February 1, 2023 marks the Annual National Girls & Women In Sports Day powered by the Women's Sports Foundation. This celebration promotes equality in sports and inspires girls and women to play, be active, and recognize their full power.
Our sports community in Kalamazoo is made up of organizations that believe in the future of girls and women in sport.
In celebration of #NGWSD2023, we've put together a list of local organizations that offer opportunities for girls and women to grow both mentally and physically through sports.
Kalamazoo Derby Darlins & Kalamazoo Killer Beez
In order of most combative, unapologetic, and thrilling sports, roller derby is tough to beat… Lucky enough for us, Kalamazoo is home to both the Derby Darlins (adult team) and the Killer Beez (junior team). These teams are made up of some fierce individuals, and together they make for one heck of a squad.
Fun fact, between the two Kalamazoo roller derby teams, there are 5 Mother Daughter Duos. Want to learn more about them? Check out our blog: Meet the Mother Daughter Duos of the Kalamazoo Roller Derby Teams.
Branch Gymnastics & KidsSports USA
Offering gymnastics, dance and cheerleading, Branch's mission stretches far beyond the sport itself and focuses on self-confidence/image, body control and balance, strength and flexibility, discipline and responsibility and offers individual attention in a small group setting.
The Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association (GKSA)
Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association offers Learn To Skate programs, competition programs, and private lessons that are designed to provide the foundation skaters need to take their passion for skating to the next level.
Mindset PT
MindsetPT offers gym memberships for both youth and adults. They offer a variety of fitness courses including a course specific to the Mama's out there that are looking to gain strength, mobility, and stability. This 8 week course is called MamaBear and it creates a space where you are safe, seen and heard for all things mama.
Mindset PT also offers a 6 week strength and conditioning course called Athena which is centered around young women to help them become more confident in and outside of the gym. This course focuses on topics such as proper nutrition, sleep, social media use, exercise, and the prevention of common female injures.
Kingdom Sports
Kingdom Sports is committed to youth soccer player development through youth soccer camps, community outreach, and youth soccer leagues. Since started, Kingdom has evolved from offering just soccer to offering classes and leagues in flag football, baseball, softball, and lacrosse.
Kalamazoo Curling Club
Established in 2008, the Kalamazoo Curling Club is a group of people who like to curl and want more people to curl with. Their five-sheet club is housed at Wings Event Center. Want to learn more about the game of curling? Check out their Curling 101 page. And to learn more about the Kalamazoo Curling Club, read our #WhyStory blog.
Kalamazoo Pickleball
Kalamazoo Pickleball is a non-profit organization that raises funds through charitable donations and by running their annual Pickleball Fever in the Zoo Tournament. All donations and tournament proceeds go solely back into their non-profit to support the growth and development of new pickleball facilities, or upgrading existing facilities in the community.
Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA)
KOHA's mission is to provide every boy and girl in southwest Michigan the opportunity to enjoy and excel at the game of hockey. They believe hockey serves as an effective vehicle to develop character; therefore, they instill the values of integrity, hard work, determination, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence in all activities.
Gull Lake Sailing Club
In their fourth year, the Gull Lake Sailing Club is full of people who love to sail and being out on the water. The club focuses on growing the sport and sailboat racing across Michigan. Whether you're a beginner, long time sailor, youth, or adult, you can join the GLSC. Learn more information here.
Southwest Michigan Miracle League
The Miracle League provides a safe and fun environment for where kids with disabilities can enjoy themselves and experience the camaraderie of playing baseball in a field all their own. The Miracle Field of Southwest Michigan was recently finished. Located in Schoolcraft, this is the first Miracle Field in our region. For more information on the Southwest Michigan Miracle League, visit their website.
Girls On The Run
GOTR's mission is to inspire all girls to build confidence and make intentional decisions, while fostering care and compassion for self and others. Their trained coaches use physical activity and dynamic discussions to build social, emotional, and physical skills in every girl while encouraging healthy habits for life. For more information on how you can sign up to run or become a coach, visit the GOTR website.
K'Aces Disc Golf
The largest and longest running disc golf league in the Kalamazoo region, the K'Aces league is made up of disc golf beginners, professionals, and everywhere in between. Whether you've thrown a disc once or hundred times, our disc golf community welcomes you. To learn more about K'Aces visit their Facebook page.
Athletic Mentors
Athletic Mentors focuses on developing specific programs for groups or individuals across a range of levels, from developing early, emerging talent to honing Elite and Pro performance. From our prestigious hockey camps and in-season training to personal training sessions for amateurs who want to live optimally, Athletic Mentors has an opportunity for everyone.
Kalamazoo Friends of Recreation
Kalamazoo Friends of Recreation believes all youth deserves an opportunity beyond the classroom walls. They work on developing our youth into leaders, explore risk and reward, and practice social and environmental responsibility. Visit their website to learn more about Kalamazoo Friends of Recreation.
BJ Sports
Whether your child is a beginner or advanced lacrosse player, BJ Sports has options for them. From leagues to personal training and private lessons, their experienced staff is made up of coaches that have played lacrosse at the collegiate or varsity level. They strive for fun and challenging camp formats that improve player's skills and their overall game development. Learn more about those opportunities at BJ Sports' website.
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo consists of three sites: the Maple and Portage facilities which offer a variety of program and fitness amenities, and a Youth Development Program at Lincoln International Studies Elementary School. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation's health and well-being, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected, and secure. Learn more about our local YMCA's here.
The Dome Sports Center / Next Level Performance
The Dome, the home of Next Level Performance, provides training for sports and life through expert coaches who care about you as a competitor and as a person and help you get better on and off the field, court, ice and mat. You are welcome here regardless of your abilities.
