Centre College Lacrosse team pairs up with Decatur Youth Lacrosse

Connor Stubbs former DAL and DHS Lacrosse player

Decatur’s very own Connor Stubbs, who started his lacrosse years in Decatur Active Living lacrosse program (and former lacrosse player for Decatur High School) came home to give back to Decatur Youth Lacrosse.  Not only did Connor come but he brought his entire college team with him.

Centre College (the Colonels) from Danville, Kentucky conducted a lacrosse clinic for the Decatur Youth Junior and Senior Lacrosse Players.  Centre College had the opportunity to use Ebster as a practice site for their upcoming lacrosse game. After completing their practice the team returned to conduct an hour and a half lacrosse clinic for Decatur Lacrosse players.  The players had the opportunity to learn new skills and fundamentals.  Centre College players were amazed by the number of kids that came out to the clinic.  They were also impressed by the Decatur Lacrosse skills that they witnessed. It was hard to tell who was having the most fun, the  College Players or the Youth Players.

Coach Severns indicated that he will keep his eyes on Decatur Lacrosse players for future Connor Stubbs.

4th and 5th Grade Valentine’s Dance

The Dance Off

Decatur Active Living would like to thank all the 4th and 5th graders for attending the Annual Valentine’s Dance. There were over seventy-four boys and girls to attend.  The kids had a wonderful time, dancing (doing the “wobble” and “cupid shuffle”), playing games, taking pictures, competing in the dance off and enjoying pizza and punch. 

The Valentine Dance had the kids flipping

 

        

Musical Chairs "no touching the chair"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

It's "wobble" time

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decatur Lacrosse Continues to Grow!

 

Who would have known 10 years ago (2002)  people would be so accepting of kids running around with sticks.  That would be lacrosse sticks. .  As the Athletic Program Supervisor for Decatur Active Living it still amazes me today, that the sport many kids in Decatur had never seen or heard of, has become on of our biggest programs that we offer. From starting with two teams in the 10-11 division (no girls team) and now having a total of 12 teams (8 boys teams and 4 girls teams)  ranging from first graders to 8th graders is just one of the stories I like to ”brag” about.   The league currently uses Ebster, Renfroe and the Boys and Girls Club fields for games.  Practices fields are local fields in the City of Decatur.  League games are typically played on Saturdays and Sundays and Practices are held Monday-Thursday. Decatur is one of the only teams located within the perimeter.  Teams are often finding themselves traveling to Roswell, Forsyth, Alpharetta and Peachtree City for away games.  The fun and the excitement of the game, league and season helps to take your mind off the travel time.

Not only does Decatur Active Living offer League Lacrosse  in the Spring, but we offer a Summer Lacrosse Camp (Bulldog Lacrosse) a Fall Clinic and Lil’ Lax (for kids 3-5). 

Relaxing after a day of lacrosse

Lil' Lax Class

             

 

 

 

 

 

                  

 

 

 

 

Pre Season Highlights: 

• The addition of girls lacrosse for grades 1st-3rd
• The increase of boys lacrosse from 2 teams in the 1st-3rd grade division, to 4 teams.
• Increase in the number of participants
• League filled two weeks before registration was scheduled to end. 
• Former Decatur Lacrosse players (Paul Gillig, Margaret Johnson and Kirby Dubose) returning as coaches

On Sunday, January 29th Decatur Active Living offered a free Lacrosse Clinic to new and returning players.   There were over 100 kids to come out to the clinic.  The clinic was offered to both boys and girls.  Thanks to the coaches that assisted and to Decatur High School Boys Lacrosse team for their continued support of Decatur Lacrosse. 

So many little ones

Learning to do a face-off

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learning the basic techniques

Lacrosse Registration Is Going On Now!

Grab your stick and join in on the fun with Decatur Lacrosse! Decatur Active Living offers leagues for children grades 1st-8th.  Each player receives a jersey, shorts and an end-of-the season award.  Practices will be held at local schools and fields, beginning the week of January 30th.  Games will begin February 25th for all ages.  

Lacrosse Just for Girls!  Decatur Active Living will offer ALL GIRLS Lacrosse for girls in grades 1^st -8^th.

Participants cannot participate in GRPA competition and school activities during the same period.  This applies to both public and private schools.

Information At-A-Glance

Registration begins:	December 10- January 23 (or until spaces are filled)
Parents meeting:	January 28th
Practices begin:	Week of January 30th at local schools and parks
Season begins:	Saturday, February 25th
Fee:	Boys Lacrosse    $145; $110 Decatur resident Girls Lacrosse     $145; $110 Decatur resident Those applying for financial assistance must pay a minimum of $25; only City of Decatur residents may apply.
Game days/location:	All games will be played on Saturdays.  Teams will play both home and away games.

For More Information Contact

Stacy Green, 678-553-6549; Stacy.Green@decaturga.com

 Lindsey Struck, 678-553-6550;Lindsey.Struck@decaturga.com

Thanks Decatur High School Basketball Players for a Wonderful Clinic

Decatur Active Living would like to say thanks to Coach Copp and Decatur High School’s Boys Varsity Basketball players for conducting such a wonderful basketball clinic on Sunday, November 20 to kick off the 2011-2012 Basketball Season.  Special thanks to the three Varsity Girls Players that stuck around to help out.  The players got the opportunity to meet the players and learn some basic skills.  As always, the defense station was the biggest hit.  Players love learning how to take a charge. 

INTERESTING FACT:  Many of the Decatur High School’s players  once played in Decatur Active Living’s league.  It wasn’t many years ago that they too participated in the clinic and now they are conducting the clinics. 

Decatur Youth Basketball Night Friday, January 20th.

 

 

Sunday Football At Its Best

Decatur Active Living offered a NEW program this fall, Flag Football.  We are now going into the last week of the program and the kids are having a wonderful time.  Not only are they getting an opportunity to play flag football, but they are learning a lot of new skills such as team skills and people skills.  Most importantly they are learning football techniques and sportsmanship.  The Flag Football Program is a great way for our youth to stay active and healthy. 

There are over 70 kids  registered for the program. Participants were divided into two leagues, Junior Varsity (5-7 year old) and Varsity (8-10 year old).  The first two weeks were the teaching of the basic fundamentals.  During weeks 4-6 the kids play games.  Games are played on Sundays at Jones Boys and Girls Club. Come out to see the Buccaneers, Niners, Packers, Thunder, Dolphins and Vikings play.  Sunday football can’t get any better than this in Decatur.

Coach Steve with the winning play

Headed for the end zone

HALLOWEEN DANCE

 

Halloween Fun!!

 

Decatur Active Living would like to invite the 4/5 Academy at Fifth Avenue students and other fourth and fifth graders in the Decatur Community to it’s first Halloween Dance.  Come dressed in your Halloween costume and join us for an evening for fun, food and music.        

 When:          Saturday, October 29^th

Time:           6:30pm-8:30pm

Location:      Ebster Gym (404 Electic Avenue)

Cost:           $5.00; Chaperons are free

All participants will receive a free 4×6 photo and a free ticket to the Hunted House at Beacon Hill 430 W. Trinity Place (Decatur Active Living Temporary Location).

 Please RSVP October 24 at 404-377-0494.

 

This event will be chaperoned by Decatur Active Living Staff.

For more information contact:

Stacy Green 678-553-6549; Stacy.Green@decaturga.com

Lee Williams 678-553-6551; Lee.Williams@decaturga.com

 

It’s Basketball and Cheerleading Time

The greatest place to shoot hoops is at Decatur Rec. The Rec offers coed leagues for children ages 5-12 and all girls teams for girls ages 9-10 and 11-12. Each player receives a jersey, shorts and end-of-the-season award. Games take place Dec. 3, 2011 through Feb. 5, 2012. Super Hooper Day is on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012.

Participants can not participate in GRPA competition and school activities during the same period. This applies to both public and private schools. The age control date for basketball is Dec. 31, 2011.

Information At a Glance
Registration	Sept. 17-Oct. 22
Parent’s Meeting	Saturday, Nov. 12 at 1:00pm at Ebster Gym
Game Days	All games are played on Saturday beginning December 3
Game Locations	Mini Basketball—Ebster Gym  7-8yr—Renfroe Middle School  9-10 yrs and 11-12—-TBD 11-12yrs Travel and Teen League–TBD  Teen League –TBD
Fees	Mini – $70; $55 Decatur residents League – $145; $110 Decatur residents

Basketball Skills Assessment
All players ages 7-12 are required to attend a skill assessment. No player will be placed on a team until completing an assessment. All assessment sessions will be held in Ebster Gym and scheduled as follows:

7-8 yrs  Monday, Nov. 7, 6:00 p.m.
9-10 yrs  Tuesday, Nov. 8, 6:00 p.m.
11-12 yrs  Tuesday, Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Back Again!!! 11-12 Division Travel team. Players must try out for this team, which will be more competitive than the Rec league. Players that do not make the travel team will play in the 11-12 division. Participants MUST ATTEND the 11-12 assessment on Tuesday, November 8 at 6:00pm.

Girls Basketball
Girls basketball is open to ages 9-10 and 11-12 with a 13-14 middle school league. Teams will represent the Decatur Rec in the YMCA and DeKalb County basketball leagues.

Junior and Senior League Boys Basketball
Polish the jump shot by participating in the Junior and Senior League for boys ages 13-14 and 15-17. Teams will represent the Decatur Rec in the YMCA basketball league. This program is an excellent way to put the final polish on basketball skills.

Your Saturdays can't get any better!

FREE SOCCER CLINIC

Great time to put the polishing touches on soccer skills

Decatur Active Living will offer a FREE soccer clinic for all 2011 Youth Soccer Participants.  The clinic will be held on Saturday, September 17th on Ebster Field from 10:00am-11:30am. 

Bring your soccer ball, water bottle and come learn ar few new soccer moves.

For more information contact Stacy Green 678-553-6549.

KIDS IN THE EBSTER COMMUNITY CELEBRATES EID

Hi, my name is Gadedj Sy and I would like to tell you about one of the holidays that I celebrate.  Today, August 30 my family and friends celebrated EID (Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan). During this time  we attend the Mosque (A Mosque is a place of worship for followers of  Islam) where we  pray with friends and family.  Then after Mosque we visit other Muslim homes where we receive gifts.  On this day we also dress up in our traditional clothing. I like this holiday because not only do we receive gifts but we also fast, which allows me to understand how people who do not have much food feel.

Gadedj Sy, 11 Years old                                                                                           Renfroe Middle School Student

Houlleye Watt, Gadedj Sy and Mariame Sy