On the Court, Trail and Field

Throughout the fall, hundreds of young athletes across the city participated in Emerald’s volleyball, soccer and trail running programs.

Emerald was pleased to again host and sponsor a competitive middle school volleyball league for teams from Gresham, Holston, Northwest, South-Doyle, Vine, Whittle Springs and Emerald Academy. Many of the young ladies from the middle school teams continued to strengthen their skills by playing in Emerald’s rec league in October and November, which also included high school age teams.

Rec soccer leagues at Sansom Sports Complex on Dale Avenue, and Haslam-Sansom Ministry Complex - Lonsdale, had nearly 300 players participate thanks to the dedication of numerous volunteer coaches.

And a little further “out in nature,” trail running provided youth the opportunity to explore God’s creation and experience Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. These athletes ran 5-6 miles each week on technical terrain doing flat sprints, hill climbs/sprints, and interval training.

As 2022 begins, Emerald will continue to offer swim lessons and community swim sessions at the indoor pool in East Knoxville, as well as a new spring swim team; pick-up soccer will give young people the chance to hone their skills in a relaxed environment; and club volleyball teams for boys and girls will take the court at competitions throughout East Tennessee.