Milwaukee City Wire

During the fall, Milwaukee Recreation’s youth sports programs at Beulah Brinton Community Center attract many young athletes from across the city. The department offers a range of sports, including basketball, cheer, cross country, flag football, indoor and outdoor soccer, t-ball, track & field, and volleyball. Each year, more than 900 school-based teams participate in these activities.

Three fourth-grade students from Whittier Elementary’s coed soccer team—Quinn McKenna, Jaselea Shepard, and Emma Torres—shared their experiences with the program. All three have participated in Whittier’s soccer programming since first grade and described the positive environment created by coaches, teammates, and supportive families. Shepard said, “I like [being on the team] because I like having fun and hanging out with my friends.” Torres added, “I like [being on the team] because everyone’s nice and we get to have fun, and it’s something to do after school.”

The students noted that weekly practices help them stay active outside of class while building friendships. Coaches also play a key role in encouraging players. Quinn McKenna said, “I like [our coach] because he pushes us, and sometimes when we’re not feeling it, he’s here to say we can do it.”

Jade McKenna, Whittier’s sports coordinator and Quinn’s mother, emphasized the importance of early involvement in athletics for children’s development. She said, “I think that once you start in athletics, especially at this age, it just is something that’s ongoing, and it doesn’t have to be something you’re good at. It’s just something that you do to have fun. And if you can let them know that… you don't have to score every goal, but if it makes you feel good when you’re doing it and being active, that is something that I hope will stick with them.”

She also highlighted the affordability and community focus of Milwaukee Recreation leagues compared to club sports. “I love that [the leagues] are safe and affordable. I know a lot of times, like at this age group, kids get really into a club [sport], where it just takes up their whole weekend. But here, it's really focused on friends, and it lets them get together outside of the school setting where they're not just sitting at desks and listening. Here they can just kind of let it all out in a safe and good community.”

Milwaukee Recreation continues to offer after-school sports opportunities for children throughout the city as it prepares for its winter season. The department encourages families interested in winter youth sports leagues to contact their child’s school for more information.