South Hadley, MA - Softball

Grade 1/2 Softball: Children must be in Grades one or two at the time of registration and will be split up by gender. Players will receive a team visor and a tee-shirt and should purchase grey baseball pants separately. The goal of this program is to introduce the girls to the concept of playing on a team and to learn the basic gross motor skills involved in softball in a fun and positive environment. Players will be placed on teams and the coach will contact you regarding practice times. Teams will meet 1-2 times a week with the season beginning in mid-late April and running through the end of June. Teams will primarily play at the Mosier School field.

This division is coach pitch with the emphasis on creating positive batting experiences. Players must have a small glove and wear sneakers or cleats to all games and practices. Cost is $25.

Grade 3-4 Softball: Children must be currently enrolled in grades 3-4 to be eligible for participation in this in-town division (provided we have enough players). Grade 4/5 students that would like a more competitive experience are eligible to tryout for the 10U NEYSA travel team (see specific handout for information about this division). Play will be a combination of coach pitch and kid pitch. Each player will receive a team hat and tee shirt and they must purchase gray baseball pants separately. Teams will meet 2-3 times per week and play will begin in mid-April and will end in late June. Teams will primarily play at the Mosier School field. Cost: $30.

Grade 5/6 Rec Softball: Children must be currently enrolled in grades 5-6 to be eligible for participation in this kid pitch division. All ability levels are accepted in this division. There will be limited travel involved in this division to towns like Belchertown, Granby, Ware, Palmer and Monson. Teams will play at least half of their games in South Hadley. Each player will receive a team hat and tee shirt and must purchase gray baseball pants separately. Teams will meet 2-4 times per week and will begin play in mid-April and will end in late June. Teams will play their games at South Hadley High School or the Beachgrounds. Cost: $50.

Grade 7-9 Rec Softball: Players must be currently enrolled in grades 7-9 and cannot turn 15 before January 1, 2009. This recreation level league will play against other teams from South Hadley, Belchertown, Ware, Granby, Palmer and Monson. Practice will begin in mid-April and the season should run until the end of June. The players will receive a team uniform (visor, tee shirt and shorts). The teams will meet 2-3 times per week and the majority of the home games are played at South Hadley High School. Players playing High School Varsity/JV are not eligible for participation in this league. Cost: $60.

NEYSA Tryout Teams - 14 and 12U: Tryouts for these divisions occur in the fall prior to the spring season. Tryouts for the 2010 teams will occur in October. Registrations will begin Monday, September 14 and will end Friday, September 25th.

12U & 14U Suburban Softball: Suburban softball is a travel softball league that plays during the summer months. Play begins in mid-late June and goes into late July/early August. The level of play is competitive; however, any player is invited to attend the tryouts. Due to summer vacation conflicts, the roster for this division will be a little larger than the NEYSA teams. Home games are played at South Hadley High School. The 12U division plays on Wednesday and Friday nights and the 14U division plays on Monday and Thursday nights. For more information, visit the league website at www.suburbansoftballleague.com.

Registration for these divisions begins April 27 and ends May 15. This is a separate division from the NEYSA and Rec seasons; hence there is a separate fee and registration. Lacrosse players are permitted to play in this division due the lack of scheduling conflicts. If a tryout is needed, the date will be announced after the registration period.

16U NEYSA Softball: 16U NEYSA softball is for the high school varsity or JV player looking to play additional softball in the summer months. This is a competitive league that plays from mid-June through early August. Teams will play in various parts of Western Mass. Players are permitted to play Metro and/or 14U Suburban Softball and this league. Cost is tba.

METRO Softball: Information regarding METRO Softball will be made available to the high school team by the coaching staff. Games are played from mid-June to early August and Sunday and Tuesday evenings.

Youth softball requirements: Each player is responsible to bring a glove with them to every game and practice. They are also responsible to wear a pair of sneakers and/or cleats. Cleats are expected for players in grades 5 and up and need to be molded rubber (no metal). Some divisions will provide your daughter with a complete team uniform (visor, shirt and shorts) while others may require you to purchase a pair of gray softball pants.

Each player should wear athletic clothing to each meeting and they are not permitted to wear any jewelry, boots or sandals. They should wear sun screen and always have a hat/visor for shade. Each player should bring a bag with them with water and/or sports drink, a sweatshirt in case it gets cold and their glove. Players are also permitted to bring their own bats provided they meet the requirements of the league.