U7/U9 Learn to Play
The LEARN TO PLAY PROGRAM (LTP) is a revolutionary way of introducing the sport of Softball to children and endorsed by Softball Canada. Activities are included which foster the involvement of ALL players, including players with high and low skill levels. The child will experience excitement, enjoyment and success while building thier softball skills. Practices are once a week using a station format to encourage consistency in skill building, and games are scheduled weekly as well. Parent volunteers are needed at each game to help guide the players particularly at the U7 level. Assistance in practices would also be helpful so coaches can focus on developing skills in each player. The season will culminate with a LTP Fun Day where players can demonstrate skills and have fun with teammates and other teams.
PRE-SEASON CLINICS:
LTP pre-season clinics are free and run on Wednesday nights, 6-7:00 for U7 (kids born in 2017, 2018 and 2019) and 7-8:00 for U9 (kids born in 2015 and 2016) as follows:
Bring a glove for your player and parent, as we need and appreciate parent help at these levels. Players may register on the website for the outdoor regular season, but don't need to register for clinics.
IN-SEASON PLAY:
Seasonal play is outdoors and for 2024, Wednesday evening sessions will be at Belmont High School turf field located on Glen Lake Rd, and Saturday morning sessions will be at either Belmont or Centennial Park on Carlow Road. The season will start on April 10th, with parents meetings at Centennial Park during park clean up day on April 6th (9:15 for U9, 10:00 for U7). We will usually play in light rain, but emails will be sent out in case of a rain-out.
EQUIPMENT:
Players will need a glove and that is essentially it for equipment at this age. Many players bring their own helmets for hygienic reasons and some have their own bats, but please note bats are expected to be shared at this level. Squishy softballs, team bats and catchers gear is provided by the league and t-shirts and hats/visors are provided by the league and/or Timbits softball. No special pants, cleats, or masks are necessary at this level, just clothes they can move in and are easily washed, as well as shoes with adequate support and grip for play on the turf field.
Thank-you for your interest in LTP and please spread the word. For more information on the Softball Canada Timbits Softball program, follow this link: https://softball.ca/programs/timbitssoftball. Hope to see you at the gym or out on the field!
Jaclyn Bayles
Learn to Play U7-U9 Coordinator - ltpdirector@langfordfastball.ca
