When you walk into a FUNdamental Youth Sports class, you won’t find scoreboards, trophies, or heated rivalries. Instead, you’ll hear laughter, encouragement, and the steady thump of basketballs and soccer balls as kids ages 3–11 try their hand at a wide mix of sports.
For one of the founders of FUNdamental Youth Sports, LLC, Mike Ferracci, that’s exactly the point.
“We wanted to create a space where kids could explore sports without the pressure,” said Ferracci. “For us, it’s all about fun, building skills, and giving kids the confidence to try new things.”
A Different Kind of Sports Program
Unlike traditional leagues, FUNdamental Youth Sports focuses on non-competitive classes that let kids sample everything from soccer and flag football to floor hockey and basketball. The goal isn’t to crown champions—it’s to teach the basics, spark joy, and encourage teamwork.
“Some kids come to us with no sports experience at all, while others have already played,” Ferracci explained. “Either way, our coaches make sure every child feels included and successful.”
Currently, the program operates out of Harford County Community College, but interest is growing quickly. With each new season, more families are discovering the unique approach.
How It All Began
The idea came from Ferracci and two longtime friends—Jason OKeefe and Clayton Gilcher—all fathers, athletes, and coaches who saw a gap in youth sports offerings.
“Parents were telling us they wanted something different,” Ferracci recalled. “So many programs jump right into competition. We thought, what if we created a place where the focus was on FUN first? That’s how FUNdamental Youth Sports was born.”
What started as a vision among friends has grown into a thriving community resource, giving children across Harford County the chance to play, learn, and grow in a supportive environment.
More Than Sports
The coaches at FUNdamental Youth Sports aren’t just teaching kids how to dribble a basketball or pass a soccer ball—they’re teaching life lessons. “We see kids come in shy and unsure, and after a few weeks, they’re running onto the court with smiles on their faces,” said Ferracci. “That’s what keeps us going—the confidence they carry out of here goes beyond sports.”
Parents have taken notice, too, with many praising the program’s supportive atmosphere. One local mom said she first discovered FUNdamental Youth Sports in 2023 through a Harford Community College brochure and has been bringing her daughter back ever since.
“The coaches are top-notch, friendly and engaging, and the variety keeps it exciting,” she shared. “It’s been amazing to watch her confidence grow.”
Looking Ahead
As demand rises, Ferracci and his team have big plans for the future, including expanding to additional locations and reaching even more families.
“Our promise is simple,” Ferracci said. “We’re here to make sports fun, accessible, and meaningful for every child who joins us.”
With their focus on play, encouragement, and community, FUNdamental Youth Sports is redefining what it means to be a young athlete—one smile, one high-five, and one new skill at a time.
Learn More
Follow FUNdamental Youth Sports LLC on Facebook and visit their website at FUNdamentalYouthSports.org for more information.
