Searching for a youth sport near Naples or Fort Myers that finally clicks with your child? If traditional team sports haven’t been the right fit, you’re not alone. Across Southwest Florida, unique emerging youth sports are gaining popularity, offering fun, inclusive, and confidence-boosting alternatives. As we often remind our daughter, “You have to be brave enough to be bad at something new.” Whether your goal is to get your child moving, inspired, or passionate about something fresh, these local programs provide exciting ways to build resilience, fitness, and joy.
Roller Hockey
Did you know Naples is a hub for high-level roller hockey? The Collier County Youth Roller Hockey League was founded in 1995 by Todd and Jessica Bergel for their three sons, and it has since grown into a local legacy of excellence.
“We have participants ranging from ages 5 to 70, with talent levels from beginner to professional,” said Rachel Pynnonen. “Our fall and spring seasons together draw more than 100 kids and 75 adults, including four players on Team USA, three of whom also compete for our local pro team, the Naples Labeda Kaos.” Local youth games take place Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the covered rink in Veterans Park.
Rachel’s husband, Mike, serves as youth director for the league, and their two children (ages 8 and 10) both play. “Naples and South Florida are true hubs for high-level roller hockey,” she said. “Our coaches and mentors are passionate and talented, and their love for the sport is contagious. They’re helping raise the next generation of players.”
Kids can also join travel teams such as Kaos and the Blackjacks, which compete nationally and represent Team Florida at State Wars — the largest roller hockey tournament in North America, featuring more than 370 teams.
Roller hockey is a great alternative to ice hockey, Pynnonen noted. “The rules make it more free-flowing — no checking, icing, or off-sides — and Veterans Park offers a convenient, family-friendly location for local players.”
The rewards can come quickly. “Our boys started rollerblading less than three years ago and have found a passion like no other,” Pynnonen said. “They’ve grown in confidence, learned to compete well, and even traveled the country. It’s a story we see again and again in the Naples Roller Hockey League.”
Visit www.rollerhockeynaples.com.
BMX Biking
At the Naples BMX track in Golden Gate City, kids as young as two can experience the thrill of Bicycle Motocross (BMX) — a fast-paced style of bike racing on a dirt track filled with hills and turns. The track, owned by Collier County and run by volunteers, is sanctioned by USA BMX and offers practices on Monday evenings from 6-8 p.m. and races on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Volunteer coordinator George Suarez is passionate about getting riders of all ages involved. “Any kid can come, and we’ll get them started,” he said. “I always tell parents to bring their child’s own bike first since it’s what they’re most comfortable with, but we also have loaner bikes for kids to use for free to get started.” He noted that children as young as 2 years old have ridden at the track, typically on balance bikes.
Suarez emphasizes the inclusive spirit of the sport. “No one rides the bench here,” he said. “In other sports, kids don’t always get playing time as they’re learning. Here, everyone can compete right away at our Wednesday night races. Kids can progress from beginner to intermediate to expert to pro designations as they learn and grow in the sport.”
Success stories abound, including a six-year-old who advanced rapidly to the pro level. “We have a six-year-old who became so passionate about BMX racing and has progressed very quickly to pro level in a short amount of time. I love that age isn’t a factor,” Suarez said. “The parents make the experience for the kids; they bring their kids to the track and put so much time and energy into it.”
Suarez and the volunteer team welcome newcomers every Monday and Wednesday night. For more information, visit www.naplesbmx1916.com or www.facebook.com/naplesbmx.
Pickleball
Over the past decade, pickleball has transformed the racquet sports scene in Collier County. Its appeal is simple: the game is easy to learn, accessible to all ages, and offers an active, social way to stay fit. Players can develop skill and confidence quickly, regardless of athletic background.
While pickleball is often associated with adults, the YMCA of Collier County is helping bring the sport to a younger generation. Instructor Helen Anderson leads youth sessions for ages 8-11 and 13-16 at the Naples YMCA. “The pickleball program is about introducing and exploring a new activity, regardless of age or skill,” Anderson said. “We use games and obstacle courses to teach specific skills. You don’t have to be an athlete.”
Anderson’s goal is to create a supportive, encouraging environment where kids can thrive. “We want them to find joy in it,” she explained. “Our goal at the YMCA is to make it fun. Kids get a workout without realizing it. Pickleball becomes an outlet where they can let go, have fun, and just be kids.”
Youth pickleball programs are offered year-round through the YMCA of Collier County and Collier County Parks & Recreation, with opportunities for both fundamental instruction and competition.
Visit ymcacollier.org and collierparks.com.
Figure Skating
In Southwest Florida’s warm climate, figure skating isn’t always top of mind for young athletes, but opportunities for competitive youth skating are growing. Krista Cianfrani, a strong advocate for the sport, has seen its benefits firsthand through her daughter’s years of competitive adaptive skating. “Figure skating has significantly grown locally,” she said. “Children and teens approach the sport through learn-to-skate programs and private lessons. Oftentimes, the moment their blades touch the ice, they instantly want more.”
Cianfrani highlighted the sport’s many benefits. “The physical exercise involved in figure skating is outstanding. It requires training, dedication, and mental agility. Figure skating involves setting goals and achieving them, and the rewards that come with that process are so empowering.”
There are many ways for beginners to get started. Both Hertz Arena and the Fort Myers Skatium offer information on their websites, and Cianfrani recommends starting with public skate sessions at Hertz Arena. “That first step of getting on the ice, having fun, and being inspired is so important,” she said. “Know that it’s okay to fall; it’s about getting back up, trying your best, and being yourself.”
“Beginners can take group or private lessons,” Cianfrani added. “There are so many options for competition – free skate, solo ice dance, showcase, levels for children with unique abilities, and many other routes to take. I love that the sport is inclusive.”
Collier and Lee Counties are full of exciting and unexpected youth sports opportunities. Why not see what new adventure your child might fall in love with next?