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WHY SOFTBALL?

Did you hear about AGSA or youth softball from a friend or neighbor and want to find out more? 

First, you're in the right spot.  We offer a programs for girls softball. If you have a child that is interested in softball regardless of age, youth or high school, have them check out our new to softball videos posted in the right column.

Softball has captivated kids for the past decades. Don't worry if your kid has never played, as most kids here haven't so your child is not at a disadvantage.  A lot of kids have only picked up a bat in the last couple of years, and every year we add more new kids to the program. 

HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEW TO AGSA?

 

AGSA Recreational League FAQs

How does AGSA work?
The recreational league offers play in five age groups: 6 and under (T-ball/6U), 8 and under (8U), 10 and under (10U), 12 and under (12U), and 14 and under (14U) - typically the 12U and 14U divisions are combined for a "Middle School" division. The league focuses on developing age-appropriate skills and an understanding and appreciation of the game of softball.  All girls play a minimum number of innings each game and all players are in the batting order regardless of whether they are currently fielding a position. 

For the 6U division, the players will start with a Tee and/or Coach pitch format, whichever they are most comfortable with.  As the season progresses or if they are comfortable to try, the girls will be encouraged, but never required, to try and hit off the Coach pitch first. 

The league is open to any girl - any skill or experience level - who meets the age criteria as of December 31. The spring recreational league season registration is available online from October through early January. Teams form in mid-January and start practice in early February.  Games start in early March and play through the end of May.

The Alameda Blaze travel teams provide opportunities for more competitive play at tournaments through the summer and fall.

When do games start for the recreational season?
Weather permitting and dependent on how the calendar falls, our target is for games to start at the end February/early March and practices to start in early February.  Games are generally on Saturdays, with some weekday games possible, and will run through the weekend before Memorial Day in May.  Teams play ~10-11 regular season games (depending on division) and at least one playoff game.
 
When will practices be held?

For the 8U and up divisions, practices are typically held twice a week Mondays through Fridays for 1 1/2 - 2 hours between 3:30pm to 7:30pm (3:30-5:30pm or 5:30-7:30pm time slots) and some teams practice on Sundays.  For development and safety reasons, we recommend that players attend both practices.  In support/commitment to the team, players must be able to make at least one practice per week and attend ~80%+ of games.  

For the 6U division, practices will be held once a week for 1-1 1/2 hours. The practice schedule will vary depending on the team's coach and his/her schedule and pre- and post-daylight savings (DST) time.  All practices will be held at Krusi Field post-DST and other fields in Alameda e.g., Tillman, Ruby Bridges pre-DST.  

Where will games be played?
Games will be played at the Krusi Fields.  For the 10U and above divisions, there will be night games held at Leydecker Field under the lights!  Interleague games will be played at the host's field.

How are teams determined?
Players in the 6U division will be assigned to teams by the Player Agent.  For the 8U and above divisions, players will participate in an evaluation in January and a player draft will take place following the evaluations.  For the 6U division, friend and coach requests will be taken into consideration in distribution/selection of players, but cannot be guaranteed.  For 8U and above divisions, it is difficult to take these factors into consideration with the process.  Meeting new friends and families is often part of the fun of playing softball! 
 
What Age Division will my player be assigned to?
Age division of a player is determined by their age as of December 31st (For example: If your player is 7 or 8 years old on December 31, 2020, they will play in the 8U Division).  
 
What is covered by the registration fee?

Registration helps cover the uniform (jersey/visor), a basic picture package, insurance, field permit fees, umpires and player clinics. All other equipment is provided by the league for use during the season in practices and games i.e., helmets, bats, balls.

Are there scholarships for registration fees?

Yes, for qualifying players. Before registering for a season, fill out and submit a reduced registration fee application to check eligibility.

What are families required to provide for uniforms?
Players are responsible for providing a minimum of their own pants, softball glove, cleats and for 10U and above divisions knee sliding pads and/or sliding shorts are optional.  No metal spikes are allowed.  Soft plastic and rubber spikes are permissible.  Girls in the 6U division may play in tennis shoes, and soccer cleats are permitted.  In the 10U and above divisions, any optional sliding shorts should be worn under the softball pants.  

Players may purchase equipment such as a helmet or bat for their own use. Clothing, gear and equipment can be found for purchase at sporting good stores such as Big 5, West Coast Sports or Dick's Sporting Goods.

Do you need to be a resident of Alameda to register?

No.  AGSA is open to residents of Alameda and surrounding areas.

Do I need to pay a deposit for volunteer hours?
No.  Unlike many other leagues, you are not required to volunteer or pay a deposit to ensure completion of volunteer hours, but AGSA is run by volunteers and we would love your help in making our League a success for the girls.  Please inquire on how you can contribute in various ways to the organization.
 
I am interested in participating in the organization, how can I help?
We need your help and can always use volunteers.  Whether you are interested as a Board Member, coach, a division commissioner, an event coordinator (e.g., Picture Day Coordinator, Closing Ceremonies Coordinator), please inquire here.  Each team will also need volunteers for duties such as game scorekeeper, field prep, etc.