K-8 Athletics in Tucson — Where Kids Compete & Belong
Academy Del Sol’s K-8 athletics program builds discipline, teamwork, and pride — through basketball, soccer, volleyball, flag football, and cheer. Tucson kids find their team, push their limits, and become part of something bigger than themselves.
More Than a Game
At Academy Del Sol, athletics is not separate from academics — it’s where students learn the same lessons in a different classroom. How to work as a team. How to lose well. How to win humbly. How to push yourself when you’d rather quit.
From kindergarten through 8th grade, athletics at our Tucson charter school gives kids the chance to be part of a team, represent their school, and discover what their bodies and minds can do. Our coaches teach the fundamentals of every sport — and the deeper fundamentals of character and effort that carry into the rest of life.
Many of our students never imagined themselves as athletes before coming to ADS. Now they’re cheering with their teammates, scoring goals, and learning lessons that no worksheet can teach.
K-8 Sports at Academy Del Sol
Academy Del Sol offers a full K-8 athletics program — primarily based at our Star Valley campus in West Tucson, with opportunities open to students at both Tucson campuses. Here are the sports your child can be part of.
Basketball
Boys and girls K-8 basketball — fundamentals, teamwork, and the joy of the game. Practices and games at our Star Valley campus court in West Tucson.
Flag Football
Non-contact football that teaches strategy, speed, and teamwork. A great way for elementary and middle school students to learn the fundamentals of the game safely.
Soccer
Coed K-8 soccer that builds endurance, coordination, and tactical thinking. Students learn the world’s game and develop lifelong fitness habits.
Volleyball
Girls and coed K-8 volleyball — communication, quick reactions, and the trust that makes great teammates. A favorite at ADS.
Cheer
Cheer at ADS builds confidence, performance skills, and school pride. Our cheer squad performs at games and represents the Firebirds with energy.
Looking Ahead
We’re growing our K-8 athletics program. Watch this page and your campus newsletter for new sports announcements throughout the 2026-27 school year.
The Lessons That Last Beyond the Final Whistle
Sports at ADS aren’t about winning trophies. They’re about building the character, habits, and confidence that shape who our students become — long after they hang up their jerseys.
Teamwork
Sports teach kids that success rarely happens alone. They learn to support teammates, share credit, and trust each other — skills that translate into every part of life.
Discipline
Showing up to practice. Working drills until they’re automatic. Pushing through tired legs. Athletics builds the discipline that great students — and great adults — share.
Confidence
Hitting your first basket. Scoring your first goal. Making the cheer routine work. Sports give kids small, real wins that build into a confident sense of “I can do this.”
Resilience
Every athlete loses. Every team has bad games. Sports teach kids how to lose with dignity, learn from it, and come back ready to try again.
Sportsmanship
Win humbly. Lose graciously. Respect opponents, teammates, and officials. ADS athletes learn that HOW you play matters as much as how you score.
School Pride
When you wear the Firebirds jersey or cheer on your classmates, you become part of something bigger than yourself. That sense of belonging carries into the classroom too.
Star Valley: Home of the Firebirds
Most of our K-8 athletics programs are based at our Star Valley campus in West Tucson — where the gym, fields, and Firebirds spirit come together. Students from both ADS campuses are welcome to participate in our sports teams.
Athletics That Build Champions Off the Field, Too
Our Star Valley campus is the heart of Academy Del Sol athletics. Practices, home games, and cheer events happen here — and the Firebirds spirit runs deep. Students from Roger Road can join Star Valley teams too, bringing both ADS communities together on the court and field.
Visit the Star Valley CampusHome of Firebirds athletics. Gym, fields, and most home games. 7102 W. Valley Crest Pl. · (520) 789-7731
Visit Star Valley →Roadrunner students can join Star Valley teams and participate fully in ADS athletics. 732 W. Roger Rd. · (520) 325-2800
Visit Roger Road →How to Join an ADS Athletics Team
Athletics at Academy Del Sol is open to students at both Tucson campuses. Here’s how to sign your child up for a team and what to expect.
Enroll at ADS
Athletics is available to currently enrolled Academy Del Sol students. If you haven’t yet, apply for our tuition-free K-8 school.
Watch for Sign-Ups
Sign-up announcements come out at the start of each athletic season through ClassDojo, family newsletters, and at the campus office.
Complete Registration
Pick up registration forms from the campus office, including any required physical or medical paperwork. Return to the office or athletic coordinator.
Show Up & Compete
Attend practices, support your teammates, and represent ADS with pride. Game schedules are shared through ClassDojo and posted at the campus office.
Common Questions About ADS Athletics
Here are answers to the questions Tucson parents ask most about athletics at Academy Del Sol.
What sports does Academy Del Sol offer for K-8 students?
Can students from both ADS campuses participate in athletics?
How do I sign my child up for ADS athletics?
Is there a cost to participate in ADS athletics?
What grades can participate in athletics at Academy Del Sol?
Where are ADS practices and home games held?
Athletics + Academics + the Arts
At Academy Del Sol, we believe students grow best when they have multiple ways to discover what they’re great at. That’s why we invest in academics, the arts, AND athletics — each one strengthening the others.
Academics
Rigorous K-8 curriculum that prepares Tucson students for high school and beyond.
Fine Arts
Music, visual arts, theater, and movement integrated into every school day.
Athletics
K-8 sports programs that build teamwork, discipline, and school pride.
Character
A culture of care, respect, and high expectations that shapes who they become.
Atletismo K-8 en Academy Del Sol
El atletismo en Academy Del Sol enseña trabajo en equipo, disciplina y orgullo escolar. Ofrecemos básquetbol, fútbol americano sin contacto, fútbol, vóleibol y porristas para estudiantes de kinder a 8º grado — principalmente en nuestro campus Star Valley, con oportunidades abiertas a estudiantes de ambos campus de Tucson. Para más información, visite la oficina del campus o llámenos.
Aplica Ahora — Sin Costo de MatrículaReady to Join the Firebirds?
Apply to Academy Del Sol today and your child can be part of a K-8 athletics program that builds champions on the field and off. Application is free and takes about 10 minutes.