The Ayden Arts and Recreation sponsored leagues and activities are formed and operated on the principles of good sportsmanship, fair play, courtesy to others, healthy activity and other policies pertaining to all-around community understanding and development. In an effort to meet this goal, teams will be comprised of youth of all skill levels. The emphasis is to have fun, improve skills, learn team play and develop a passion for the game.
This youth softball league will focus on developing the fundamental skills of the sport in a supportive and fun environment. Your child will learn catching, throwing, hitting and other softball strategies.
Our season is from April to June. Games and practices are typically done Monday thru Thursday. Games are two times weekly, dependent upon which league and facility. Availability will determine if a team will play Monday, Wednesday or Tuesday, Thursday. Games will be played at Ayden Recreation Center on the Softball Field
4-5 yrs. - 5 & under division. The basic fundamentals of the game are taught. Players will be batting off a tee.
6-8 yrs. - 8 & under division. The basic skills and fundamentals are expanded and basic tactics are introduced. Players move up to hitting off of a pitching machine. We us the electric wheel pitching machine for this league. We also use real softballs for the games (not dimpled machine balls). Batters will get 5 pitches to hit the ball.
9-11 yrs. -11 & under division. The focus remains on teaching the basic skills and fundamentals but strategy and tactics are expanded. Pitchers will pitch to the batters. Instead of walks being issued, the coach will coming into the game and pitch the rest of the strike count to their hitters. When pitching to the hitters, coaches will able to stand near the front of the pitching circle to pitch the ball. The pitcher will remain in the pitching circle to field a hit ball. We want to encourage the hitters by giving them an opportunity to hit pitches in their strike zone.
12-15 yrs. Junior division follows North Carolina High School Athletic Association rules and guidelines, except where noted in the Ayden Arts and Recreation league rule book.
Volunteer Coaches:
The success of our youth sport programs relies on the great support of our volunteer coaches. Please consider volunteering to help our kids have a great softball experience. We will hold a coaches meeting prior to the start of the season. If interested, please indicate so during the registration of your child or call the Ayden Arts and Recreation Department. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you on the field!
Click here for Coaches Application
Ayden Arts and Recreation uses volunteer coaches that have been certified though National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS).
Click here for Information on National Alliance for Youth Sports
North Carolina High School Athletic Association rules and guidelines will be followed, except where noted in the Ayden Arts and Recreation league rulebook under “Softball Coaches Handbook”
