In Cheshire, the season never really ends — it just shifts gears.
- Cheshire Today Staff
- Feb 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 11
As February 2026 unfolds, gyms are buzzing, indoor practices are in full swing, and registration deadlines for spring leagues are fast approaching.
From Town Recreation basketball to Rams varsity matchups and travel team tryouts, here’s a comprehensive look at what’s happening across Cheshire’s youth sports landscape.
Parks & Recreation: Winter Wrap-Up and Spring Momentum
The Cheshire Parks and Recreation Department continues to anchor the town’s youth programming through its MyRec portal, offering structured, accessible sports for families at every level.
Winter/Spring 2026 Highlights
Youth Basketball (Instructional Programs)Co-ed instructional programs run through February 28, 2026, meeting on Saturdays under the direction of head instructors and assistants. The focus remains skill development, teamwork, and confidence-building.
March Madness Basketball Night A special “March Madness” Basketball Night for grades 6–8 is scheduled, offering a high-energy evening of friendly competition and community spirit.
Aquatics & Martial Arts (Session II)
Swim Lessons (Levels 1–3)
Pre-Team training
Tiny Tigers, Little Dragons, and Karate Kids martial arts classes
Special Event: You Are My Sunshine Dance February 20, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM Registration required per person.
Summer 2026 Employment Opportunities
Looking ahead, the department is currently accepting applications for summer camp and recreation positions:
Counselor-in-Training (CIT)Deadline: March 30, 2026Open to students entering grades 9–11Two-week volunteer commitment | $15 program fee
Mixville Ranger Deadline: April 1, 2026Starting pay: $16.94/hour
Therapeutic Recreation Camp Counselor Deadline: March 3, 2026Starting pay: $20.94/hour
Lifeguards Deadline: March 30, 2026Red Cross certification required
Facilities Snapshot
Cheshire Park remains a cornerstone of town recreation, featuring:
Basketball courts
Tennis courts
Three baseball fields
Beginning in 2026, a $10 resident field-use fee has been implemented and is incorporated into league registration to support maintenance and facility improvements.
Rams Basketball: The Final Stretch
At Cheshire High School, the 2025–2026 varsity basketball season is entering its final weeks.
Boys Varsity
Recent Result: Narrow loss to Career-Hillhouse, 72–74 (Feb. 12, 2026)
Upcoming Games:
Feb. 17 vs. Lyman Hall (4:00 PM)
Feb. 20 vs. Shelton (4:00 PM)
Record: 5–11
Division Ranking: #30 in Connecticut Division III
Despite the record, several games have been decided by slim margins, reflecting competitive depth and resilience as postseason seeding approaches.
Girls Varsity
Recent Result: Defeated Lyman Hall, 44–39 (Feb. 13, 2026)
Key Contributors:
Senior Molly Fleming (10.0 PPG, 10.3 RPG)
Sophomore Emma Klemonski (1.6 APG)
The team continues to build momentum late in the season, positioning itself for tournament consideration.
Community Impact
High school coaches and players frequently host holiday clinics for grades 1–8 — both as fundraisers and as mentorship opportunities — reinforcing the bridge between youth programs and varsity athletics.
Travel & AAU Basketball: Spring Tryouts Underway
For players seeking competitive travel play, spring evaluations are right around the corner.
Cheshire Travel Basketball
Spring Tryouts: March 1 and March 15, 2026
Actively Recruiting: Graduation classes 2027–2031 and 2033–2036
Full Rosters: Classes 2032 and 2034 (private evaluation required)
Winter travel registration closed in October 2025, but spring presents a fresh opportunity for athletes looking to elevate their game.
YMCA Development Programs
The Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA is launching:
Basketball Development Training (Ages 7–10) — Spring 1 2026
Introduction to Basketball (Ages 2–3) — Beginning February 28, 2026
These programs emphasize fundamentals, coordination, and sportsmanship for younger athletes.
Spring 2026 Registration Deadlines
As winter winds down, several spring leagues are approaching registration cutoffs.
Sport | Organization | Registration Deadline | Season Start |
Baseball | Cheshire Youth Baseball | Feb 28, 2026 | Indoor play begins March 15 |
Softball | Cheshire Youth Softball | Feb 28, 2026 | April 25 – June 20 |
Soccer | Cheshire Soccer Club | April 5, 2026 | April 11 – May 30 |
Lacrosse | Cheshire Lacrosse Club | Feb 15, 2026 | Evaluations begin late February |
Families are encouraged to register early through each organization’s portal, as roster caps and evaluation dates are firm.
More Than Games
Youth sports in Cheshire represent more than standings and scores. They provide structure during the winter months, energy in the spring thaw, and mentorship across generations. From Saturday instructional leagues to varsity buzzer-beaters and spring tryouts, the town’s athletic ecosystem remains vibrant and interconnected.
As February closes and March approaches, one thing is clear: in Cheshire, the season never really ends — it just shifts gears.
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