Sports & Fitness
The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers a variety of sports programs for all ages. Browse our league and team opportunities below.
Self-Directed Fitness Opportunities
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services offers over 43 miles of trails for biking, walking, or running. Browse the opportunities below:
Trails and Open Space (includes natural surface and paved options)
Oconee Rivers Greenway System
Firefly Trail
Mountain Biking Trails
Skate Park of Athens
Outdoor Basketball and tennis courts are first-come,first-served, unless scheduled for lessons or activities.
What's in season?
Adult Sports
Sport | Season |
---|---|
Fit & Strong! | Winter, Spring |
Karate | Year Round |
Pétanque | Year Round |
Pickup Basketball / Open Gym | Year Round |
Pickleball | Year Round |
Soccer | Spring |
Softball | Spring |
Swim | Summer |
Tai Chi | Year Round |
Tennis | Year Round |
Youth Sports
Sport | Season | Ages |
---|---|---|
Baseball | Fall, Spring | 4 - 16 |
Basketball | Winter | 5 - 14 |
Baton | Fall, Winter, Spring | 5 - 16 |
Gymnastics | Year Round | 10 months - 16 |
Karate | Year Round | 5 - 17 |
Soccer | Fall, Spring | 5 - 14 |
Sportstime | Fall, Spring | 3 - 5 |
Swim | Summer | 6 months - 18 |
Tennis | Fall, Winter, Spring | 5 - 18 |
Youth Sports
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services has several opportunities to get fit and stay active. No matter your sport, your skill, or your interest level, there is a way to help you get and stay healthy!
Please browse the tabs below for more information about youth sports and athletics.
Feel free to visit other Athens-Clarke County Parks and Facilities for biking, hiking, running, and "on your own" activities.
Baseball
Spring and fall baseball is held at Holland Youth Sports Complex and Satterfield Park. For program and registration information, please visit the association websites listed below.
*Please note these are affiliate organizations. Affiliate organizations have been approved to hold organized leagues at Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services parks. Independent teams and leagues not associated with an approved organization will not permitted.
ACC Basketball
ACC Basketball League (Currently Cancelled due to COVID)
A top quality basketball experience for youth and teens ages 5-13+. The program focuses on teaching fundamental basketball skills, team work, sportsmanship, leadership, and enhancing the mental and physical development of each participant. The season consists of practice and play. League play occurs during the winter.
Games are played at East Athens Community Center and Lay Park.
For more information, call 706-613-3991.
ACC Basketball Clinic
A top basketball experience for youth ages 5-12. The program focuses on improving players abilities. The clinic is a 3 weeks long, 2 classes per week (Tuesday/Thursday and Saturday depending on age group), 1 hour per session. Classes are small group so players can get more repetitions and more time with the coach.
Clinics are held at East Athens Community Center.
For more information, call 706-613-3991.
Register for ACC Basketball Clinic
Pick-Up Basketball
Available at several Athens-Clarke County courts. Please call each location for hours.
Baton
Come twirl with the best! We offer instruction in dance-twirling, strutting, marching technique and more! Our majorette program is the hit of the town! Classes fill quickly. You do not want to miss the chance to have your daughter receive training from the best instructors around.
Students may have also the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in community performances depending on COVID-19.
Classes are held at Bishop Park under the covered tennis courts. Please be sure to read the Parent Information Letter. Batons and uniforms are an additional charge.
Baton Basics (Skills and Fundamentals) Beginner - for students ages 5-12
Students will learn the basic skills and fundamentals of baton twirling including basic twirls, beginner tricks, bodywork and more! A baton is required for this class and must be ordered by October 13. Participants in this class will not participate in community performances and will not need to purchase uniforms.
Baton I (Beginner) - for students ages 5 and older
Students will learn twirling fundamentals needed to be successful in Baton II and III. Basic twirling skills, beginner tricks, bodywork, marching techniques and more will be taught! Students will learn marching and dance twirl routines and perform these routines at various community events. A baton and uniforms are required for this class.
Baton II (Intermediate) - for students who have completed a minimum of two years of Baton I and/or have been evaluated by the class Instructor are allowed in this class.
Students will continue to practice the skills learned in Baton I while building their knowledge as they learn intermediate twirling skills, tricks, two-baton twirling (the use of two batons), and bodywork. Students will learn marching and dance twirl routines and will perform these routines at various community events. Two batons and uniforms are required for this class.
Baton III (Advanced) - Students who have completed a minimum two years of Baton I and a minimum of two years of Baton II and/or have been evaluated by the baton instructors are ready for Baton III.
Students will continue to practice skills learned in both the Baton I and II classes as they begin to learn advanced baton twirling skills, bodywork, tricks, and three baton twirling (the use of three batons). Competition twirling will be a required element of this class and students will compete at local competitions. Students will learn marching and dance twirl routines and will perform these routines at various community events. Three batons, uniforms and competitions fees are required for this class.
*Please note this is an affiliate organization. Affiliate organizations have been approved to hold organized leagues at Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services parks. Independent teams and leagues not associated with an approved organization will not permitted.
2021 Details:
- Ages: 5 and older
- Program Online Registration: ACC Residents: Saturday, Feb. 6 - 9:00 a.m.; Non-ACC Residents: Monday, Feb. 8 - 12 noon.
- Spring Session: March 2 - May 11, 2021 (No classes April 6)
- Time:Tuesdays
- Basics - 5:00-5:45
- Baton I, II and III - 5:45-6:45
- Fee: $65 ACC resident; $97.50 Non-resident
- Location:Bishop Park Covered Courts, 706-613-3589
- Contact: Melanie Baer, 706-207-5890 or email
Register for Baton.
Flag Football
Flag Football is for players of all skill levels and promotes a competitive, confidence building, non-contact football experience. Camps and clinics are held throughout the year.
For more information please call 706-613-3991 or email youthsports@accgov.com.
Tackle Football
Tackle football is played "under the lights" at Virginia Walker Park. For program and registration information, please visit the association websites listed below.
*Please note this is an affiliate organization. Affiliate organizations have been approved to hold organized leagues at Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services parks. Independent teams and leagues not associated with an approved organization will not permitted.
Athens Clarke Gymnastics Academy
Gymnastics has been a part of the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department for more than 45 years and a USA Gymnastics Club Member for more than 30 years. Gymnastics programming takes place at Bishop Park.
Gymnastics instruction available for children ages 12 months to 20 years old. Advanced gymnasts compete nationally.
We invite you to browse through our gymnastics programs and if you should have questions, please email us or call our office 706-613-3589 and ask for ’Gymnastics.’
Browse Gymnastics Classes.
Register for Gymnastics.
Karate
This program promotes mental development and teaches self defense. Classes focus on the physical, mental and emotional skills of martial arts and also self-defense techniques.
This class is offered at East Athens Community Center.
Register for Karate.
Athens- Clarke County (Recreational) Soccer League
A youth soccer program designed to promote and develop an interest in soccer among young athletes. Each player will receive a dry fit jersey. Shin guards and appropriate footwear (cleats or rubber sole shoes) required.
Our youth soccer program is run by volunteers who dedicate their time due to their love of the game of soccer and children. Our 14U, 12U, and 10U programs do travel to neighboring communities.
Most games and practices are held at Southeast Clarke Park.
Get Involved!
We encourage parent participation in our league. Interested in coaching? Please contact us at youthsports@accgov.com or call 706-613-3991.
Register for ACC Soccer
Club Soccer League
*Please note this is an affiliate organization. Affiliate organizations have been approved to hold organized leagues at Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services parks. Independent teams and leagues not associated with an approved organization will not permitted.
Sportstime
Sportstime is an introductory sports program designed to educate, energize, and encourage children ages 3-5. Children learn basic skills and rules for a new sport each week, practice sportsmanship, and have fun!
This program meets at Lay Park or Southeast Clarke Park.
Register for Sportstime
Swim and Aquatics
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services offers small group swim lessons for children 6 months to adults. All lessons are taught by certified life guards and take place at Bishop Park, East Athens Community Center, Lay Park, and Rocksprings Community Center pools.
For a complete list of Swim Lessons, please visit our Aquatics page.
Parent / Tot Swim School (ages 6 months - 3 years)
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services offers parent and tot swim lessons for children aged six months to three-years-old. These swim lessons are meant to introduce your child to the water and are taught by our certified lifeguards.
Swim School (ages 3-18)
Athens-Clarke Leisure Services offers small group swim lessons for children ages 3 and up. All lessons are taught by certified lifeguards. Classes are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. Your child must be 3 years old or older and potty trained to participate in Swim School.The lessons are broken into three, 45-minute classes a week for three weeks, for a total of nine lessons.
Kinderswim (5 year olds)
The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Kinderswim program is a free initiative started with the goal of helping ACC children learn how to swim. The program is offered to all Athens-Clarke County 5-year-old children at no cost. The lessons are broken into three, 45-minute classes a week for three weeks, for a total of nine lessons, and are available at all of the ACCLS pools. Participants who complete at least seven of the nine lessons will receive a free pool pass for the remainder of the pool season.
Bulldogs Swim Team
The University of Georgia's Athens Bulldog Swim Club provides a fun, competitve co-ed swim program. The program focuses on learning, developing, and improving various swim strokes. Swimmers must be able to swim the length of the Bishop Park Pool to register.
*Please note this is an affiliate organization. Affiliate organizations have been approved to hold organized leagues at Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services parks. Independent teams and leagues not associated with an approved organization will not permitted.
Register for Swim Activities.
Tennis
We offer clinics for beginners, intermediates, and all who love tennis! Register online for group or private classes.
Tennis lessons and matches take place at Bishop Park and the ACC Tennis Center.
For more information, call 706-613-3991.
Tennis Aces (Ages 5-7)
This 5 week tennis program is a beginner's red ball class where we use smaller nets to help teach tennis. The program is tailored to develop basic physical abilities and tennis stroke production, using many different games to keep it fun and interesting.
Tennis Smashers (Ages 7-9)
This five week orange ball class will enhance physical development, introduce shot selection, use of spin, and competition in a fun and positive environment.
Rising Stars (Ages 9-11)
Rising Stars is a five week orange/green ball class that will further improve their stroke techniques, multi-directional movement, and mental adjustment to match-play.
Future Stars (Ages 12-18)
This five week clinic is designed for junior players of all levels using live-ball drills, match-play, and conditioning. This program will prepare juniors for tournaments and school team competition.
Drop in Play
Drop in play is available at several ACC parks and is first-come, first-served, unless reserved in advance. Call 706-613-3991 to reserve a court at the ACC Tennis Center.
Register for Tennis Classes
Register for Tennis Private Lessons
Adult Sports and Fitness
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services has several opportunities to get fit and stay active. No matter your sport, your skill, or your interest level, there is a way to help you get and stay healthy!
Please browse the tabs below for more information about adult fitness opportunities.
Feel free to visit other Athens-Clarke County Parks and Facilities for biking, hiking, running, and "on your own" activities.
- Basketball
- Disc Golf
- Fit & Strong
- Fitness Centers
- Karate
- Pétanque
- Pickleball
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swim
- Tai Chi
- Tennis
Adult Pick Up Basketball
Stay in shape and sharpen your skills in supervised pick-up basketball games. Registration is not required for this activity.
Please note: Summer camp and other programming affects gym use. Please check at the front desk for the most current information.
Indoor Basketball Gyms:
- East Athens Community Center: 706-613-3593
- Lay Park: 706-613-3596
Outdoor Basketball Courts:
- Bishop Park: Two basketball courts with athletic lighting
- East Athens Community Center: Two basketball courts
- Lay Park: Two basketball courts with lighting
- Memorial Park: Two basketball courts with lighting
- Reese and Pope Park : One basketball court
- Rocksprings Park: Two basketball courts with lighting
- Sandy Creek Park: Two basketball courts
Disc Golf
Disc golf is available at Sandy Creek Park and features 27 holes.
Downloadable scorecard and more information available at our Disc Golf page.
Fit and Strong!
Fit & Strong! combines flexibility, strength training, and aerobic walking with health education for sustained behavior change among older adults with lower extremity osteoarthritis. Classes will take place twice a week for 8 weeks at Lay Park Community Center.
Register for Fit and Strong!
Indoor Fitness Rooms
Fitness rooms are available free of charge and include a multi-station gym, elliptical cross trainer, treadmills, recumbent bikes, and weights. Please call for hours.
- East Athens Community Center 706-613-3593
- Lay Park 706-613-3596
Outdoor Fitness Zone
Want to work out - outside? Then try the Outdoor Fitness Zone at Virginia Walker Park! The Outdoor Fitness Zone is free of charge and is located near the splash pad and covered picnic shelter.
Open during park hours, the Outdoor Fitness Zone includes equipment one would typically find in a gym including:
- Two person chest press
- Two person lat pull down
- Single rowing machine
- Seated leg extension
- Upright bike
- Single elliptical
- Three person static combo
Karate
Are you interested in learning, working hard and have a desire to improve yourself physically, emotionally and mentally?
Come to East Athens Community Center and learn the world renowned hard style Yoshukai Karate developed by martial arts legend Soke Yamamoto. Training is done in traditional kata, point sparring, semi knockdown fighting, self defense and kobudo (weapons). Sensei Sherrie Hines leads our dojo at East Athens on Monday & Thursday evenings 7:00pm-8:30pm. Materials fees may apply.
- East Athens Community Center 706-613-3593
Register for Karate.
Pétanque
Pétanque (pay-tonk) is an international French sport (related to Italian Bocce Ball) for teams of 2 or 3, played by rolling or throwing metal balls at a smaller wooden target ball.
Pétanque is an enjoyable, competitive game of concentration, strategy, mindful focus, and body-mind coordination; with health benefits that include stress relief, improved flexibility, light cardio, and the positive mental and physical impacts of this social, outdoor activity. It is a learn as you play activity, so lessons, previous playing experience, and equipment are not required to join in the fun.
Courts available at Lay Park. Call 706-613-3596 with questions.
Connect with other players!
*Please note these are affiliate organizations. Affiliate organizations have been approved to hold organized leagues at Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services parks. Independent teams and leagues not associated with an approved organization will not permitted.
Pickleball
This exciting game is a combination of ping-pong, tennis, and badminton and can be played with two or four players. It is played on a badminton-sized court, using a wooden or composite racquet/paddle and a pickleball, which is similar to a wiffle ball. This is a learn as you play league, so lessons or previous playing experience are not required to join in the fun.
Outdoor Locations:
- Southeast Clarke Park
- Bishop Park (combined pickleball/tennis courts)
- Satterfield Park (combined pickleball/tennis courts)
Indoor Locations:
- East Athens Community Center: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. - noon
- Lay Park: Mondays - Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to noon
Athens Area Pickleball Association
Learn about tournaments and connect with others players at Athens Area Pickleball Association.*
*Please note this is an affiliate organization. Affiliate organizations have been approved to hold organized leagues at Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services parks. Independent teams and leagues not associated with an approved organization will not permitted.
Soccer
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services offers a 7v7 adult co-ed soccer league. Season includes 8 matches at Walker Park. Top four teams in each league will progress to a single elimination tournament with additional matches.
No team? No problem! "Free Agent" options available.
Contact Emily Mann at emily.mann@accgov.com or call 706-613-3589 with questions.
Register for Soccer.
Softball
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services offers softball leagues for adults. Season includes 10 games at Bishop Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Teams who make the playoffs require an additional fee.
Leagues:
- Adult Co-Ed League
- Adult Men's / Open League
- Adult Church League
Adult Softball League Paperwork Material
Softball Resources
Contact Emily Mann at emily.mann@accgov.com or call 706-613-3589 with questions.
Register for Softball.
Swim and Aquatics
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services has 5 pools and 2 splash pads, located throughout the community.
For a complete list of Swim Lessons and Program Opportunities, please visit our Aquatics page.
Adult Lap Swim
Stay active in the water with a dedicated adult lap swim time. Certified lifeguard will be on duty.
Aqua Aerobics
Aqua Aerobics is a low impact exercise that includes a variety of stretching, limbering, and weight routines set to music.
Register for Swim Activities.
Tai Chi
Improve your flexibility, increase stamina; balance and coordination by joining our Tai Chi Thursdays. Please call for registration, you may begin this class at any time.
- Rocksprings Park 706-613-3602
Register for Tai Chi.
Tennis
A variety of adult tennis programs are available at Bishop Park and the ACC Tennis Center. Take a moment and review the opportunities:
Adult Tennis Programs
- Adult Tennis 101 - A beginning tennis class. Students will learn fundamentals of tennis, including forehand, backhand, serve and volley. This class may be repeated until instructor feels participant is ready for Tennis 201. Bring water! This program is offered at the ACC Tennis Center and Bishop Park.
- Adult Tennis 201 - This program is designed to further improve stroke techniques. Consistency, strategy, and movement on court will be covered. Bring water! Tennis 101 or equivalent of a USTA 3.0 low/3.5 high level player.
Register for Tennis Classes
Clinics
We offer several clinics throughout the year to improve skills and connect players.
Ideal for beginner through experienced intermediate players (ideal for 2.5 to 4.0). Review fundamentals, match situational drills, hit LOTS of balls and get a good workout. Prior online registration is preferred.
Private Lessons
Interested in small group or individual lessons? Call the Athens Tennis Center at 706.613.3991 or email acctennis@accgov.com..
Register for Tennis Private Lessons
Join a League
Take it to the next level and connect with other players! We are glad to partner with the Clarke Oconee Tennis Association (COTA)* for league play.
*Please note this is an affiliate organization. Affiliate organizations have been approved to hold organized leagues at Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services parks. Independent teams and leagues not associated with an approved organization will not permitted.