SHREWSBURY – Registration is now open for Shrewsbury Little League teams.
This comes as the organization works to counter what it describes as a nationwide trend of decreasing youth involvement in team sports.
Mike Pellini and Manny Gomes, co-Vice Presidents of Shrewsbury Little League Girls’ Softball, say they see those trends across the youth sports world.
In Shrewsbury, the league is working to keep the players it has and to grow participation. In doing this, it is placing emphasis on making the sport fun and giving the players a sense of pride and accomplishment.
League makes improvements
The league has, among other things, installed new dugouts and a batting tunnel while resurfacing several fields and installing a new scoreboard at Dean Park.
Pellini and Gomes believe that giving players a first-class experience will lead to increased participation and pride in the sport.
In addition to field improvements, Pellini and Gomes note that Shrewsbury’s softball programs have placed an emphasis on increasing the number of women coaches in the program.
“[The league] relies heavily on current and former high school and college softball players as teachers because the league believes that players learn best from coaches who have played the sport and to whom young players can relate,” that press release said.
Registration deadline set for Jan. 21
Teams regularly participate in team-building activities such as outdoor movie nights, bring your friend to the field day, pizza parties and ice cream trucks.
Shrewsbury Little League also sponsors year-round skills clinics to help players improve their skills and realize their full potential.
Players between the ages of 5 and 16 are all eligible to take the field this year. No experience is necessary and Shrewsbury residency is not required. The registration deadline is Jan. 21.
Those with questions can contact Shrewsbury Little League at [email protected].
Individuals can register online at Softball Registration or Baseball Registration.
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