The Santa Barbara and Goleta areas have long histories of excellent youth sports programs. Children of all ages have access to organized leagues for soccer, baseball, basketball, football, as well as a variety of others. The vast majority of our youth sports programs are run solely by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis and have scholarships available to ensure that every child gets to play regardless of their financial situation.
For the fledgling gridiron warrior there is the Santa Barbara Youth Football Organization. Open to both boys and girls ages 8-14 are eligible to play and the league provides the necessary safety equipment for all players. The season begins in September and finishes it November and makes use of High School and other public fields from Carpinteria to Nipomo. A premium is put on player safety and the league has been operating successfully since 1971.
For the soccer enthusiast there is the AYSO organization. It would be difficult to find a find a local Santa Barbarbarian under the age of 30 of either gender whose weekends didn’t involve donning a shiny uniform complete with cleats and shin guards and indulging in the traditional post-game Capri Sun and orange slices. Registration begins in May and is open to all children ages 4-19. When the season is in full swing, Girsh Field in Goleta hosts an army, as thousands of players of all age brackets converge every Saturday.
Santa Barbara also offers three youth baseball leagues. The Goleta Valley Little League, Dos Pueblos Little League, and the Santa Barbara Pony League all offer little league baseball and softball for kids ages 5-14. Kids are welcome to join regardless of past playing experience but where one lives within the city will determine which league they are eligible to register with. The season runs from March through early June for all leagues but there are “fall ball” and other off-season options for those youngsters that cannot seem to get enough.
No matter which sport a child is interested in there is a league or organization available that will allow them to play and enjoy their chosen sports. The links below are only a small portion of the different youth leagues available in the Santa Barbara area, but they are a great starting point in getting local kids involved and active.