: Area youth
• 💵 Fall 2026 fee: $40
• 👕 Included: Shirt, jersey, practices and race-entry fees
• 🏁 Optional: Local weekend races. 

💡 This is a great example of a program that clearly tells families what the fee includes.

🏹 Archery

🏹 Greencastle Sportsman's Association

📍 3260 Sportsmans Road, Greencastle, PA 17225
📧 info@greencastlesportsman.com
🌐 Greencastle Sportsman's Association

The club has both indoor and outdoor archery facilities and periodically offers youth/family archery opportunities. 

Before registering:

• Are beginner bows available?
• Does the child need their own arrows?
• What type/size bow is recommended?
• Is parent participation expected?
• Are competitions offered?
• Is club membership required?

💡 Don't buy a bow for a first-time archer until you've asked the instructor what equipment is appropriate.

🥋 Martial Arts

🥋 Thompson's Karate Studio

📍 18 Sarah Susan Lane, Greencastle, PA 17225
📞 717-597-1937
📧 switchkick2@hotmail.com
🌐 Thompson's Karate Studio

• 👧👦 Youth instruction: Available
• 🎯 Focus: Martial arts, confidence, character and leadership
• 🌱 Beginners: Contact the studio for current introductory options. 

🥋 Premier Martial Arts

📍 1110 Sheller Ave., Chambersburg, PA 17201
📞 717-262-4141
🌐 Premier Martial Arts Chambersburg

• 👶 Younger-child programs: Available
• 👧👦 Kids' programs: Available
• 🌱 Introductory opportunity: Trial options are currently promoted
• 🎯 Focus: Martial arts skills, confidence, focus and discipline. 

Ask martial-arts programs about:

• Monthly tuition
• Uniform or gi
• Belt-testing fees
• Protective equipment
• Contract length
• Competition fees

🎳 Bowling

🎳 Nellie Fox Bowl

📍 3587 Molly Pitcher Highway South, Chambersburg, PA 17202
📞 717-375-2222
📧 nelliefox@nelliefoxbowl.net
🌐 Nellie Fox Bowl

Nellie Fox offers bowling leagues for children and adults in addition to open bowling. 

Ask about:

• Current junior/youth league schedule
• Ages
• Shoe rental
• Whether children need their own ball
• League or association fees
• Tournament opportunities

Bowling can be a great option for kids who like skill progression and competition without traditional running or contact sports.

🚲 Biking & Mountain Biking

Biking can mean anything from family recreation to organized mountain-bike or racing programs.

Look for:

• 🚲 Learn-to-ride opportunities
• 🚵 Mountain biking
• 🌲 Youth trail riding
• 🏁 Racing
• 🚦 Bike-safety clinics
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family rides

Before joining:

• What kind of bike is needed?
• Is a helmet required?
• Is additional safety equipment expected?
• What experience level is appropriate?
• Are families responsible for transporting bikes?
• Are race fees extra?

💡 The upfront equipment cost can be higher, but a bike can also be used for family recreation outside the program.

🎾 Tennis, Golf, Pickleball & Other Sports

Programs in these sports may appear seasonally through:

• Chambersburg Recreation
• Local YMCAs
• Schools
• Private facilities
• Camps and clinics

The Chambersburg YMCA currently includes youth pickleball and running among its sports camps. 

🏫 Don't Forget School Sports Camps

School athletic programs can be one of the best ways for kids to try a sport without committing to a full league season.

Watch Greencastle-Antrim, Chambersburg, Waynesboro, James Buchanan and other local athletic programs for camps in:

• ⚽ Soccer
• 🏐 Volleyball
• 🏑 Field hockey
• 🏀 Basketball
• ⚾ Baseball & softball
• 🏈 Football
• 🤼 Wrestling
• 🏃 Track

Why camps can be a great first step

• Shorter commitment
• Often less expensive
• Meet local coaches and athletes
• Learn basic skills
• See whether your child enjoys the sport
• Avoid buying expensive equipment before you're sure

👶 Looking for a First Sport?

For younger children, consider:

• ⚾ T-ball
• ⚽ Intro soccer
• 🏈 Flag/intro football
• 🏊 Swim lessons
• 🏃 Running
• 🥋 Martial arts
• 🎳 Bowling
• 🚲 Biking
• 🏀 Intro basketball

The Chambersburg YMCA's Mini & Big programs and Tuscarora Youth Soccer's Soccer Shots pathway are examples specifically designed for young beginners. 

♿ Adaptive & Inclusive Sports

⚽ Greencastle AYSO EPIC

AYSO EPIC is designed to help athletes with disabilities participate in soccer with appropriate support.

Families should also watch for:

• Special Olympics Franklin County
• Inclusive recreation
• School Unified Sports
• Adaptive clinics and camps

If your child needs accommodations, contact the program before registering to discuss what support is available.

🏆 Recreational or Travel?

Neither is automatically better.

🌱 Recreational may be a good fit if you want:

• Fun and participation
• Skill development
• Local games
• Lower costs
• Fewer practices
• A first experience with the sport

🏆 Travel/competitive may include:

• Tryouts
• More practices
• Higher-level competition
• Tournaments
• Longer drives
• Hotels
• Team fees
• Additional uniforms
• Specialized training

The best choice is the one that fits your child AND your family.

💵 What Will Youth Sports Really Cost?

Registration isn't always the full price.

Ask about:

• 💵 Registration
• 👕 Uniform
• 👟 Shoes or cleats
• 🎒 Equipment
• 🪖 Protective equipment
• 💰 Mandatory fundraising
• 💳 Fundraiser buyout
• 🏆 Tournament/competition fees
• 🎫 Spectator admission
• 🚗 Travel and gas
• 🏨 Hotels
• 🍔 Meals
• 📸 Photos
• 👕 Team apparel
• 🪪 Membership fees
• 🙋 Required volunteer shifts

Ask this exact question:

“What should we expect to spend during the entire season beyond the registration fee?”

⏰ The Other Hidden Cost: Time

Sometimes the biggest commitment isn't money.

Ask:

• How many practices are there each week?
• How long are practices?
• Are they on school nights?
• Are games Saturday, Sunday or both?
• How far are away games?
• Are tournaments required?
• Is there a preseason?
• Are parents required to work concessions or fields?
• Is fundraising mandatory?

A low-cost sport can still be a large family commitment.

✅ Questions to Ask Before Registering

🌱 Is this right for my child?

• Recreational, developmental, travel or competitive?
• Beginner-friendly?
• Are tryouts required?
• How are teams formed?
• Is playing time guaranteed?
• Can we try a clinic first?
• What is the coaching philosophy?

📆 Can this work for our family?

• How many practices?
• What nights?
• When are games?
• How long is the season?
• How far will we travel?
• Are tournaments required?
• What happens if we miss?

💵 What will it really cost?

• What's included in registration?
• Is the uniform included?
• What equipment do we buy?
• Is fundraising mandatory?
• Is there a fundraiser buyout?
• Are tournament fees extra?
• Do spectators pay admission?
• Is financial assistance available?

🙋 What is expected of parents?

• Volunteer?
• Concessions?
• Field work?
• Fundraising?
• Coaching?
• Transportation?
• How are coaches screened and trained?

💰 Need Help Paying for Sports?

Ask about:

• Scholarships
• Payment plans
• Sibling discounts
• Loaner equipment
• Equipment exchanges
• Grants
• YMCA financial assistance
• Community-sponsored registration

Don't assume help isn't available just because you don't see it advertised.

📅 Don't Miss Registration

One of the easiest youth-sports mistakes is waiting until the season starts to look for registration.

By then, it may already be closed.

• 🌸 Spring sports: Start checking in winter
• ☀️ Summer camps: Check in late winter/early spring
• 🍂 Fall sports: Check in spring/early summer
• ❄️ Winter sports: Check in late summer/early fall

Competitive programs may hold tryouts even earlier.

📝 Is Your Sports Program Missing?

We want this guide to grow with our community!

If you operate a youth sports league, club, team, camp or clinic serving families in the Chambersburg-area Macaroni KID community, we'd love to hear from you.

Please include:

• Program/organization name
• Address/location
• Phone
• Email
• Website
• Sport
• Ages/grades
• Recreational, developmental, travel or competitive
• Season
• Registration dates
• Registration fee
• Additional costs
• Equipment requirements
• Fundraising
• Practice/game commitment
• Travel expectations
• Financial assistance
• Social media

Program offerings, fees, schedules and registration information can change. Families should confirm current information directly with each organization.

AI tools assisted with portions of the research and writing process. Content was reviewed and edited by a human publisher for local relevance, clarity and usefulness.