*** This program is made possible through the generosity of the Third Generation Fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. ***

WHAT: Youth Sports & Fitness Program w/ Coach Rich Morton
WHERE: Gloria J Parks, 3242 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214
WHEN: Monday’s starting July 6th, 2026
DATES: 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24
WHO: Boys and girls ages 5-10
SKILL LEVEL: All

AGES (5-7): 3-4 PM
AGES (8-10): 4-5 PM

EARLY REGISTRATION: $39 
REGULAR REGISTRATION: $49

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: Camp Games

  • Ages 5–7: Parachute play, classic tag games, and other camp favorites.
  • Ages 8–10: Capture the Flag, Buffalo Ball, and camp favorites with a twist.

Week 2: Soccer Week

  • Ages 5–7: Fun build-up games like Red Light Green Light Soccer, Soccer Tag, and Soccer Bowling, plus non-competitive scrimmages.
  • Ages 8–10: Small-sided scrimmages mixed with build-up games like 4 Corners Soccer and Soccer Pirates.

Week 3: Fitness Week

  • Ages 5–7: Fitness-themed tag and games like Animal Run to practice pacing and heart rate monitoring.
  • Ages 8–10: Fitness stations, team challenges, and fitness themed tag games designed to build physical and mental health.

Week 4: Basketball Week

  • Ages 5–7: Basic skill development through Pac-Man Basketball, Basketball Survivor, and dribbling relays.
  • Ages 8–10: Dribbling, passing, and shooting games paired with small-sided scrimmages.

Week 5: Gaga Ball Week

  • Ages 5–7: Multiple variations including Team Gaga, Fitness Gaga, and Boys vs. Girls.
  • Ages 8–10: High-energy play utilizing multiple Gaga pits and various game styles.

Week 6: Broomball/Hockey Week

  • Ages 5–7: Broomball lead-up games providing a safe twist on floor hockey.
  • Ages 8–10: Skill-building sessions followed by both broomball and hockey games.

Week 7: Football Week

  • Ages 5–7: Basics of throwing and catching using foam footballs, accuracy challenges, and relays.
  • Ages 8–10: Partner throwing and catching challenges and flag football games.

Week 8: Campers’ Favorites

  • Ages 5–7: Activities will be selected based on the favorites identified during Week 7.
  • Ages 8–10: Campers will vote to decide which activities are brought back for the final week.

Watch some highlights from our Thursday program with Coach Chris at Gloria J Parks: