by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Coordinator, City of Prescott
For the City of Prescott Recreation Services Department to offer premium facilities, as well as a variety of sports, recreation and overall enhanced quality of living, partnerships prove essential.
Fortunately, Prescott’s temperate, arid climate allows sports and outdoor events to fill the community calendar from approximately February to November each year. Traditionally, the city partners with youth sports groups to provide pristine facilities for users, such as American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), Prescott Youth Football, Prescott Youth Hockey Association, Prescott Little League and Prescott Girls Softball Association (PGSA). Certain adult sports leagues are organized through the City of Prescott’s Recreation Services Department, and other activities rely on independent groups to organize group participation times and even maintenance of facilities.
In addition to organized sports opportunities, Prescott and the surrounding communities offer approximately 95 miles of multi-use trails along with 450 miles of Prescott National Forest trails – perfect for the mountain bike, horseback or hiking enthusiast!
Rock climbers flock to the Granite Dells for popular climbing routes. Visitors and residents can find ample information in local outfitter shops downtown and soon find themselves traversing granite boulders all within minutes of drive time.
Most youth-based organizations listed rely heavily on volunteers to remain successful, so visit each individual group’s website for more information on volunteer opportunities.
Summer sports offerings
City of Prescott Men’s Summer Basketball Leagues can start registering teams in May, and games generally start the first part of July. Teams play approximately six regular season games with a single elimination tournament for the top four finishing teams wrapping up the season. More information can be found at prescott-az.gov/recreation-events/programs-special-events/sports/adult-sports.
City of Prescott Adult Men’s, Women’s & Co-Rec Softball Leagues early registrations are required by the middle of March, with the final deadline the first part of April. Monday through Thursday night leagues play 10 games, with a single elimination, end of season tournament, for the top-four finishing teams. All games are played at Pioneer Park, and are subject to inclement weather. Friday night leagues usually play eight games plus a single elimination, end of season, tournament for the top four finishing teams. More information and updates can be found here: www.prescott-az.gov/recreation-events/programs-special-events/sports/adult-sports.
Fall sports offerings
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO Region No. 172), a nonprofit agency led by volunteers, conducts two seasons each year, known as primary and secondary seasons. Primary season practices take place at Pioneer Park and Heritage Park with practices beginning in late August and games beginning in early September. Games are held on Saturdays for 10 weeks at Pioneer Park. Registration is open to ages 4-18, and starts as early as late May each year. To register a participant, or for more information, visit prescottsoccer.net. Early registrations are encouraged and rewarded with graduated increases in fees as the season gets closer.
City of Prescott Adult Men’s, Women’s & Co-Rec Volleyball Leagues’ early registrations are required by the first week in August with the final deadline later in the month. Leagues usually play nine weekly matches plus a single elimination, end of season tournament, for the top four finishing teams. More information and updates can be found at prescott-az.gov/recreation-events/programs-special-events/sports/adult-sports.
Prescott Youth Football, an affiliate of Alliance Youth Football League, works with the Prescott High School football program to provide training and guidance that aligns with the guidelines that varsity teams promote. Registration begins in late May and is open to participants in grades 1-8. Practices take place at Pioneer Park, with games varying at the rivaling schools. The season kicks off with an Alliance Youth Football Jamboree at Pioneer Park (Aug. 18 and 19). For more information or to register a participant visit prescottyouthfootball.webs.com.
Prescott Youth Hockey Association (PYHA) operates both adult and youth hockey leagues while offering a unique playing structure ensuring each player gets equal play time while implementing healthy competition. The fall season runs August through October, and spring season is March through May each year. Players are encouraged to register via prescottyouthhockey.com, and after two open practices, a draft is conducted to place players of all skill levels on appropriate teams. More information including open hockey schedules can also be found on the website.
Winter sports offerings
City of Prescott Men’s Winter Basketball Leagues can start registering teams in November, and games generally start the first part of January. Teams play approximately eight regular season games with a single-elimination tournament for the top-four finishing teams wrapping up the season. More information can be found at prescott-az.gov/recreation-events/programs-special-events/sports/adult-sports.
