11 Fall Sports Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 4 hours ago
- 7 min read
For middle school students who enjoy athletics, fall sports programs offer a valuable way to learn new techniques, stay active, and grow both on and off the field. These programs go beyond regular team practices by offering more structured coaching, opportunities for competition, and exposure to sports science, leadership, and teamwork.
Unlike summer sports camps, fall programs often run alongside the academic calendar, making them more accessible if you’re balancing multiple school commitments. Many also emphasize personal development, time management, and mentorship, helping you grow as both an athlete and a student. Some are affiliated with schools, clubs, or larger athletic organizations and may offer funding or scholarships to increase accessibility.
Below are 11 fall sports programs for middle school students, selected for their training quality, mentorship opportunities, and ability to support athletic and personal growth.
11 Fall Sports Programs for Middle School Students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 20%
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type (scholarships and financial aid are available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Fall (September – December)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; Fall (September)
Eligibility: Ambitious students in grades 6-8
If you want to get into sports research, then this is the program for you. The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is designed for students who want to explore their academic interests and develop a foundational research project. Each student is paired with a top Ph.D. mentor to work 1-on-1 on a passion project in a field of their choosing, which can and does include sports! The program helps students learn how to ask good research questions, gather information, and structure a final project. Mentorship is the core of the experience, providing personalized guidance and support throughout the research journey. A unique and valuable part of the JEP is the final output, which may be a high school-level research paper or a Harvard Business School-style case study!
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, as programs are run through specific partner schools and city-based training centers
Location: New York City
Cost: Fully funded
Dates: Operates 2-5 times a week, varying by local program
Application Deadline: Varies by team
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6-8) in the New York area
Beat the Streets is a non-profit youth development organization that uses the sport of wrestling to empower students in New York. Its "Junior League" is specifically designed for elementary and middle school students, running as an after-school program. It provides free, high-quality coaching, equipment, and competition opportunities. The program is combined with academic mentoring and leadership development, making it a high-impact, holistic program.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, as it is only available to students enrolled in partner middle schools
Location: Various partner schools in cities like New York, NY; Boston, MA; Philadelphia, PA; and Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: Runs throughout the school year, with the fall season starting in September
Application Deadline: Students are typically recruited from within partner schools
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6-8) enrolled at a Harlem Lacrosse partner school
Harlem Lacrosse is a non-profit organization that provides intensive, school-based academic support, mentoring, and high-level lacrosse training. This is a year-round program that operates during the school day and after school, with the fall season being a critical component. Students receive daily academic tutoring, mentoring, and character-building, combined with professional lacrosse coaching, equipment, and travel, all at no cost. The program aims to be highly impactful and selective, as it operates in specific partner schools.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Generally open to club members; space may be limited for specific programs
Location: Various Boys & Girls Club locations across America
Cost: Often low-cost or free for club members
Dates: Multiple programs available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by club and program
Eligibility: Age requirements for programs vary, with many available for students of all ages or for 6-18 year olds
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America offer various sports programs and initiatives tailored for students of all ages. These programs can range from organized leagues in sports like basketball and flag football to specialized clinics and healthy lifestyle workshops. The focus is on providing a safe, positive, and engaging environment where young people can develop athletic skills, build confidence, and learn the value of teamwork. Many clubs integrate mentorship and educational components, ensuring a holistic experience. These fall sports programs often address physical activity, healthy eating, and emotional well-being, aligning with the Boys & Girls Clubs' mission.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, as spaces are limited for optimal coaching ratios.
Location: IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL.
Cost: Starts at $2,299
Dates: Camps held throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 8–18
IMG Academy offers comprehensive sports camps focusing on athletic development across a variety of sports. Students can specialize in areas such as basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, or track & field, receiving coaching and training. Their camps adopt a holistic approach, integrating rigorous athletic training with top-tier sport instruction. The program includes daily training sessions, competitive play, and strength and conditioning, all within a professional athletic environment. Opportunities for performance analysis and sports psychology sessions are often integrated, providing a well-rounded understanding of elite athletic performance. While expensive, the IMG Academy Sport Camps can be a competitive and intense option for any student serious about athletics.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by camp and sport; some advanced programs are more selective.
Location: Various locations across America, often at university campuses or premier sports facilities.
Cost: Varies by camp
Dates: Both weekend and week-long camps are available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Most camps are open to students aged 6–18
US Sports Camps, sponsored by Nike, offers sports programs throughout the year. These camps focus on specific sports like soccer, basketball, or track & field, providing training sessions led by coaches and former collegiate athletes. They prioritize skill development, tactical understanding, and competitive play. There are even advanced camps that include components on sports psychology, nutrition, and injury prevention, providing a holistic view of athletic performance. These are comprehensive fall sports programs for middle school students seeking to improve their technical abilities and competitive edge.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective, based on skill level assessments.
Location: National Sports Center, Blaine, MN
Cost: Varies by camp
Dates: 8-week camps stretching from September to February
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines by camp
Eligibility: Each camp has its own eligibility criteria; several are available for middle schoolers
The National Sports Center (NSC) offers a variety of fall programs across sports like football, hockey, skating, baseball, and more, providing high-level coaching and competitive opportunities. Programs are available for several different skill levels, focused on enhancing individual technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning within a team-oriented environment. There is daily training, scrimmages, and friendly matches against other local teams. The NSC's state-of-the-art facilities and experienced coaching staff create a setting for young sports enthusiasts to develop their abilities.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment with class size limits for effective instruction.
Location: First Tee chapters are located across America at various golf courses and facilities.
Cost: Varies by session
Dates: Varies by session and location
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines varying by chapter; check your local First Tee chapter website for specific registration dates.
Eligibility: Different programs available for 10–11 and 12–13 year olds
First Tee's Core programs for middle school students integrate golf instruction with character development. Students learn the fundamentals of golf, including putting, chipping, and full swing, from certified coaches. More than just golf techniques, the program emphasizes First Tee's Five Core Values: Pursuing Goals, Growing through Challenge, Collaborating with Others, Building Positive Self-Identity, and Using Good Judgment. It strives to make golf both accessible and enjoyable, promoting positive youth development.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; requires a high level of proven athletic talent
Location: Montverde Academy, Montverde, FL
Cost: Private school tuition. Financial aid is available based on need
Dates: The school year begins in the fall (late August/September)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6-8) who can compete at a national level
Similar to IMG, Montverde Academy is a private boarding school famous for its nationally-ranked athletic programs, especially in basketball and soccer. The fall semester is the start of their year-round training and competition season. Middle school students accepted into the academy participate in a rigorous program that balances academics with elite, professional-level coaching and competition. This is one of the most selective fall sports programs for middle school students who are among the top athletes in their age group nationwide. It is an expensive academy, but they do have need-based financial aid.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment, though individual teams fill up
Location: Hosted at schools and community sites across all 50 states
Cost: Not specified
Dates: The program is available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines varying by local chapter
Eligibility: All students who identify as girls in grades 6-8
Girls on the Run offers "Heart & Sole," a program designed specifically for middle school girls that runs all year. It creatively integrates running and physical activity with lessons that build social, emotional, and physical skills. The program is not focused on speed but on completion and personal growth. Participants train together for 10-12 weeks under the guidance of certified coaches, culminating in a celebratory 5K event.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment with team size limits
Location: Various tennis clubs, community centers, and school courts across America
Cost: Not specified
Dates: Various events and matches throughout the year, varying by local USTA clubs
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines vary by local USTA clubs
Eligibility: Students aged 5–18 years
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) offers Junior Team Tennis (JTT) events, providing an exciting and social way to play tennis. Participants compete in teams, playing singles and doubles matches against other local teams. The program emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a fun and friendly competitive environment. Coaches focus on improving technique, understanding game strategy, and fostering a love for the sport. It's an excellent opportunity for middle schoolers to develop their tennis game and connect with peers who share their interest in sports.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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