City Coordinated Sports
Thornton directly coordinates a variety of sports programs including Archery, Taekwon-Do, Youth Softball Leagues, Adult Softball Leagues, Adult Basketball Leagues, eSports online leagues and tournaments, Skyhawks and SuperTots Youth Sports Camps, Youth Sports Academies for a variety of different sports, swim team (youth and adults), gymnastics, Adaptive and Inclusive (AIR) programs and the new Outdoor Adventure Series for all ages.
In addition, there are several other youth sports leagues that use fields and facilities within Thornton. These can be found by viewing the Other Sports Opportunities section on this page.
Recreational, fast-pitch softball leagues for girls ages 4-17 years old (age on June 1). Registration is in March and April with practices starting the last week in April and games going through July. Practices are at various parks and schools around the city and games are at Riverwalk Ballfield Complex (9830 Riverdale Road). Volunteer coaches are needed, to apply contact Hannah.Tuomi@ThorntonCO.gov.
Thornton's Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation (AIR) program offers meaningful recreation opportunities for participants with disabilities. We offer numerous adaptive sport options including various Special Olympics sports. Should an athlete with a disability choose to participate in any of Thornton's sports programs, AIR coordinates inclusion for those programs as well. We are also seeking unified partners (athletes without disabilities) to play in our AIR sports programs. It's a great opportunity for your child to experience diverse abilities in sport and connect with a peer with special needs.
Thornton offers both group (ages 5-16) and private lessons (ages 6 and up) in the summer at Eastlake Tennis Courts (124th and Fillmore Street). Group lessons are Tuesday and Thursday mornings and private/semi-private lessons (2-3 students) are arranged at various times and locations by instructors/participants. We also offer a North Area Youth Tennis team for ages 8-18 with practices at Eastlake on Monday and Wednesday mornings and matches on Fridays at various locations in the North Metro area. For more information, please contact Hannah.Tuomi@ThorntonCO.gov.
Thornton offers a Team Track and Field in conjunction with the Colorado Association of Recreational Athletics (CARA). Practices are at Rocky Top Middle School (138th and York) on Monday and Wednesday mornings or Tuesday and Thursday evenings during the summer. Meets are held on Saturdays in various cities (parents/guardians are responsible for transportation) along the front range. Events are based on age and include high jump, long jump, discus, shot put, hurdles, 50- to 1600-meter runs and others. For more information, please contact Hannah.Tuomi@ThorntonCO.gov.
The five tenets of Taekwon-Do are Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit! This program is affiliated with the United States Taekwon-Do Federation and meets year-round on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. The program is open to youth ages 8+ as well as adults. For more information, please contact Hannah.Tuomi@ThorntonCO.gov.
Thornton has partnered with Skyhawks (ages 4-14) and SuperTots (ages 2-5) Sports to offer several new exciting options for in-person, multi-day, sports camps based around the following sports; baseball, basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, golf, cheerleading and more! By the end of each camp, your child will have learned new life skills such as teamwork and sportsmanship, made new friends and improved their sports skills preparing them to play for the playground or league play! Please visit the SKyHawks Website for a list of upcoming camps and registration information.
Sports Academies are a great way to introduce your young athlete to a variety of different sports. Participants concentrate on learning the fundamentals in a fun, low-key setting. Sports include basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, archery, lacrosse, badminton and more. Classes/programs are offered throughout the year. To see what is currently available, please visit our activity registration website. For more information, please contact Hannah.Tuomi@ThorntonCO.gov.
This new program is designed to get kids out of the house to explore the wonders of nature! Classes include GPS Treasure Hunt, Beginner Nature Photography, Learn to Fish Class, Grandparent/Grandchild Hikes and Museum Tours, Dinner Hikes and more. To see what is currently available, please visit our activity registration website.
Our year-round recreational gymnastics team, affiliated with the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association, is an excellent opportunity to introduce youth, ages 7-18, to the fun and excitement of competitive gymnastics. Our coaches use the latest techniques and drills for optimal progressions on all the Olympic events. They strive to promote healthy competition, good sportsmanship and life lessons. Participants must pass the Pre-Team evaluation to join the Thornton Twisters team. For more information contact Susan Ludwig, Gymnastics Specialist, at Saige.Gerwig@ThorntonCO.gov.
Swim Team (Ages 6-18)
Our year-round recreational swim team, affiliated with the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association, is an excellent opportunity to introduce youth, ages 6-18, to the fun and excitement of competitive swimming. Our coaches work hard to teach skills and techniques that will improve efficiency in the water. They strive to promote competition as well as sportsmanship. Participants do not have to have competitive experience, but must be able to swim a full 50-yards (two lengths) in a competitive, correct freestyle stroke and also exhibit the ability to swim for 45-minutes in a coached setting. Tryouts are held on an individual basis. Thornton CARA swim team is currently full. As openings occur, we will contact individuals from the waitlist.
Swim Team (Ages 18+)
Thornton is proud to bring you a top-notch Masters Swimming and Fitness program. This swim fitness program is for individuals age 18 and older who enjoy swimming in a structured program. The program benefits those who swim for fun and fitness and those who swim for competition. It will improve your physical fitness and refine your competitive swimming technique. The price of admission to the facility is the only fee for participation. However, those wishing to compete in Colorado Masters Swimming Association meets must pay all costs in doing so, including annual dues.
Coed and men's "D" divisions are offered August-October with games played at the new Riverwalk Ballfield Complex, 9831 Riverdale Road. Please contact Hannah.Tuomi@ThorntonCO.gov for more information.
Men's "D" league is offered January-March at the Community Center, 2211 Eppinger Boulevard with registration starting in December. Please contact Hannah.Tuomi@ThorntonCO.gov for more information.
Other Sports Opportunities
The non-profit groups listed below contract with Thornton to use fields and facilities for a variety of youth sports programs. Thornton is not affiliated with these groups and usage of city facilities does not imply endorsement of these organizations.
1500 East 128th Avenue
Thornton, CO 80241
(303) 452-9622
The YMCA offers inclusive year-round youth sports for kids at all skill levels in a safe and nurturing environment. In addition to promoting health and well-being for youth, the Y's Youth Sports program teaches kids how to build character, leadership skills and a sense of community. We offer five seasons a year, each season offers a variety of sports for your player to experience. Our coaches are background checked and trained to provide a rewarding experience for your child. Sports offered include basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, flag football, lacrosse and homeschool P.E.
1070 West 124th Avenue, Suite 100
Westminster, CO 80234
(303) 399-5858 x243
Rapids Youth Soccer is Colorado's premier youth soccer experience and the only club in Colorado to offer opportunities from three-years-old to professional, from beginner to Major League Soccer.
CRYSC offers youth soccer programs to thousands of children every season in and around the Front Range. With satellite leagues across Colorado, we are confident we can provide your child a fun place to play.
(720) 624-9000
North Denver Rush Soccer is committed to providing an unparalleled soccer experience for all who have an interest in the game of soccer. North Denver Rush promotes the development of character, the electricity of competition and the importance of pure enjoyment. We accept the responsibility of teaching life lessons to our athletes to further their growth inside the game and out. We believe that all players should be afforded an equal opportunity to explore their potential and participate in challenging circumstances that will yield positive outcomes. We are committed to making soccer a pleasant, safe and rewarding experience for everyone involved, regardless of age or ability. Through quality coaching, sound leadership and absolute sincerity, North Denver Rush will work to be the best soccer club in the world.
13950 York Street
Thornton, CO 80602
Little League® International believes in the power of youth baseball and softball to teach life lessons that build stronger communities and individuals. Through our divisions of Little League Baseball®, Little League Softball® and the Little League Challenger Division®, Little League provides opportunities for all children, ages 4 to 16, to have a meaningful experience in approximately 6,500 leagues throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.
P.O. Box 29585
Thornton, CO 80229
(303) 257-7581
Our mission is to enrich the youth of Thornton and its surrounding areas. Effectively teach the fundamentals of baseball. Create a fun, safe and competitive family environment. Where winning is the result, not the emphasis. With an ultimate goal of instilling the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership and integrity. To gain the result of productive well-rounded citizens and future leaders of the community.
(720) 690-9949
Recreational youth basketball league with games and practices at local schools and season running January-March.
(303) 648-5186
The Thornton Junior Football League was founded in 1962 when a group of men got together and started a league whose sole function was the love of the game and the opportunity for all children to participate. One of these men even mortgaged his own home to cover the start-up costs. Through the years, the league has seen a lot of changes, but one thing remains the same, the goal of TJFL is the positive growth of the youth of our community.
9499 Washington St. #200A
Thornton, CO 80229
(303) 505-5418
The Thornton Boxing Club has a rich history of training champions for the last 30 years. Our trainers all have extensive amateur backgrounds as well as professional experience. Gym is open 3:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday to young athletes and adults looking to compete or just to train to get into better shape.
P.O. Box 378
Eastlake, CO 80614
Thornton Tennis Association is a public tennis club dedicated to providing its members with good tennis and a social environment. Our members play in the various USTA leagues and TTA sponsored events such as summer and winter socials and tournaments. In addition to the programs listed, we offer additional opportunities for drills and play. The club operates out of Eastlake in Thornton, Colorado and through the years has contributed time, money and equipment to maintain the courts and the surrounding areas. Currently, membership fluctuates between 180 to 225 members.