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“We are very excited to announce this new Little League softball program, which is aimed at girls born from 2001 to 2006," Kathie Lacey, safety officer for Bergenfield Little League, told Daily Voice.
Registration is now open and will be until about March 15, when teams will be assembled.
Practice begins about April 1, or as soon as fields are assigned. The season is planned for 12 games, and will run through the first and second week of June.
There has been a community need for the program because although girls can participate in the Little League program, once they get to high school they play softball, Lacey said.
Little League officials, who have a very successful program that is 31 years old this season, decided this year they’d address community demand and sponsor a separate softball program. Registrations are being taken now.
There will be three levels of teams: for girls 14 and under, 12 and under, and 10 and under. They are 12 players per team, and the goal is to have multiple teams in each age group.
Coaches have already been selected for the 14U and 10U teams; Tanya Charalambous will coach 14U and Carolyn Schmelz, wife of mayor Norman Schmelz, is the 10U coach.
Both are veteran coaches. Lacey said she played ball with Mrs. Schmelz when they were girls, coached by Schmelz’ mother.
Lacey said in addition to a 12U coach, the organization is looking for facilities where they’ll conduct clinics for each level.
Lacey hopes the teams will be invited to traveling tournament play.
There is a $75 registration fee which covers uniforms, umpires and equipment. The league’s monthly meeting will be Monday, Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bergenfield Elks Lodge at 40 West Church Street.
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