"Giving each and every player the best possible experience" is the goal of Alhambra's AYSO. The group, which practices at Almansor Park, received a Platinum Regional Award in 2006.

  Recreational Programs and Team Sports for Every Age Group

Leisure Services Guide
& Schedule of Classes
  
After School Program for Youth
Nine Alhambra schools play host to the City's After School Program, which includes team and individual sports, and alternative activities: arts and crafts, table game tournaments, four square, kickball, and other games. Click here for more information about this program.

In addition to the City's After School Program, the West San Gabriel Valley YMCA offers the KidZone Program, featuring clubs and
activities targeted to children in
grades 7-10.  These include: 

• Life Skills Club
• Science Club
• Health and Fitness Club
• Arts and Crafts
• Music
• Drama
• Sports & Recreation
• Homework Help

For more information about the YMCA KidZone Program, call (626) 576-0226.

Aquatics: The City of Alhambra operates public aquatics facilities at Alhambra Park Pool and Granada Park Pool. Activities include family recreational swimming, youth swimming lessons and adult lap swimming. A variety of special programs are also available: adult water aerobics, skin diving,springboard diving lessons, adaptive swimming lessons, private swimming lessons, lifeguard training and competitive swimming teams for youths, 18 and younger.

Other Aquatics Groups:

• Alhambra Dive Club
  2233 Whitney Dr., Alhambra, CA 91803
  (626) 570-5093
  Contact: Deliang Li
  The Alhambra Dive Club, a private membership organization, offers a variety of instructional programs and opportunities to become involved in team diving competition. 
   
• Alhambra Dolphins
  The Alhambra Dolphins Swim Team is a club member of USA Swimming. ADST competes throughout the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California. This program is for youths ages 18 and under who enjoy the fun and challenge of competition.
   
• West San Gabriel Valley YMCA
  401 E. Corto Street
  (626) 576-0226

Water Aerobics:
The City of Alhambra Community Services Department offers aerobics instruction for ages 16+. Classes are held weekly for one hour during evening hours. The workout will help you tone muscles, burn fat, and strengthen your cardiovascular system. Beginners as well as advanced participants are encouraged to attend. Specific programs include:

• Individual and family recreational swimming at Alhambra Park and Granada Parks pools
• Swimming lessons for tots to teens, ages 3+
• Skin diving and beginning springboard diving lessons
• Novice and Junior Olympic Dive Team
• Competitive swimming through the Alhambra Dolphins Swim Team
• Adaptive swimming for swimmers with limited motor skills and abilities
• One-on-one swimming lessons
• American Red Cross Certification/lifeguard training for youth, ages 15+

Aikido:
The Aikido Academy offers classes in Aikido taught by certified instructors based on the principles, theories, and techniques of the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1968).
The Academy began as Rafu Dojo in 1970 and has been continuously affiliated with the Aikikai Foundaton in Tokyo, Japan. Classes are available for Juniors, Teens and Adults. For more information, contact:

• Chief Instructor: Francis Y. Takahashi
  The Aikido Academy - Alhambra Masonic Center
  9 West Woodward Avenue
  Alhambra, CA 91801
  (626) 872-0968
  Website

Badminton:
Opportunities to play the game of badminton are available to persons of all ages and skill levels. There are no fees to play, however, players must bring their own rackets and birdies. "Open-play" is offered at Almansor Park Gym on Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 3 p.m.

• Southern California Badminton Association- Alhambra, CA: Contact: Daisy Sugiman, President (310) 398-6837 Almansor Park- Fri. & Sun. 6-10 p.m. (626) 570-5081 or-570-5052

Baseball:

• Tot: Call Vladimir Pavlov of "Tot to Twelve Sports" for information on tot baseball programs: (626) 799-6567
• Youth: The Youth Winter Baseball League for kids, 6-15 years of age, begins in September and runs through December. The program puts emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship. Players learn baseball techniques such as hitting, fielding, throwing, bunting, base running and game strategy. The City of Alhambra provides fields, field preparation and lights at no cost to the leagues. Last year, over 800 kids participated in Alhambra's Little League program. All games are played at Almansor Park and Granada Park. See the Alhambra Leisure Activities Guide for more information.
• Adult: Call the City of Alhambra Community Services Dept. at (626) 570-5044 for more information.

Little League Baseball Organizations:

• American Little League of Alhambra: (626) 576-8914
• East Alhambra Little League: (626) 284-6766
• Junior/Senior Baseball League: (626) 551-2066

Basketball:

• Youth: Alhambra's youth basketball program begins in November. Practice takes place weekdays at the After School Playground Sites during the After School Program time. Games are played at Almansor Park and Granada Park Gymnasiums. Some evening and Saturday games may be scheduled as needed.
• Teen: A basketball league for teens, grades 9-12, begins in March on Friday evenings. Individual and team awards are presented for 1st and 2nd place finishers.
  The $25 per player fee includes officiating, and individual and team awards will be presented for 1st and 2nd place finishers. For more information, call (626) 570-5081 during weekday business hours or see the Alhambra Community Services Leisure Guide. 
• Adult: The adult basketball leagues begin in January. There are several leagues, including teams with no height limit and one with a 6'2" under height limit. All games are played at the Almansor Park Gymnasium. Individual and team awards are presented for 1st and 2nd place finishers.

Bowling:
The City of Alhambra Community Services Department offers a class on bowling fundamentals for youth (ages 8+)  that is held at the Alhambra Bowling Center, 1400 East Valley Blvd., Alhambra (626) 289-5168. Instruction includes equipment selection, stance and delivery, score keeping and lane etiquette.

Bowling is also available at the Alhambra Bowling Center, 1400 E. Valley Blvd., Alhambra (626) 289-5168. Hours:  Tue.-Thurs.,  9 a.m.-2 a.m.; Fri.-Mon., 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Boxing:
Alhambra Youth Boxing Club
424 S. Palm Ave., Alhambra, CA 91803-1525
(626) 570-8513

Cheerleading:
This program, for participants in grades 3-8, provides basic cheerleading skills, including rhythm, choreography, showmanship, team cooperation and cheers. Practice is held at After School Site, weekdays, during the regular After School Site Program time. Participants cheer at City of Alhambra Flag Football games held at Almansor Park. Cheerleading clinics are also held.

Dance:

• Youth: The City of Alhambra Community Services Department offers dance classes for youngsters between the ages of 6 and 18. These include ballet, tap, Folklorico, as well as jazz and hip hop movements. All classes take place at the Arte Flamenco Dance Studio, 27 W. Main St., Suite B, Alhambra. Schedule of Classes
  
• Adult: A variety of dance instruction classes are also offered for adults, including ballet, basic Flamenco, belly dancing, ballroom dancing (Waltz/ChaCha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Tango, Bolero, West Coast Swing, Foxtrot, Samba and Merengue), salsa/mambo dance forms and line dancing.
    
• Private Dance Studios:
  -- Arte Flamenco Dance Studio
      27 W. Main St., Suite B; (626) 458-1234; Fax: 626-458-011 
  -- Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio
      121 S. Garfield Ave.; (626) 458-8868
  -- Jayvee Dance Performing Arts Studio 
      216 East Main Street; (626) 300-0178
  -- The Granada
      17 S. First Street; (626) 22-SALSA (72572) 
  -- The Cabaret Institute
      234 West Main Street; (800) 676-5204 

Drill Team

• Students in grades 3 through 8 are invited to learn the basics of participating on a drill team, which includes performing drills to music, choreography, showmanship, and team cooperation. The program concludes with the All-City Drill Team Championships.
• Alhambra Drill Team Program - For more information, call (626) 570-5081 during weekday business hours.

Fitness:
The City of Alhambra Community Services Department offers general fitness classes that provide opportunities for stretching and toning, and rope jumping. In addition, instruction is offered in the ancient Chinese exercise of Tai Chi, which improves inner strength and balance, releases tension and improves circulation. Yoga classes are also offered.

Private Fitness Studios:

• L. A. FITNESS
  412 E. Main St., Alhambra, CA 91801; (626) 299-5980
   
• YMCA of the West San Gabriel Valley
  401 E. Corto St., Alhambra, CA 91801; (626) 576-0226

Football:
The Alhambra Youth Flag Football program emphasizes speed, agility, strategy, teamwork, sportsmanship and participation. Practice takes place at the After School Playground Site, weekdays during the regular After School Program time. League games and playoffs take place at Granada Park and other locations.

Football Organization:

• Alhambra Thunderbirds Football: (626) 588-4733 

Golf:
The City of Alhambra owns and operates the Alhambra Golf Course, 630 S. Almansor Street (626) 570-5059. Tee times for the 18-hole golf course are available 7 days from dawn to dusk and Alhambra residents are eligible for discounts. The tri-level driving range is open nightly until 11 p.m. Users can sign up for golf instruction for adults, ladies, seniors and juniors. The Junior Golf League plays every Saturday afternoon. Tournament groups are welcome and corporations are encouraged enlist the assistance of the PGA Professional Staff for a customized Corporate Clinic. Private instruction, playing and video lessons are also available. Additionally, the course features an award-winning golf shop.

Private Tot Golfing Instruction:

• "Tot to Twelve Sports"
  Contact: Vladimir Pavlov at (626) 799-6567

Gymnastics:
Youth Gymnastics Programs: This instruction aids in muscle development, coordination and overall motor skills. It increases strength through proper body balance, coordination and flexibility, and teaches children discipline, skill, concentration, imagination and self-confidence. Classes are available for ages as young as 3 years old through a special collaboration program between the City of Alhambra and Payke Gymnastics Academy.

Individual Sports

Horseshoes:
Lighted horseshoe pits are located adjacent to the gym at Almansor Park for participants of all ages. There is no fee for this open-play activity, however, you must provide your own horseshoes.

Lawn Bowling:
The Alhambra Lawn Bowling Club plays on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. The greens are located adjacent to the gym at Almansor Park. All interested persons are invited to join the club. Instruction classes are available for a minimal fee.

Martial Arts:
The City of Alhambra Department of Community Services offers instruction in Kung Fu (ages 8+) with emphasis on fighting techniques and dynamic kicking maneuvers unique to the Northern Shaolim Kung Fu style. Another class is offered in Nippon Kempo Karate, which is a self-defense type course that covers throwing, locks, reverse holds, tumbling and free-style fighting. Classes are held at the Granada Park Activity Room. For more information, click the hyperlink to the City of Alhambra Leisure Activities Guide at the top of this page. A self-defense and safety awareness class, for those new to self-defense training as well as persons with yellow or orange belts and above, is also offered. Individual classes are structured to accommodate age and ability.

Private Instruction:

• Kim's Hapkido Karate Studio
  937 E. Main, Alhambra; (626) 284-4440 
  
• Koinonia Taekwondo School
  Chief Instructor: William Granja
  101 S. Atlantic Blvd.; (626) 332-4464
  
• Kuntau Martial Arts Academy
  143 W. Main Street; (626) 308-9603; email: kuntau@juno.com
  
• Wong's Karate Association
  901 W. Valley Blvd.; (626) 289-6282

Open Play Activities

A variety of open play activities are available, including lawn bowling, table tennis, horseshoes, badminton, and open-play basketball and volleyball.

Soccer:

• Youth Soccer
  American Youth Soccer Association (AYSO), Region 60
  839 N. Olive St., Alhambra, CA 91801; (626) 281-7033
  Website
  The private, nonprofit group provides healthy recreational soccer for boys and girls ages 4-1/2 to 18 from August to December. The guiding principals of AYSO are: everyone plays, open registration, balanced teams, positive coaching and good sportsmanship. The City of Alhambra provides fields, field preparation and lights at Almansor Park at no cost to the league. Practice and most games are at Almansor Park. Older players also play against neighboring San Gabriel Valley cities.
   
• AYSO VIP Soccer Program:
  The AYSO VIP program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. VIP teams may include players who are: blind or visually impaired; amputees or with conditions that impair mobility; mentally or emotionally-challenged; autistic; down syndrome; Cerebral Palsy.  If you would like more information about the VIP program, please visit www.aysoreg60.org and click on the VIP link, or visit www.soccer.org, or VIP Director, Lorraine Bille at (626) 419-1955
   
• Adult Soccer:
  Call (626) 281-7033 for more information.

Table Tennis:
Table tennis is an "open-play" activity offered at the Almansor Park Gym Activity Room.

Tennis:
The City of Alhambra Department of Community Services offers tennis instruction for all age groups. There is even a class for very young children called "Pee Wee Tennis." A tennis league is available for young players who wish to engage in league competition. In addition, there are beginning to advanced tennis classes for adults, along with an adult program for developing competitive tennis skills as well.

Volleyball:
The City of Alhambra Department of Community Services offers co-ed volleyball activities for youth and adults.

• Youth: This program provides instruction in volleyball techniques such as setting, serving and spiking. Practice times are arranged at the After School Playground Site during the After School Program time.
• Adult: Adult co-ed volleyball activities are divided into divisions and are played at the Almansor Park Gym on Mondays and Wednesdays. Individual and team awards are presented for 1st and 2nd place finishers.
• Open-Play: Volleyball is available in the evening on weekdays and weekends.

Walking:
The Alhambra Movers & Shakers Senior Walking Program is co-sponsored by the City of Alhambra and Alhambra Hospital Medical Center. It's an excellent exercise program that provides a good way to make new friends, and chance to appreciate the great outdoors. The group meets at Almansor Park at the walking track on Mondays/Wednesdays at 8 a.m. An annual $5 fee includes a T-shirt, membership card and incentive prizes. For more information, call the Joslyn Senior Center at (626) 570-5056.

Yoga and other Movement Classes
Classes are offered in Hatha Yoga and Tai Chi through the Community Leisure Services Program.
 
In addition, private yoga classes are offered through Yoga Darsana, 11 N. Fourth Street. Phone: (626) 289-0037. Owner: Dora Hasenbein.

Youth Team Sports 

• City of Alhambra Youth Baseball, ages 6-15
• Little League Tennis program, ages 8-11
• Flag Football League
• Co-Ed Volleyball Team
• Cheerleading program
• Basketball
  

Other Activities for Youth:

Alhambra Youth Commission
To afford Alhambra youth an opportunity to actively participate in the functions of local government and issues of interest to youth, the Alhambra City Council has reinstated the Alhambra Youth Commission. The Commission is comprised of ten youth, ages 14-20, who either reside in Alhambra or attend school in the City. The Commission is charged with conducting investigations and making recommendations directly to the City Council in an advisory capacity on matters pertaining to the activities or needs of Alhambra youth. It is also responsible for submitting an annual report of its work to the City Council.