Why a Middle School Softball Program?
While Loudoun County has a number of recreation, travel softball, and high school softball programs providing opportunities for female athletes, it does not have a middle school program like those in neighboring counties and the boys’ baseball program currently in place in Loudoun. Additionally, youth sports organizations sponsor other middle school programs (basketball, volleyball, wrestling, etc.)
What Leagues/Schools are participating in the Program?
Ashburn Girls Softball League schools – Belmont Ridge, Eagle Ridge, Farmwell Station, Trailside
Leesburg Girls Softball League schools – Harper Park, Simpson, Smarts Mill
Dulles Youth Sports – Brambleton, Lunsford, Mercer, Stone Hill, Willard
WLGSL - Harmony and Blue Ridge
LLGSL – Riverbend, Sterling, Seneca Ridge
What is the benefit of the Middle School Softball Program?
The middle school program provides young ladies at participating middle schools the opportunity to represent their school, enhance school spirit, develop camaraderie, encourage teamwork, and to further develop their softball skills while developing relationships with the girls they will play with in high school. The program will also provide an opportunity to encourage participation from the high school programs as the middle school players practice and play together before they try out for their respective high school teams.
How does the Middle School Softball Program differ from House League and Travel Team Softball?
The middle school softball program provides interested players an opportunity to play a more competitive level of softball than house league, but not with the full commitment of a travel program. However, this is not a developmental program. Therefore, it is participation requirement that each girl be currently participating in either a house or travel program. Teams will be encouraged to make sure players get playing time, however there are no guaranteed playing time minimums. Rosters will be staffed to accommodate different skills levels and potential schedule conflicts.
How will the Middle School Softball Program work?
Tryouts will be held in Febuary or early March. Announcements will be made through the league websites. The season will run from late March throughe May with playoffs to be held at seasons end.
- About an 10-12 game season with single elimination playoffs or possible tournament style playoff (pool play and championships).
- Time commitment is two evenings per week. As of now, it is anticipated that practices will be on Monday with games on Friday. Due to scheduling conflicts and rain dates there may be very few practices as practice days will serve as make up game days.
All middle school female athletes (grades 6th – 8th) are eligible to tryout. One team will be formed for each participating middle school from players that attend that school or are homeschooled, but live in the attendance boundary for their school. Schools may be combined if numbers do not support adequate team size or at the league's discretion.
Each participating league will be responsible for managing tryouts, field allocations, coach selection, team selection, practice schedules, and uniforms for the middle schools in their jurisdiction. Games will be officiated using Virginia High School League (VHSL) rules.
What is the cost to play in the Middle School Softball Program?
$140 which must be paid when registering for tryouts. This fee covers the player jersey, pants and socks, along with coach's equipment and field fees. Middle school players must provide their own gear and black sliding pants.
Can a player simultaneously play in both Middle School Softball and other Softball programs?
Yes, but there may be times when Middle School Softball may conflict with other commitments. The leagues will work to minimize the impact of potential scheduling conflicts as much as possible. Additionally, it will be very important that each player discuss their situation with their coaches to set expectations.
Should I register my player in both house league (if not a travel player) and Middle School Softball?
Yes, but only if the player is not an active player with a travel team. If your player is selected for the middle school team, she must play for the house team as well, unless she is an active player on a travel team.
How will team selection be determined?
Player selection and team size will be determined by individual coaches and the process established by participating leagues.
What happens if my player is not selected for the Middle School team?
If a player does not make the middle school team, the fee middle school registration fee will be refunded.
Who can I contact if I have questions not answered here?
Please contact our Middle School coordinator
