Olympic Sports You Can Learn with Prince William County Parks

While the 2024 Olympics may be over, we're just getting geared up for our fall programs which include many of the sports featured in the summer Olympic Games. Prince William County Parks and Recreation offers swimming, archery, golf, volleyball, basketball and more! Keep reading to learn about all the Olympic sports we offer for both adults and children, or possible future Olympians!

From swim lessons, to synchronized swimming, beginner diving and swim team prep, we offer a variety of aquatics programs.

We provide swim lessons* for all levels and all ages from young children to adults. (*Please note our aquatics programs appear as “unavailable” until registration has opened. Please see more about our floating swim registration dates here.) 

If your child is interested in synchronized swimming, we offer that too! Our synchronized swimming program teaches teamwork, creativity and dedication while providing a great workout. Students must be able to swim two laps of the pool, be comfortable floating on their backs and know how to tread water all without any assistance. For more information, click here.

Do you have a future diver on your hands? In our beginner diving class, kids ages 6-17 will learn the correct approach, take-off, and forward dive from a 1-meter board. Learn more here. 

Our swim team prep classes enable students interested in competitive swimming to focus on improving their stroke techniques. Students will work on freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly in this class. (Prerequisite: Students must be able to swim 25 yards freestyle and backstroke without stopping.) Click here to learn more and register.

Are land sports more your thing? Then try your hand at archery. We offer beginner archery for kids ages 8-15, family archery, and adult beginner archery for ages 16+. Our classes are taught by National Archery Association certified instructors and all equipment is provided. Click here to see all class options and to register.

Ready to tee off? Through our partnership with First Tee, we provide golf instruction to children ages 7-17. First Tee’s unique golf program empowers kids and teens through the game of golf. Register your child today!

From indoor volleyball to beach volleyball, for beginners to advanced players, we have a variety of class options for your youth volleyball player. In our beginner volleyball skills clinic, participants will learn the fundamentals of volleyball. Our instructors will guide young athletes through different drills tailored to improve overall knowledge of the sport and enhance performance. This clinic will serve as a basic introduction to serving, passing, setting and hitting. See all class options and register here. 

If your child prefers beach volleyball, check out our beginner beach volleyball classes. Our instructors will teach your athlete the necessary skills to begin playing beach volleyball as well as introduce them to new techniques and strategies that will enhance your child's basic skills. Participants will learn how to serve, pass, understand court zones and challenge players toward learning formations, setting, and hitting. Register today. 

Do you have a hooper in your family? If so we offer basketball skills clinics for children ages 4-15. In this program, your child will learn the fundamentals of basketball. Our instructors will guide athletes through different drills that will be geared to improve ball handling, shooting, passing, defensive stance and more. Each session has been designed to engage your child in game like situations and progress towards scrimmages. See all class options and register here. 

If tennis is your preferred sport, we offer tennis lessons for the littlest ones, youth and adults. In our All Star Tiny Tots program, children ages 4-6 will be introduced to tennis through fun games and activities designed to build hand-eye coordination and familiarity with the tennis ball and racket. Participants must provide their own tennis racket. In our youth tennis program, children ages 7-11 will develop fundamental tennis strokes through fun, skill-building games. Our adult tennis program offers instruction to those who are new to tennis or returning to the sport after some time. This program focuses on stroke development and getting the ball into play. Register here for adult tennis lessons.

Do you have a budding track and field star on your hands? Our Run, Jump, Throw program is designed to help young athletes develop their physical abilities and improve their overall heath and wellbeing (while also learning some cool new skills). Run, Jump Throw is designed for kids ages 5-14 at all skill levels, and is based on the latest research in youth development, physical education and is based on the standards and guidelines of USA Track and Field programs. With a focus on fun, engaging activities, our program is perfect for schools, sports clubs and parents who want to help their children become healthier, more confident and more active. To learn more or register for this unique program, click here. 

Looking for more? Check out our latest issue of Leisure magazine covering programs and events from September to December 2024.