CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — The weather is finally cooling off, and it’s a great time to get kids involved in outdoor activities. Whether parents are looking to introduce their kids to a sport, sharpen their skills to prepare for the next level of competition, or just get them moving and having fun, St. George Youth Sports are an affordable option thanks largely to the support of Stephen Wade Auto Center.
Stephen Wade Auto Center has played a key role in sponsoring local youth recreation programs for over 10 years by covering the cost of all St. George Youth Sports jerseys for participants. That way, more kids are able to play. Most leagues cost just $45 for St. George residents and $50 for non-residents.
“Not every family has the money for club teams, so the fact that we have recreation sports is huge,” said Jamie Bahlmann, public relations director for Stephen Wade Auto Center. “When I first moved here, that’s what my husband and I could afford. Our kids played soccer and flag football through the city for years.”
The support of Stephen Wade Auto Center also allows the city of St. George to use their limited youth sports budget for facilities, equipment, staffing and other components that elevate the quality of the leagues.
Participation in St. George Youth Sports is steadily increasing every season. This year, over 625 kids enrolled in flag football alone.
“It’s a pretty big investment for us,” Bahlmann said. “But we see a lot of value in supporting our community’s families. We want it to be affordable for kids to play recreational sports.”
St. George Youth Sports gives local kids an opportunity to get out and play, to learn and understand team sports and, most importantly, to have fun. The program offers a variety of friendly, non-competitive leagues and clinics to students from kindergarten through ninth grade.
“We have such a great community with such great volunteers and sponsors,” said Shane Moore, parks and community services director for the city of St. George. “Stephen Wade makes a huge impact on our community, and we really appreciate all they do.”
“It keeps the cost really low,” added Kade Huff, recreation supervisor for St. George Youth Sports. “We have some of the most affordable recreation programs around, and a big part of that is because of sponsors like Stephen Wade.”
Sports include volleyball, soccer, rugby, flag football, baseball, softball, T-ball and Junior Jazz basketball. Anywhere from 250 to 2,000 kids enroll in each sport per season. Junior Jazz basketball typically has the highest participation, Moore said, and has been split into two leagues this year to ensure enough gym space.
Enrollment is currently open for the upcoming fall volleyball league for grades third-ninth as well as the fall and winter Junior Jazz basketball leagues for grades Kindergarten-third and fourth-ninth, respectively. To register, visit the St. George Youth Sports webpage.
“Recreation has so many benefits for young people, including mental health and social skills,” Moore said. “These programs teach kids how to work together as a team.”
Stephen Wade Auto Center is always working to build stronger kids, families and neighborhoods. Supported by generations of loyal customers, they’ve been giving back to Southern Utah for nearly 30 years and don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. Learn more at stephenwade.com/community.
Stephen Wade Auto Center • Stephen Wade Truck Center • Stephen Wade Chevrolet Cadillac • Stephen Wade Mazda • Stephen Wade Honda • Stephen Wade Nissan • Stephen Wade Toyota • Stephen Wade Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat • Mercedes-Benz of St. George
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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Resources
- Stephen Wade Auto Center | Address: 150 Auto Mall Drive, St. George | Telephone: 435-222-7605 | Website.
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