Ultimate Recess
"ANTS is more than an enrichment provider—they are a valued partner who shares our passion for education, healthy lifestyles, and creating opportunities for every child to succeed. They have made a meaningful impact on our organization and community by providing safe, engaging programs that encourage youth to stay active, develop essential life skills, and build positive relationships"
Director, Expanded Learning Programs for Boys & Girls Club of San Leandro
"As a large urban school district, Oakland Unified has worked with ANTS for many years and they continue to be a fantastic collaborative partner. Our partnership has transformed our district ecosystem by helping us say "yes to sports." Together, we’ve created an initiative that spreads joy across the district after school, Monday through Saturday."
Program Manager, Expanded Learning at Oakland Unified School District
Structured sports stations with an emphasis on positive sportsmanship and fun.
ANTS Ultimate Recess makes recess the best part of your child's school day! Our expert coaches turn everyday recess into structured, joyful play for K–5th graders, right at school. Through inclusive games, relays, and sport-based activities, your child builds sportsmanship, teamwork, coordination, and confidence, all while staying active and making new friends.
We meet every child at their level in a safe, welcoming space where everyone is included. Instead of unstructured downtime, your child enjoys more movement, more play, and more smiles every single day. We can't wait to play at recess with your child!
Ultimate Recess
ANTS Ultimate Recess is a recess program for K–5th graders that turns everyday recess at school into structured, inclusive, coach-led play, building sportsmanship, teamwork, and confidence.
The ANTS Promise
The ANTS Promise is our commitment is to abide by our three core values at all times: safe, fun, and age-appropriate.
Fun
When kids are excited about playing, they're more motivated to learn and improve. Our mission is to foster that enthusiasm by maximizing FUN so that your child loves sports for a lifetime.
Safe
Our expert coaches are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space where every child can thrive. Your child's wellbeing is our top priority.
Age-appropriate
Our coaching meets all children at their unique level. Age-appropriate equipment and positive language is crucial for athletic and social-emotional development.
Our commitment is to abide by our three core values at all times: safe, fun, and age-appropriate.
S.T.A.R
Sportsmanship
Super Fun, Teamwork, Always Try, and Respect are at the heart of every class, helping kids learn, grow, and thrive.
Super fun
Whether we win or lose, the most important thing is that we have not just fun, but super fun!
Teamwork
In our classes, there are no losers. We play together as one team, supporting each other every step of the way.
Always try
Each time we practice, we get a little bit better. Let's aim to give our best effort each time.
Respect
We show respect to our teammates, coaches, and opponents, no matter what.
Magic moments at ANTS
Take a look at the energy, teamwork, and fun that make every ANTS session special.
How we launch successfully
We take a collaborative approach to every partnership. Our goal is to create lasting positive impact through open communication and trust.
Initial Discovery Call
We discuss your organization's needs, goals, and constraints before moving forward with a proposal.
Program Design & Budget Review
We tailor a scope and schedule that fits your calendar and budget.
Site Integration & Preparation
Our leadership team meets with your staff to discuss your site's location protocols and prepare for a strong launch.
Program Launch
Coaches, supported by ANTS leadership, begin programming. Orientation & welcome material has been shared with families & staff.
Open Communication & Trust
Our leadership and coaches will check in regularly with your staff to ensure our program best serves your needs.
Strengthen your program with a sports provider you can trust
Logistics & requirements
Recommended grades
TK–5 (grouped by grade bands)
Group size & supervision
Depends on your recess structure
3 ANTS coaches present at every session
Session duration & frequency
2–3 hours, 3–5 days per week
Program length
Full academic year
Space options
Gym / Blacktop / Field. Indoor classroom must be available for weather
Equipment
Provided by ANTS
Weather plan
Indoor classroom space with adjusted SEL activities
Storage needs
Small locked closet or storage space
Arrival & dismissal
Aligned with school procedures
Frequently asked questions
Don't see what you're looking for?
Contact us.
The ratio for recess depends on the number of students in each recess block. Generally we require that 3 ANTS coaches are present each day at Ultimate Recess.
Absolutely. All coaches must pass federal & state background checks & TB test requirements.
Coaches are selected and screened based on experience and passion in early childhood sports development. All coaches are trained in-depth from ANTS on developmentally appropriate curriculum and techniques.
We will introduce you to the coaches before your first day. Each ANTS coach brings a unique set of skills & sports passions, with the unifying goal to make all sports fun and accessible for all. With decades of experience coaching youth, your ANTS coaches will take your kids through a variety of sports including tennis, soccer, basketball, flag football, floor hockey, volleyball, dodgeball, athletic games, favorite childhood games like noodle games and capture the flag, and so much more. It's going to be a blast!
In the event of unsafe outdoor conditions, we'll move our program indoors where we'll max out on fun with indoor-friendly activities!