Bringing the Olympic Spirit to LA: PlayLA Opens Summer 2026 Youth Sports Registration

The City of Los Angeles is gearing up for an exciting summer of sports and recreation with the opening of registration for the PlayLA Youth and Adaptive Youth Sports program. Starting May 4th, families across the city can sign up for a wide range of leagues, classes, and clinics that will run from July to September 2026. The program, which is open to youth ages 3-17, offers affordable and inclusive access to sports leagues and opportunities at recreation centers, aquatic facilities, and partner sites across the city.

The PlayLA program is made possible by a historic $160 million investment from the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This investment has enabled the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks to deliver high-quality, low-cost programming for youth of all abilities. Most programs are offered starting at $10 per season, and scholarships are available for qualifying families. The goal of the program is to bring the Olympic spirit to neighborhoods across the city, reflecting the diversity, energy, and potential of all young Angelenos.

The summer season will feature a variety of sports leagues, including Swim, Artistic Swim, Dive, Water Polo, Para Surf, Girls Play LA (GPLA) Volleyball, GPLA/Co-Rec Soccer, GPLA/Co-Rec Flag Football, GPLA/Co-Rec Basketball, and Wheelchair Basketball. Leagues will run from July 11 to August 29, with citywide championships featuring Artistic Swim, Swim, and Water Polo. In addition to leagues, the program will also offer summer classes and clinics, which will begin on July 13 and run through September 5. These classes will provide participants with the opportunity to try something new, build new skills, and have fun exploring a wide range of activities from dance, skateboarding, track and field, boxing, martial arts, and more.

The PlayLA Adaptive Clinics will also be available, providing inclusive opportunities for youth of all abilities. These clinics are designed to create safe, supportive, and engaging environments where youth with disabilities can participate, compete, and thrive. According to Veronica Polanco, Chief Innovation Officer at the Department of Recreation and Parks, "Summer is the heart of the PlayLA season and the best time of the year for our young people to get outside and learn new skills. We are proud to offer programs that help young Angelenos stay active, build confidence, and connect with their communities."p>

As Los Angeles prepares to host the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, PlayLA remains a living legacy, bringing the Olympic spirit into neighborhoods across the city through year-round opportunities. The program has already made a significant impact on the city, providing access to high-quality sports programming for thousands of young people. With its commitment to inclusivity, affordability, and quality, PlayLA is an exemplary model for youth sports development, not just in California but across the country.

To register and view all available youth and adaptive sports offerings, families can visit LAParks.org or download the LA Parks mobile app. The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks encourages all families to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to get their children involved in sports and recreation. Whether your child is a seasoned athlete or just starting out, PlayLA has something for everyone. So why wait? Register now and be a part of the PlayLA community!