WHAT: Youth Sports & Fitness Program w/ Coach Rich Morton
WHERE: Gloria J Parks, 3242 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214
WHEN: Thursday’s starting September 24th, 2026
DATES: 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12
WHO: Boys and girls ages 5-10
SKILL LEVEL: All
AGES (5-10): 6-7 PM
REGISTRATION FEE: Pay what you can $1, 5, 10 per session

The Gloria J Parks Youth Sports & Fitness Program includes:

  • Eight Weeks of sports and fitness programming.
  • Exclusive Healthy Buffalo performance tee and shorts for all participants.
  • Weekly games and awards.
  • Healthy snacks for the participants.
  • Registration includes one year’s membership dues in Healthy Buffalo for all registered players.

Meet Coach Rich Morton

Coach Rich brings nearly two decades of experience in education, coaching, and youth development to Healthy Buffalo. As a Physical Education teacher and school leader, he has dedicated his career to helping young people build confidence, develop healthy habits, and discover the lifelong benefits of being active. His passion for sports extends beyond competition, focusing on creating positive experiences where every child can succeed.

Highlights

  • Wellness Team Leader and Physical Education Teacher at Buffalo Public Schools
  • Graduate of the Buffalo Public Schools Leadership Academy
  • Former Head Varsity Football Coach at Chautauqua Lake Central School
  • Athletic Director who increased athletic funding by 50% through successful grant writing
  • Holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton
  • ⚽ Nearly 20 years of experience coaching football, basketball, soccer, and golf
  • ❤️ Passionate about creating fun, inclusive environments where every child can thrive
  • Committed to helping young athletes develop confidence, teamwork, leadership, and a lifelong love of health and fitness

Coach Rich believes every child deserves the opportunity to build confidence, discover what they’re capable of, and develop a lifelong love of sports and fitness.

 

The Gloria J Parks Youth Sports & Fitness Program Itinerary:

  •  Week 1: Non-Traditional Games – Activities including Gaga Ball, Parachute Games, and tag games with a twist.
  • Week 2: Soccer Week – Basic skills practice and games focused on fun and full participation.
  • Week 3: Fitness Week – Team challenges, Animal Run, and fitness-themed tag games designed to build physical and mental health.
  • Week 4: Basketball Week – Dribbling, passing, and shooting games paired with small-sided scrimmages.
  • Week 5: International Games Week – Introduction to games like Rugby and Team Handball, with simplified rules so everyone can participate and succeed.
  • Week 6: Halloween Week – Halloween-themed tag, throwing, and catching games.
  • Week 7: Football Week – Partner throwing and catching challenges alongside flag football games.
  • Week 8: Campers’ Favorites – Campers will vote on their favorite activities to bring back for the final week.