Athletics for Homeschoolers
Homeschool Athletics in Blount County
Welcome to BHEA’s Athletics Hub!
Blount Home Education Association supports homeschool families in finding and forming athletic opportunities. Whether you're interested in community leagues, starting your own team, or joining public school sports, this page will guide you through your options.
Start a BHEA Team
Are you passionate about sports and interested in leading a homeschool team through BHEA?
We encourage parents, coaches, and volunteers to step up and provide these valuable opportunities to our homeschool community.
Participation in Public School Sports
Can homeschoolers play public school sports in Tennessee?
Yes! Tennessee law allows homeschooled students to join public school athletic programs, including those in Blount County, provided certain requirements are met.
Key Guidelines for Participation:
1. Legal Homeschool Status
You must be registered as a homeschooler under Tennessee law—either as an independent homeschool or through a Church-Related School (umbrella).
2. Zoned School Requirement
Students may only participate at the public school they are zoned for based on residence.
3. Contact the School
Connect with the school’s principal and athletic director to express your interest in participating.
4. Submit Required Paperwork
You’ll need to provide academic records, proof of residency, health and immunization forms.
5. Meet Deadlines
Notify the school before the sport’s first official practice date. This is a TSSAA requirement.
6. Comply with TSSAA Rules
Homeschooled athletes must meet academic and conduct standards just like their enrolled peers.
Important Considerations:
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Principal Discretion: Final approval rests with the school’s principal.
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No Guaranteed Placement: Tryouts are still required.
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Equal Standards: Once approved, homeschoolers follow the same rules and responsibilities as enrolled students.
Resources:
Questions?
Reach out to us at [email protected] for help navigating these opportunities.
BHEA Cross Country – Coach Needed!
Bring Back the BHEA Cross Country Team!
Do you love running and mentoring youth? We’re looking for a dedicated volunteer coach to relaunch our Cross Country Team for the 2025 season!
Coach Requirements:
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Passion for running and youth development
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Commitment to attend practices and meets
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Positive leadership and team-building mindset
BHEA will support you with guidelines and encouragement.
Interested? Contact: [email protected]
Local Homeschool-Friendly Athletic Organizations
Knoxville Ambassadors
The Knoxville Ambassadors is a Christian nonprofit sports organization offering athletic programs tailored to homeschoolers. They promote teamwork, faith, and discipline in a structured, competitive setting.
Programs Offered:
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Basketball – Boys & Girls, Elementary through High School
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Soccer – Middle & High School, Boys & Girls
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Volleyball – Girls, Middle & High School
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Cross Country & Track – Elementary through High School
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Baseball – 12U team
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Ultimate Frisbee – Seasonal leagues
Why Families Choose the Ambassadors:
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Faith-based, inclusive environment
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Skill-building and team experience
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Flexible scheduling for homeschoolers
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Focused on sportsmanship and spiritual growth
Website: www.ambassadorsknoxville.org
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Knoxville Ambassadors
Blount County Parks & Recreation Programs
Blount County Parks & Rec provides a wide range of affordable, well-organized sports for youth. Most programs are homeschool-friendly and welcome individual or team participation.
Youth Sports Programs:
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Soccer (ages 5–16) – Gender-separated leagues available
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Tennis Clinics (ages 6–18) – Recreational and interclub
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Swimming – Competitive opportunities with the Flying Dolphins
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Running – “Run 4 Fun” beginner and intermediate programs
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Pickleball & Tennis – Courts available at Bassel and John Sevier Park
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Summer Day Camps – Recreational day programs at MLK Jr. Center
Contact Info:
316 S. Everett High Rd., Maryville, TN 37804
Phone: (865) 983-9244
Website: parksrec.com
Local Leagues & Community Teams
Baseball & Softball
Maryville Little League
Offers programs from Weeball through Junior/Senior League.
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Address: 1400 Sevierville Rd, Maryville, TN
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Email: [email protected]
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Website: maryvillelittleleague.com
Eagleton Little League
Community-based baseball league.
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Address: 2600 E Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN
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Facebook: Eagleton Little League
Soccer Programs
AYSO Region 1159 – Blount County
Recreational soccer with a focus on fun and positive coaching.
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Fields: Alcoa/Maryville Church of God, Heritage High School
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Website: blountsoccer.org
Blount United Soccer Club (BUSC)
Competitive soccer with licensed coaching and Rush Soccer affiliation.
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Website: blountunited.com
Volleyball Opportunities
TN HEAT Homeschool Sports
Faith-based organization offering volleyball, football, basketball, and more.
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Website: tnheatsports.com
Maryville Christian School
Occasionally allows homeschoolers to participate via their ISP (Independent Study Program).
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Address: 2525 Morganton Rd, Maryville, TN
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Phone: (865) 681-3205
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Website: maryvillechristianschool.org
Martial Arts & Self-Defense Schools
Premier Martial Arts – Maryville
Karate, Krav Maga, Kickboxing, Taekwondo
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Address: 2024 W Broadway Ave, Maryville
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Website: premiermartialarts.com
Championship Martial Arts – Maryville
Child and teen-focused martial arts.
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Website: kickwiththebest.com
New Era Martial Arts – Alcoa
Preschool and kids' self-defense training.
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Address: 232 S. Calderwood St., Alcoa
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Website: neweratn.com
TTJC Karate – Maryville
Offers Judo, Taekwondo, MMA, and more.
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Location: Midland Plaza Shopping Center, Alcoa
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Website: ttjckaratemaryville.com
Hatcher’s Martial Arts Academy
Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Self-Defense
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Address: 1403 E Broadway Ave., Maryville
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Phone: (865) 973-0944
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Website: jiujitsumaryville.com
Pickleball & Tennis
Pickleville – Knoxville
East Tennessee’s premier indoor pickleball facility with 16 courts.
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Website: picklevilletn.com
Smoky Mountain Pickleball Club
Serving Maryville, Alcoa, Knoxville, and Loudon.
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Website: smokymountainpickleball.org
John Sevier Park
6 free-to-use outdoor courts with lighting.
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Address: 1998 Sequoyah Ave, Maryville
Gymnastics & Movement Classes for Homeschoolers
TumbleBears & Foothills Gymnastics
Offering daytime gymnastics classes tailored for homeschoolers, with a special discount. A great way for kids to stay active, build coordination, and have fun!
TriStar Rowing
Rowing programs for grades 6 and up, including novice and competitive levels.
Register or contact: [email protected]
Website: tristarrowing.com
Maryville Fencing Club
Welcomes homeschool fencers.
Contact: Coach Pat Luna
Knoxville Homeschool High School Climbing Team
A competitive team for homeschoolers that climbs alongside local high schools.
Find them on Facebook for updates and practice schedules.
Ready to Get Started?
BHEA is here to support your homeschool journey—including athletics. Whether you're looking to join a sport, start a team, or lead one, we're here to help.
Questions? Email us anytime at [email protected]