What are the age groups for each division?
SLLS Divisions
Quickball (ages 4-5)
Varsity (formerly 6U) - age 6
Rookies (formerly 8U) - ages 7 and 8
Minors (formerly 10U) - ages 9 and 10
Majors (formerly 12U) - ages 11 and 12
Junior/Senior League - ages 13-16

**Softball Divisions are determined by your players age as of JANUARY 1st**  There are no exceptions to "play up"

See your child's league age by their exact birthdate.

 

Where do we play?

All SLLS age divisions will play at the Wyndmoor complex on Traymore Ave. in Wyndmoor.  The STSD Fields (Former Enfield Elementary) on the corner of Paper Mill Rd. and Church Rd. in Oreland may also be a location for play. 

 

What equipment does my child need?

  • Quickball  (age 4-5) does not require any equipment (not even a glove!).  Shorts and sneakers are ok for this age.  
  • Varsity - Junior Divisions (age 6-16) - each player will need a glove, helmet (cage mandatory) and softball pants.  Cleats (plastic spikes) are recommended but not mandatory.  A fielders face guard is mandatory for ages 7-11 (Varsity, Rookie, and Minor Divisions). There are league softball bats available.  However, if your daughter does purchase a bat, we recommend you review Little League bat rules before purchasing. Some players wear a heart guard or protective shirt for additional protection.

 

What equipment will be provided by SLLS?
Balls, bats, uniforms (shirt, socks) and a set of catcher's equipment will be provided by SLLS.  

 

Are sneakers okay or does she need cleats?
Sneakers tend to slide on dirt or wet grass and provide little protection to ball impact.  Plastic soled cleats (not metal) are strongly encouraged.

 

Do we get a uniform and what’s included with it?
SLLS will provide a team shirt and socks.  Coaches distribute shirts based on team fit and not uniform number.  

 

What size glove should I buy?
The glove should fit comfortably, open/close easily, and not be too heavy to quickly move to receive a catch.  The biggest issue with gloves is not breaking them in adequately enough to squeeze a catch.

 

Can my daughter play up?
Playing up has been historically more unsuccessful and is not condoned by the league.  Removing a child from their peer group typically increases anxiety which affects confidence and performance.  Softball is about building confidence over the entire season.

 

Can my daughter request a specific position?
As players mature, they usually gravitate towards a position they're comfortable with.  Coaches have the  responsibility to determine where each player can play safely and effectively. During the Spring season the coaches will do their best to give all our players the opportunity to try and learn different positions.   

 

When will we hear from a coach for my child's team assignment?
Usually around late March coaches begin contacting parents to advise of the team roster and practice schedules.

 

When do practices start?
Generally 2 to 3 weeks prior to the season opening.

 

What days are practices?
SLLS tries to mimic the game schedule by having 1 weeknight practice and 1 Saturday practice up until the season starts.  During the season, practice is more limited because of field availability and makeup games due to weather.  Your coach will likely schedule a specific date for practice depending on field and team availability.

 

How many games a week do they play?
Your child will likely play 1 weeknight game (6 PM) and 1 Saturday game (various times) when the season begins.  Most fields will have a game or practice scheduled every day.

 

When do games start? When do they end?
Games begin the weekend of opening day.  Weeknight games begin at 6 PM and generally last up to 90 minutes.  Saturday games can be at various times of the day and also last 90 minutes. 6U games and practices are usually just over an hour.

 

When will the season start/opening day?  When is season over?
The season usually opens in mid April.  The SLLS Spring season ends by mid-June.

 

What age groups will offer a tournament team?

Rookies, Minors, Majors, and Junior/Senior Divisions will offer a tournament team. Minors, Majors, and Junior/Senior Divisions are applicable to play in the Little League World Series tournament.

 

When are Little League Tournament Team tryouts?  How do I sign my child up?
Early to mid-June, an email will go out to all parents asking if your child would like to be considered for for the tournament team. Tryouts are held if it is determined that more than 14 kids have committed to trying out for the team. Open tryouts will be announced if 14 or more kids have committed. If less than 14 kids have committed, Teams are selected based on tryout and coach evaluations.    

 

During inclement weather, when do I remove my child from the field?
Safety for your child is our first priority. The first rumble of thunder or the first lightning flash all players will be removed from the field. If it is raining heavy or the field becomes unplayable the game will be postponed.

 

How can I help? Who do I contact? This is a 100% Volunteer run league. Volunteers for coaching, umpiring, snack bar, and field maintenance are essential for the prosperity of our league. Please click the volunteer button and fill out our volunteer form and submit you background check if you do not already have it. Background checks are mandatory under Little League rules to be able to volunteer. You can also contact any board member to ask questions or click on the 'Contact Us' link on the top right corner of our home page.