Youth Athletics

Bedford Parks and Recreation offers youth athletics leagues and programs throughout the year, including fall and spring soccer, winter basketball, and spring/summer youth baseball.  We have also partnered with Rookie Sports Club, LLC to offer additional programs are we are working hard to enhance current offerings.   See current youth athletics information below.  Join the fun!

The Recreation Department relies on volunteer coaches at all levels to coordinate each team.  If you or anyone you know is interested in coaching a youth sports team please indicate so at the time of registration or contact the Recreation Department at 440-735-6570.  Interested volunteer coaches can also submit an email to recreation@bedfordoh.gov.

Volunteer coach applicants are required to complete a volunteer application, concussion certification, Lindsay’s Law compliance, and background check.

Jr. Cavs Youth Basketball

Jr. Cavs Bear Cub Basketball (Grades PK-K)
This is an 8-week instructional basketball program for children in Pre-K (must be 4 years old) and Kindergarten.  Players are taught the basics of dribbling, passing, shooting; as well as, basic offense and defense.  Players will then apply what they learned in fun, non-competitive games.  Indicate preferred time, 5:45 pm or 6:45 pm at time of registration.

Jr. Cavs Grades 1-2
Program will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Ellenwood Center. First four weeks will consist of group practices both evenings. Beginning week 5, players will practice on Tuesday evenings and play a scrimmage/game on Thursday evenings.  Indicate preferred time, 5:45 pm or 6:45 pm, at time of registration.

WHEN:
Bear Cub Basketball - Wednesday evenings starting January 10, 2024 (8-weeks)
Times
1. 5:45 pm to 6:35 pm
2. 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm

Grades 1-2 - Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning January 9, 2024 (8-weeks)
Times
1. 5:45 pm to 6:40 pm
2. 6:45 pm to 7:40 pm

WHERE:
Bear Cubs - Ellenwood Center, 124 Ellenwood Avenue
Grades 1-2 - Ellenwood Center, 124 Ellenwood Avenue

Bear Cub Basketball will use a 7-foot basket.  Grades 1-2 use an 8-foot basket.  Grades PK-2 use a 27.5 sized basketball.

Jr. Cavs Grades 3-6
Players will participate in group instruction the first 3 weeks.  Following group instruction players will be placed on teams based on skill levels.  Players will then participate in a 6-week season in a 5x5 league format.  Please note that special requests for team assignments will be limited. May have optional weekday evening practices at Ellenwod Center.

WHEN:
Grades 3-6 - Saturday mornings/early afternoons beginning January 6, 2024

WHERE:
Grades 3-6 - Heskett Middle School, 5771 Perkins Road or Ellenwood Center

Grades 3-6 use a 10-foot basket.  Grades 3-6 use a 28.5 sized basketball.

Registration Deadline December 2

Each player receives a Jr. Cavs reversible jersey and two (2) Cavs ticket/vouchers.

Registration accepted after the deadline may be accepted based on availability and may be subject to a $15 late fee.

HOW TO REGISTER

AS OF 12/19/23 ALL DIVISIONS ARE ON A WAITLIST SINCE UNIFORMS HAVE BEEN ORDERED.  CLICK THE REGISTRATION LINK BELOW TO BE ADDED TO A WAITLIST

Online Registration - click here
In Person - at Bedford Recreation, 124 Ellenwood Avenue
Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
By Phone - (440) 735-6570

Spring Bearcat Youth Volleyball

Boys and girls grades 4-6. Six-weeks on Monday evenings beginning in late spring.  As of 11/1/23 dates are still being finalized.  Check back for schedule information.  Participants will be assigned to groups based on age/enrollment. Program consists of instructional group practices and scrimmages in a clinic format, led by Rookie Sports Club LLC. Participants receive a T-shirt.

Location is Ellenwood Center Gymnasium
Fee: TBD
Registration Deadline for Spring Volleyball - TBD

Late registration may be available.

Spring Bearcat Youth Soccer

Boys and girls ages 5-12. Eight-weeks on Saturdays beginning in April; weather permitting. Participants will be assigned to groups based on age/enrollment. Program consists of weekly (Saturday mornings or early afternoons) instructional group practices and scrimmages in a clinic format, led by Rookie Sports Club LLC. Participants receive a T-shirt. Participants must provide and wear their own shin guards. Soccer cleats are recommended.

Location is Bearcat Stadium or Hutchinson Field.  
Fee: $55 Resident/$65 Non-Resident
Registration Deadline for Spring Soccer - March 1

Spring Bearcat Youth Soccer

Boys and girls ages 5-12. Eight-weeks on Saturdays beginning in April; weather permitting. Participants will be assigned to groups based on age/enrollment. Program consists of weekly (Saturday mornings or early afternoons) instructional group practices and scrimmages in a clinic format, led by Rookie Sports Club LLC. Participants receive a T-shirt. Participants must provide and wear their own shin guards. Soccer cleats are recommended.

Location is Bearcat Stadium or Hutchinson Field.  
Fee: $55 Resident/$65 Non-Resident
Registration Deadline for Spring Soccer - March 1

Summer Bearcat Youth Baseball

Boys and Girls Ages 5-12

Weeknights beginning in June; weather permitting. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate each team. Practice may begin in late May or June and will be scheduled based on coaches availability.  Participants receive a game shirt and hat. Every player should have a pair of white baseball pants and a mitt.

The number of registered participants at any age group will determine the program format. Games in some divisions may be played against teams in the Maple Heights Boys League in both City of Bedford parks and Stafford Park in Maple Heights.  T-ball will likely be played fully in Bedford.  In the event that participation numbers do not allow for multiple teams in each age group, the Parks & Recreation Department may run the program in a camp/clinic format with instruction from Rookie Sports Club, LLC.

DIVISIONS:

A player may not turn the next age prior to May 1.  Divisions may vary based on registration.  Days of the week may change at any time.

T-Ball - Ages 5-6
Monday/Wednesday evenings
8-10 game season

Coach Pitch - Ages 7-8

Tuesday/Thursday evenings
10-12 game season

Minor - Ages 9-10
Days of week TBD

Major - Ages 11-12
Days of week TBD

Boys and Girls ages 13-18

Weeknights beginning in June; weather permitting. Participants receive a game shirt and hat. Every player should have a pair of white baseball pants and a mitt. Practice will begin based on players' eligibility after the school season and the coaches availability.  League selection will be determined by number of participants.  Participant cost will be based on league registration fees. Teams may be entered into the City of Cleveland Division of Recreation Baseball League, for which there is no charge to participate.

All dates, times, fees, schedules subject to change.  Age groups may be combined or program modified based on participation and other factors.

Questions? Call 440-735-6570