Non “Traditional” Knoxville Youth Sports You Should Check Out

As a kid, I grew up playing what I used to consider the big three sports: soccer, softball, and basketball. So when I had children, I assumed we would go the same route with a little ballet and maybe gymnastics thrown in. Well, as with most assumptions I have made about motherhood, I was wrong. My kids are not “traditional” sports kids. It has been a huge learning curve for my husband and me when it comes to some of their sport choices, but it’s also been a fun ride.

If your kids are like mine and you are struggling to help them find a sport they love, I am here to help. With the aid of my fellow Knoxville Mom writers, I have rounded up some non-traditional Knoxville sports you might want to consider letting your kids try:

Tennis

Several schools have teams, even at the elementary level. You can also check out the City of Knoxville website and Play Tennis Knoxville for more information on youth programs.

Bowling

If you have a high schooler, there is a good chance that their high school has a bowling team. Also, your kids can bowl for fun at area bowling alleys like Strike and Spare, Main Event, or Maple Hall. 

Rock Climbing

Onsite Rock Gym has lots of opportunities for youth climbing competitively or just for fun. Also, some high schools in the area have climbing teams, and if they don’t there is an opportunity to create one.

Lacrosse

This sport seems to be really growing in our area. You can check out TNLX, Knoxville Youth Sports, Smoky Mountain Lacrosse Club, Farragut Youth Lacrosse, Farragut Ladies Lacrosse, and Marble City Lacrosse. Several schools in the area now have teams too.

Rugby

Knoxville Youth Rugby is a great place to start if your kid is interested in rugby. You can also check out Rookie Rugby, which is non-contact rugby for kids Kindergarten through 6th grade. 

Golf

Golf teams can be found at most middle and high schools. You can also check out First Tee for golf lessons for kids and Concord Park Par 3 Golf kids play free. 

Track & Field

Knoxville Youth Athletics offers a summer program that allows kids to learn and compete in a variety of track and field events. Emerald Youth also has track and field programs to check out. Plus, most schools have teams students can join. 

Volleyball

i9 Sports offers an outdoor league and Emerald Youth has an indoor league. Be sure to also check if there is a team at your child’s school. K2 Volleyball Club offers volleyball programs for various ages. 

Wrestling

This is another sport that can be found at many area schools. Emerald Youth has a league for K-8 boys, and you can also check out Clinton Dragons Youth Wrestling. 

Martial Arts

Knoxville has several options for this sport including Master Booe’s Karate Kidz, Knoxville Academy of Martial Arts, Stephen Strouss Taekwondo, and Premier Martial Arts.

Swimming

The summer is a great time to join an area swim team. You can check out the Knoxville Moms Guide to Area Swim Teams to get started. Also, lots of area high schools have swim teams.

Ice Skating

Check out the Ice Chalet for skating school and show skating opportunities. Cool Sports also offers skating lessons and competitions for figure skating. 

Hockey

Cool Sports and the Ice Chalet are great places for hockey. Cool Sports offers it through the Knoxville Amateur Hockey Association.

Horseback Riding

If you have a horse lover at your house, equestrian sports might be just the thing. Knoxville has many stables to choose from and there are many different events to try. Some places to consider are Willowind Farm, Topline Equestrian, Sonny Brooke Stables, Icon Equestrian Center, and Scots Ridge Farm.

Baton Twirling

My mom was a college majorette, so this sport has a special place in my heart. In Knoxville, you can check out Spectra Twirlers and Studio Orange Baton and Dance. 

Rowing

During the summer your kids can check out the Youth Learn to Row Summer Camps offered by Row Knox. They also offer a junior rowing club called Gryphon Crew for high schoolers. Tristar Rowing also offers summer camps and a fall camp where kids ages 6th grade to 12th grade can learn to row. Atomic Rowing in Oak Ridge offers a Development  Program for ages 12 to 16. No experience is needed to join. They also have a Varsity/Competitive Program for more experienced rowers.

Cross Country 

Most schools let students join this team beginning in 3rd grade. If your student’s school does not have a team, you can form one with help from Knoxville Youth Athletics.

Fishing

Many area high schools now have teams. If you have a younger kid, be sure to check out our guide to Knoxville area fishing spots to find places they can practice fishing. 

This is just a small sampling of all the sports Knoxville has to offer. I encourage you to also check out Knoxville Moms Summer Camp Guide each year for camps that will allow your kids to try out new sports. Also, if there are more sports I need to include, or more resources to add, please drop the info in the comments!

Hopefully, this list will help you on your journey to finding your kid’s passion. Don’t be intimidated if you know nothing about the sport. You will catch on. Just have fun!