sport
The Grassroots Story Behind the Community Sport Movement
Local events and programs show how Billings youth sports build participation across multiple disciplines.
How we reported this
More than 1,000 young athletes and 110 teams from Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota took part in the second annual Scheels 406 Cup youth soccer tournament at Amend Park in Billings recently.
Recent Tournament Participation
The Scheels 406 Cup brought together participants for matches that highlighted the scale of youth soccer activity supported by local organisers. This event forms part of ongoing efforts to expand access to organised play for children from surrounding states.
Qualification Achievements
The REAL Billings F.C. U16 girls team (2009) and U15 girls team (2010) both qualified for the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships in Orlando July 22-27, 2026. This marks the first time two Montana teams compete together at nationals. The achievement stems from consistent local club training that prepares athletes for higher-level competition.
Trap Shooting and Precision Sports
16-year-old Colton Barta from Laurel won third place and three first-place finishes, including overall performance, at the 131st annual Montana State Trap Shoot held at the Billings Trap Club July 9-13. Ainsley McFarland of Billings West High School was named the 2024 Big Sky State Games Youth Athlete of the Year for her excellence in precision shooting, earning 25 gold medals since 2017.
Billings Parks & Recreation is offering summer Youth Sports Camps in flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, cheer & dance, martial arts, golf, pickleball and racquet sports for boys and girls. These camps provide structured opportunities that connect directly to the events and results described above. Residents interested in summer options can review program details through Billings Parks & Recreation channels to identify suitable sessions for youth participants.