SANTA MARIA, Calif. –  The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department along with People for Leisure and Youth (PLAY) have designed what they call “Sports in a Bag” as a way to get young kids interested in sports while at home during the pandemic.

The “Sports in a Bag” program is designed for children four years and older and aims to provide a camp-like experience while they are homebound this school year.

Parents or caregivers will act as counselors while children learn the fundamentals of various sports.

“Sports in a Bag” kits contain a new ball, air pump, disc cones, an instructional manual or a set of Coach Deck cards with more than 50 exciting activity drills. Each week, Recreation and Parks staff will share an online instructional video demonstrating proper coaching techniques offered in the materials.

Basketball kits are currently available for $40 each and cater to ages four to six or seven and older. Tennis and volleyball kits will also be released soon.

You can sign up to receive a “Sports in a Bag” kit on the Santa Maria website here. Questions can be directed to the Recreation and Parks Department at (805) 925-0951 extension 2260.