The SPPS middle school athletics program is designed to provide interscholastic athletic opportunities for middle school student-athletes.  There are four (4) seasons with the following sports being offered:

• Fall: Girls' Volleyball, Co-Ed Flag Football, and Boys/Girls/Co-Ed Soccer
• Winter: Girls Basketball (Winter I) and Boys Basketball (Winter II)
• Spring: Baseball, Softball, Co-Ed Track and Field, Girls Badminton

Middle School Athletic Participation Fee

As a result of the pandemic, the middle school activity fee was significantly reduced.  The current fee is $10 and $5 for students with qualifying household income (formerly known as free/reduced).  Students will need a current sports physical prior to participation:  please make an appointment with your physician or visit one of our SPPS Health Start Clinics.

Schedule and Contests

Practices are scheduled for Monday - Thursday.

Contests are scheduled during the week AND a minimum of two Saturdays during the eight (8) week season.  Parents will need to provide transportation to the competition site(s) on weekend game dates.

Multiple contests may be scheduled at one site to allow for maximum opportunities for participation by the student-athletes.

The middle school sports season begins on the following dates:

• Fall - September 11, 2023
• Winter - Girls Basketball I November 20, 2023 / Boys Basketball | January 22, 2024
• Spring - Track | March 25, 2024  / Baseball, Softball, and Girls Badminton | April 8, 2024

High School Athletics Option

7th and 8th grade students who meet certain criteria may be selected to try out for a team at their area high school. The initial conversation for such participation begins with the middle school athletic director (see link to flow-chart). Athletic directors, parents, and coaches will determine together if a student has the skill set and maturity level required to participate at the high school level.  Families will need to arrange transportation to/from the high school for practices, competitions, and other events. Regular high school activity fees will apply.  

The middle school athletic director will assist in connecting parents and/or student-athletes with the appropriate high school athletic director for this process. 

7th and 8th grade participation at the high school level requires the middle school principal and/or middle school athletic director's approval to ensure the student is meeting academic and behavioral expectations on a day-to-day basis in the middle school classroom and events. 

Additional Information

All SPPS athletics and activities follow the COVID-19 recommendations from the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The recommendations include vaccination for everyone who is eligible, frequent COVID-19 testing, wearing masks when not actively participating, keeping physical distance when possible, and practicing in small groups. Coaches and student-athletes will be informed as these guidelines are updated before or during the spring season.

We are looking forward to a 2023-24 athletic year that is filled with sportsmanship and competitive fun.