The Youth Recreation Center opened Dec. 5 and with it brought several programs and events to keep kids busy throughout the winter season.

Youth indoor soccer will ‘kick’ things off this month with the first session starting on Monday. The youth indoor soccer program is a great way for kids to learn the game, while having fun. Certified coaches will teach all children ages 5-17.

Session one will run from Dec. 10-Feb. 1 and session two will run from Feb. 4-Mar. 29. Grades K-2 will be on Mondays from 4-5 p.m., grades 3-5 will be on Mondays and Fridays from 5-7 p.m., grades 6-8 will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. and high school will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m.

Each session is eight-weeks long and will cost $15 a session for K-2, $30 a session for 3-8 and high school $2 for open soccer. Registration will commence on Monday from 4-6 p.m.

Youth Basketball is another sport that the rec center is offering this year. The league is a fun way for children to learn basketball skills, while developing their competitive nature. There is two days of clinic followed by three-weeks of games that will start on Jan. 7. Youth basketball is for grades 3-6 and will take place at the Dunkirk Middle School, cost is $25 per child and parents can register their children at the rec center office.

Movie nights will be held once or twice a month beginning in January at 7 p.m. Movies will be advertised on Access channel 12, the city of Dunkirk’s Facebook page, as well as the city’s website. There will be popcorn and these events are free to the public.

On other Saturdays, badminton, dodgeball and kickball will be played, as well as clinics hosted on flag football, baseball and softball as well. Kids can take part in the clinics to learn and/or enhance their skills in those sports. These events are also free and open to the public.

In person registration for all programs will be available during the first two sessions of each program held at the Recreation Center at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds.

Reservations for all facility programs can also be made Monday-Friday at the recreation office located in the senior center, 45 Cliffstar Court. For questions for the Recreation Office please call 366-9885 or email Ryan Hall at rhall@cityofdunkirk.com.