Rugby, born at Rugby School in England back in 1823, is one of the oldest sports around, and it’s (finally) taking off in America—the U.S. is hosting the men’s World Cup in 2031 and the women’s in 2033. Mother Lode Rugby Club (motherloderugby.org), based in Shingle Springs, invites players ages eight to 18 from Cameron Park, Folsom, Placerville, Pollock Pines, and beyond to learn new skills in this globally popular sport. They have a full range of certified international coaches and play in games and tournaments throughout the year. And yes, girls can play too! 

If your kids are fans of the hit TV show Bluey, then they will already know about cricket: the bat-and-ball game that’s played between two teams of 11 players. Fun fact: It’s also the national sport of both Australia and India! The Sacramento Youth Cricket Association (cricclubs.com/syca) has been promoting youth cricket in Roseville, Folsom, and the Greater Sacramento region since 2016. Practices are in Folsom and Roseville on Fridays. 

Clipped in for Life (clippedinforlife.org) is the ultimate destination for everything cycling. The organization’s comprehensive programs include Get Rollin’ classes, where three- to six-year-olds learn how to ride a bike, and the newly launched Grip Academy, which provides after-school youth cycling programs for kids up to eighth grade. They also host races catered to elementary through high school students in and around the region. 

El Dorado Hills Bowmen (eldoradohillsbowmen.com) is a club and archery range located just off Highway 50 in El Dorado Hills. Welcoming children ages eight and up, they host “Try Archery” sessions year-round, where USA Archery-certified instructors cover shooting techniques, equipment fundamentals, and provide a gateway into the exciting world of archery.

Committed to providing a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for everyone (ages seven to 17) interested in the exciting sport of roller derby, the Outlaws (outlawsrollerderby.com) is a community based, flat-track roller derby league. All shapes, sizes, and skill levels are welcome; practices for their junior program are in Auburn with new recruits happening in January. 

Established in 1974, the Buffalo Chips (buffalochips.com/youthchips) is our region’s oldest and largest running club. Young athletes (ages nine and up) of all abilities train and compete with the Youth Chips program, where they meet for fun group runs, speed and track workouts, and enjoy regular social events in and around Folsom. 

Located in Granite Bay, Nor Cal SUP (norcalsup.com) inspires youth ages eight to 18 to embrace the popular sport of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), fostering athleticism, adventure, environmental awareness, teamwork, and fun! Through their GROMS youth program, participants learn paddleboarding skills from the ground up, fostering confidence, a connection with nature, and a lasting love for water sports. No prior paddling experience is necessary to join.

Capital Crew (sacstateaquaticcenter.com/capital-crew-youth-rowing)—Sacramento State Youth Aquatic Center’s youth rowing program for high school students—has been a cornerstone of competitive rowing in the region since 1988. The team trains from mid-September to mid-May on Lake Natoma and competes against 32 other junior rowing programs on the West Coast. No prior rowing experience is necessary. 

Explore the magic of aerial yoga in a fun, supportive environment at Roseville’s Westpark Yoga & Movement (westparkyoga.com/kids-membership). With a membership, children ages six to 12 will soar to new heights while improving flexibility, strength, and coordination. Weekly classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

At First Tee Greater Sacramento (firstteesacramento.org), kids and teens ages seven to 18 learn to play golf while also absorbing life lessons and leadership skills. Programs vary by location; participating courses in our  area include Empire Ranch and Turkey Creek. 

Sacramento Youth Cricket Association photo by Naresh Sabnis. Clipped in for Life-Balance Bike Bash Historic Folsom photo by Allan Fuss. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.