The fall sports season is now well underway in Fontana. Thanks to the high-quality state-of-the-art synthetic turf fields at the Ralph M. Lewis Sports Complex, located at 6398 Citrus Avenue, athletes and teams throughout the Inland Empire are envying Fontana for its' top-notch facilities and athletic programs. As a result, the sports and fitness opportunities are growing in size and scope with each season. The fall lineup includes team sports for youth and adults such as roller hockey, flag football, basketball, soccer and softball.

Roller hockey is definitely growing in popularity and participant numbers. According to

Nick Johnson, the youth sports community services coordinator, "The hockey program, which is the only one in the area, has three different divisions and accommodates players between the ages of 7 and 16."

Last year the league was so popular there were 12 teams which totaled approximately 100 players. While youth are learning to hit slap shots and move the puck around the rink, they are also receiving life lessons about teamwork and leadership.

"The program has a lot of quality volunteer coaches that help bring out the best athleticism and sportsmanship in the players," says Johnson.

Flag Football starts this month with plenty of excited young players ready to get out on the field and pass, punt, and run for the touchdown while trying to avoid an opponent's grab of the flag hanging at the waist. Last year, Pee Wee Flag Football had 22 teams with 215 players while Youth Flag Football had 12 teams with 135 players. The teen basketball program has had great success. Last year there were 12 teams with 120 participants. More are expected this year and all will be meeting in a new location.

"The teen league gives youth 13 to 16 a chance to develop their basketball skills and fitness at the same time. We are excited about the teen basketball program playing at Wayne Ruble Middle School for the first time," says Rob Bock, community services supervisor.

With a total of 10 full-court basketball teams last year, the program has paved the way for others. Explains Bock, "There are some great opportunities for adults to participate in basketball, soccer, and softball leagues throughout the City of Fontana - it's a great way to exercise and meet new people in a positive environment."

This past summer, the sports section launched the city's first adult male soccer league. The program is showing signs that it may become one of the more competitive leagues in the city. There were a total of 11 teams that participated in the initial season and within only a couple of months a total of 16 teams had signed up for the fall season.

The most popular of the adult sports is Slow-Pitch Softball. This fun, competitive team sport is a record breaking favorite with Fontana residents. There were a total of 33 registered teams this past season to include 16 men teams, 4 women teams, and 13 co-ed teams. According to Jason Hendrix, adult sports community services coordinator, "Fontana's Adult Sports programs are played on top-of-the-line athletic fields. The Adult Softball program is designed to give men and women in Fontana a chance to participate in family oriented competitions, while also leading by example of how to have fun, stay healthy and fit."

Other sports and fitness activities include the all new tennis program at San Sevaine Park which includes Mom & Tot tennis, a SCTTC Holiday Tennis Camp, Rippin Racquets Tennis League and much more. Ice skating is also available through the Don Day Community Center. Now may be the perfect opportunity to practice before the big Festival of Winter. Other lessons at most community centers include dance, gymnastics, yoga, and martial arts. Healthy Fontana also has some high quality fitness programs through the Boot Camps and the Steps Along the Way Walking Clubs.

To find out more about any of the fall sports or fitness programs within the City of Fontana, please contact the Community Services Department at (909) 428-8360 or visit online at www.fontanarecreation.org.