Fall is almost here, which means new youth activities at Lakeshore! We offer aquatics, recreation and athletic programs for children and youth with a physical disability or chronic health condition as well as siblings without a disability. Not a Lakeshore member? Get started by visiting our membership page. Download our 2026 Fall Youth Flyer to see all we have to offer.
Download the 2026 Fall Youth flyer
Fall Session: September 7 – November 19
Fall Break: October 12-15
Youth Aquatics
ACES (Active Children Exercise & Swim) – Ages 4 to 18
Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:45-5:30 p.m.
Focuses on functional skills, balance, body awareness and other fundamental movement patterns in an aquatic environment incorporating socialization and functional play.
*Advanced Swim – Ages 6 to 18
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.
Focuses on basic water safety skills as well as stroke refinement, speed and endurance.
*Learn to Swim – Ages 3 to 12
Mondays & Wednesdays, 4-4:45 p.m.
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1-1:45 p.m.
Focuses on basic water safety skills as well as developing the fundamentals of swimming in a fun environment.
One-on-one Services – Ages 3 to 18
Private Swim Lessons and Personal Training: $36/half hour; 6 sessions for $195; 12 sessions for $360
Splash N Dash Swim– Ages 6 to 18
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1-1:45 p.m.
A combination land and aquatics program designed for children who are home-schooled. Splash N Dash Swim focuses on water safety skills, stroke development, and endurance and includes preschool ages, as well.
Tadpoles – Ages 3 to 12
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3-3:45 p.m.
Focuses on functional skills, balance, body awareness, fundamental movement patterns and socialization in an aquatic environment while wearing a cervical flotation device. A parent/guardian may be required to participate depending on the child’s ability.
Wet Tots – Ages 6 months to 3 years
Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m.
A parent/child class focusing on strength, flexibility, and fine and gross motor skills.
*Age-appropriate sibling(s) are welcome. All participants must have a current Lakeshore membership.
Youth Recreation
Adaptive Cycling
Dates and locations TBD
Rides will be held weekly at various locations across the greater Birmingham area. For more information, please contact Jimmy Abraham at or Virginia Powell at .
Boccia
Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m.
Everyone can play! Join our inclusive boccia program for fun, friendship and friendly competition. Open to all abilities and experience levels.
*Mini Movers – Age 3 to 6
Mondays, 3-3:45 p.m.
This play group introduces activities that improve socialization, strength, agility and endurance with a goal to improve overall fine and gross motor skills and increased physical endurance. Participants will engage with a variety of land-based activities that may include scooter boards, parachutes, movement exploration and more.
*Splash N Dash Land – Age 6 to 18
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12-12:45 p.m.
A combination land and aquatics program designed for children who are homeschooled. Splash N Dash Land promotes physical activity through recreational activities such as relay races, PE-style group games, scooter boards, parachute games and more in a fun environment. No previous athletic experience is required. Lakeshore will provide a sports wheelchair if necessary.
*Age appropriate sibling(s) are welcome. All participants must have a current Lakeshore membership.
Youth Athletics
Lakeshore Foundation offers team & individual sports for youth with a physical disability ages 6 to 22. No prior athletic experience is required. Youth athletics participants must join or be current Lakeshore members. Have questions about our sports programs? Contact Lauren Perry at for wheelchair basketball, Emily Mallard at for swim team, Cliff Cook at for wheelchair tennis, Jimmy Abraham at for boccia and Lori Watkins at for power soccer.
Boccia – Age 6 to 18+
Mondays & Wednesdays, 5-6:30 p.m. (Year Round) | Or by appointment
Power Soccer – Age 6 to 18
Beginning October 5
Force: Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:30-6 p.m. (October-June)
Charge: Tuesdays, 4:30-6 p.m. (October-April)
Power soccer is for youth with a physical disability. Power soccer players do not have to use a power wheelchair in daily life to participate. In addition to weekly practices, the team competes in home tournaments and two out of town tournaments during the season.
*Swim Team (Lakeshore Typhoons) – Age 6 to 22
Monday-Thursday, 4-6 p.m.
Fall season starts August 24 and runs year-round
Swim team is for ages 6 through adult with a physical disability or visual impairment. Age-appropriate siblings without a disability may also participate and compete at inclusive meets. Athletes compete at local, regional and national meets throughout the season. The Fall/Winter season includes meets sanctioned by USA Swimming and US Paralympics Swimming. The Spring/Summer season includes meets sanctioned by USA Swimming, US Paralympics Swimming and Move United.
Prep Wheelchair Basketball (Lakeshore Sharks) – Age 6 to 13
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m.
Fall season starts September 1, 2206
Competitive league for youth with a lower limb physical disability. Daily wheelchair use is not required. In addition to weekly practices, the team competes in home, regional and national tournaments throughout the season.
Varsity Wheelchair Basketball (Lakeshore Lakers) – Age 14 to 18
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tryouts to take place August 29, 2026
Fall season starts September 1, 2026
Competitive league for youth with a lower limb physical disability. Daily wheelchair use is not required. In addition to weekly practices, the team competes in home, regional and national tournaments throughout the season.
Wheelchair Tennis – Ages 13 & up
Saturdays, 9:30-11 a.m.
Beginning August 15
Youth athletes who have a lower limb impairment are invited to participate in our youth Lakeshore tennis team. Athletes must be able to independently push their chair, consistently make contact with a ball using a racket, and follow directions in a group setting. Athletes will be taught the fundamentals of wheelchair tennis with the goal of becoming tournament ready. Tournament ready athletes will have the opportunity to participate in wheelchair tennis tournaments around the region. Equipment can be provided by Lakeshore if needed.
Special Events
All special events will require registration. Event information and registration links will be sent out in separate emails closer to the event. Contact Lori Watkins for more information at or 205.313.7429.
Little Hammies Bike Event – Ages 2 to 12
September 12
Join us for a fun-filled bike race for Lakeshore youth! This family-friendly event will offer an opportunity for our youngest cyclists (ages 2-12) to hit the course and bike a half-mile loop with their friends. Groups will be divided based on age. Each cyclist will receive a race number, swag, and the winners will receive a medal! For more information, please contact Virginia Powell at .
Family Fun Night
September 25
Family Fun nights are designed for the whole family to participate together in a variety of games and activities that encourage movement. Games may include family versus family match ups or kids versus parents in PE style games with some friendly competition!
*Super Saturday – Ages 6 to 18
October 31
Super Saturdays are fun-filled days designed to introduce kids to adapted sports, games, and activities. Each event has a different theme. Participation is open to members and non-members with a qualifying condition, but each participant must be able to function independently in a group setting. Each child may invite one sibling or friend to attend.
Youth Spooktacular Trick or Treating
October 27
Youth with a physical disability and their immediate families can join us as we trick or treat throughout the fully accessible Lakeshore facility and grounds. Participants are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costume as they trick or treat along a route that will include Lakeshore departments and community organizations. Registration is required to participate.
Youth Holiday Party
December 2
Youth and their families are invited to kick off the holidays at our annual holiday party. Participants will enjoy holiday inspired crafts and activities, a hot chocolate bar, our annual snowball battle and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Registration is required to join the celebration!
