sport
Amarillo Expands Youth Sports: New Leagues Transform Community Athletics
Mergers, new leagues and facility plans reflect local efforts to expand youth sports options in Amarillo.
How we reported this
Kids, Inc. and the Texas Panhandle Youth Sports Foundation merged to bring Rotary Youth Baseball, West Texas Youth Baseball and Canyon Baseball Association under one organization.
Merger of Youth Baseball Organizations
The merger combined Amarillo's primary youth baseball leagues under a single structure. Kids, Inc., established in 1945, now oversees over 1,000 registered participants across youth and adult leagues that include flag football, soccer, volleyball and cheerleading. This step followed separate operations by the Texas Panhandle Youth Sports Foundation and the individual baseball groups.
Plans for New Multi-Sport Facilities
Kids, Inc. announced plans to build a $30 million multi-sport complex on 90 acres south of Loop 335. The project includes approximately 60 acres of lighted synthetic turf fields. The facility would support multiple sports already offered by the organization and provide additional space for growing participation.
Emerging Leagues in Hockey and Football
The Amarillo Wranglers youth hockey 14U team won a World Series title at an annual tournament in Odessa. This result aligns with hockey becoming the fastest-growing sport in the Texas Panhandle. Separately, the Iron Plains Youth Football League was founded by president CJ Johnson to add youth football options in the Amarillo area.
These changes connect existing programs with new opportunities for families. Residents can contact Kids, Inc. directly for registration details on current leagues and updates on the planned complex.