East Side Youth Center

About Us

Philosophy for Activities
All volunteer staff, self-supported and self-operatedParticipation far outweighs the importance of winningMandatory playing time is in-place for all athletes in all sports for all games playedAccepts athletes from any location (except where league rules prohibit)Sports standards (guidelines published for behavior of all athletes)Coaching standards (guidelines published for behavior and leadership)Reasonable participation fees (For 2011, increased to $35 per sport; $60 for all-sports in a year, $120 per family limit; No child is left behind due to financial hardship – waivers are granted when needed)Fundraising minimums are required from all participants in each sportESYC Activities Six sports (In 2009, 800 youth participants plus 120 volunteer coaches and program coordinators)Basketball –——— 275 boys and girls from age 7–15, Intramural instruction for young players and traveling leagues for older players. Winter and summer seasons.Baseball/Softball – 125 boys and girls ages 6–15 from Tball to traveling Allentown leaguesSoccer –————- 175 boys and girls from age 6–18 in LV leagues during the fall and springFootball –———— 100 athletes in varied weight classifications in a Lehigh Valley area leagueCheerleading –—– 60 girls ages 5–14 cheer for football, wrestling, or basketball sportsWrestling –———– 60 athletes from grade K–8 compete in LV wrestling league and tournamentsWeekly non-contact martial arts karate classes are delivered to approximately 35 adults and youthFree annual banquet for participation – with annual trophy recognition for all athletes9 free summer camp scholarships are awarded annually to recommended participantsAnnual Christmas Basketball Tournament for 30+ years that attracts 32 Lehigh Valley teamsOperate bingo two nights per week (Sunday and Wednesday)Charitable Activities at ESYC: Voting locationKey Pandemic site for health or safety emergencies called within AllentownFree location for flu shots for SeniorsHost political & public issue forumsFree site for civil service tests (Police & Fire) and selected job qualification testsFree site for 2010 Census Employment TestingFree site for local church group meetings and fundraisersDonate gym for “Midnight Basketball Program” – valued City youth mentoring / accountability programProvide significant gym time to area schools – Lincoln Leadership Academy, Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit, Life Church Youth, Our Lady Help of Christians CYO and Dieruff High School.Donate gym time to Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living - Freewheelers for wheelchair basketball games