Sports remain a fundamental part of kids’ childhoods, with both children and parents involved in youth sports because they keep kids active, help them make friends and teach life lessons. These days, it’s commonplace – even encouraged – for kids to engage in flag football, soccer, baseball or basketball, but there was a time when youth sports weren’t always as popular as they are now.

New York City established the first Public Schools Athletic League, which pitted schools against one another for championship titles, the idea being more competition would be brought to youth sports. The trend caught on, and by 1910, 17 other nearby cities boasted similar organizations, from pay-to-play youth sports in the ‘30s through the ‘60s to AYSO soccer in ’64, Title IX in ’72 and scholarships for athletic performance, which continues today.

In more modern times, activities such as martial arts, gymnastics and little league baseball have begun defining the youth sports landscape. Woodland Hills, among other major U.S. areas, has grown alongside what can only be described as a quasi-paradigm shift. The following suggestions represent our picks for some of the best youth sports activities around Woodland Hills, guaranteed to keep the kids busy and focused.

Ten Tigers Martial Arts, located at 22900 Ventura Boulevard, has been teaching kids martial arts for over 20 years; the facility’s head sensei works with children of all ages and personalities to bring out the best in each of them. Here, students learn valuable life skills such as confidence, commitment, self-assertiveness and more, while also honing their ability to deliver stand-up striking and grappling base skills for self-defense. If you’re looking to try something new with your child, Ten Tigers Martial Arts offers free trial classes so you can make sure the studio is a good fit before joining the program. Open Monday from 3:30 pm to 8:15 pm, Tuesday from 3:30 pm to 9:15 pm, Wednesday from 3:30 pm to 8:15 pm, Thursday from 3:30 pm to 9:15 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm; closed Friday and Sunday.

Jump Gym, located at 23241 Ventura Boulevard Suite 100, puts gymnastics at the root of all sports and focuses on teaching the basic skills and techniques before building on them. By concentrating on the little things and encouraging all students to excel to their full potential, Jump Gym instructors push them to learn the framework provided to help them grow as athletes, gymnasts and young people. Whether your child’s goal is to ultimately compete in gymnastics, play soccer or basketball, be a dancer or martial artist – or simply develop a passion for fitness – Jump Gym offers the launching pad to succeed via recreational and competitive gymnastics. Contact Jump Gym for hours and available classes.

Major Game Hoops, located at 5440 Valley Circle Boulevard, is the brainchild of Coach Rai, a basketball guru who has accumulated over 20 years of experience as a player, trainer and coach; his work is well-known, and his achievements responsible for preparing young adults to successfully achieve their high school basketball team and college program dreams. Currently, Coach Rai works with some of the top elementary, middle school, high school and collegiate talents, so you can rest assured knowing your child’s basketball interests are in good hands. Major Game Hoops offers three primary programs – Individual Training, Developmental Ball and Tournament Play, with Individual Training sessions constantly evaluated and adjusted based on player progress and developmental needs. Boys and girls at all skill levels, ages seven through 17, are welcome, and the facility is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

The Riley Youth Club, located at 21320 West Oxnard Street, is often described as a “fun, family-friendly clubhouse for youth empowerment,” but the focal point here is the Lil’ Kickers Classes – carefully curated and wildly fun, these classes give kids what they need to learn soccer and grow as individuals, with just the proper structure and coach-to-child ratio. Classes meet weekly for 50 minutes, and ages 18 months to nine years are welcome. Open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 7 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm.

Sunrise Little League, located at 6400 Winnetka Avenue, was established in 1955 when a group of very special parents felt that Little League was something the Woodland Hills community needed for the neighborhood children. Since then, the organization has helped teach and nurture over 35,000 children in the community. Its current management is proud of the fact that, in 1999, one of the kids was chosen from among thousands of national entries as “Little League Sportsman of the Year;” today, the league services the communities of Tarzana, Calabasas, Reseda, Winnetka, Canoga Park and West Hills with a safe haven for kids to play baseball and learn about the trademarks defining a little league program: teamwork, sportsmanship, loyalty and courage.

Most youth sports programs in Los Angeles provide year-round specialized sports camps and clinics to all participating kids. They are usually guided by qualified recreation instructors who have played at the professional, collegiate and high school levels. Whether it’s baseball, softball, soccer or basketball – to say nothing of martial arts and gymnastics – any facilities recommended in this roundup will provide everything your child needs to achieve their physical goals.