Find the right division for your player
North Central Little League offers softball divisions for players ages 6-14, from first-time players learning the basics to competitive teams preparing for high school ball. Softball is designated for girls. Each division is designed to match players' developmental stages with appropriate skill challenges and game formats.
How to choose: Divisions are primarily based on your child's League Age (their age on August 31st). Check out the different divisions below and the details about practice schedules, field locations, and what makes each division unique. If you're unsure which division is right, contact our VP of Softball Gayle.
Registration for all divisions opens in early November. Watch your email or check out our new 2026 Timeline to get a better feel. Assessments for AAA and Majors divisions typically occur in late February with team formations shortly after.
If you believe your player is capable of playing at a higher division than initially offered, indicate this during the registration process. This will be decided at assessments (AAA & Majors), so please sign up and plan on attending.
Note for coaches: If you need more detailed information than what's provided here - such as specific rules, draft procedures, or coaching resources - you're probably a coach (or possible future volunteer)! Head over to our Coaches Hub for comprehensive guides, training materials, and division-specific coaching information.
Softball Divisions
A Softball welcomes league-age 6-7 players into a joyful, coach-pitch season where every rep builds confidence.
Skill Foundations
Focus: introduce core throwing, catching, and baserunning habits while keeping game days light, fast, and fun.
High-energy stations keep first-time players moving while reinforcing the basics.
- Coach pitch reps with a 10" safety ball let hitters swing freely.
- Throwing, fielding, and baserunning rotations build body control and confidence.
- Continuous batting order and supportive dugouts make every inning inclusive.
Team Formation & Friend Requests
We blend social connections with balanced rosters so learning stays fun and equitable.
- Coach and teammate requests, siblings, and schoolmates are honored whenever possible.
- Rosters mix returning players with newcomers to share leadership.
- Families receive preseason emails outlining rosters, volunteer roles, and expectations.
Season Rhythm
Schedules stay predictable so families can build routine around softball nights.
- Weekly Tuesday practice with Saturday games at Ross.
- Sessions run 60-75 minutes with breaks for instruction and hydration.
Facilities & Support
Ross Park is home base, with Lower Woodland diamonds available for extra reps or rain makeups.
- Coaching crews handle shared gear, safety checks, and quick field set-up.
- Parent meetings cover uniforms, arrival routines, and how to help on game day.
AA Softball bridges coach pitch and full player pitch for league-age 7-9 athletes ready for faster decisions and bigger throws.
Player Profile & Readiness
Focus: stretch fundamentals, introduce game awareness, and build the arm care habits needed for AAA.
AA rosters combine seasoned A players with first-time pitchers and catchers.
- Ideal for 7-9-year-olds building stamina for longer throws and bigger fields.
- Coaches monitor readiness to determine when athletes pitch, catch, or try new positions.
Game Environment
Games feature a coach/player blend so hitters see live pitching without losing tempo.
- Coach pitch jump-starts early innings; player pitch closes frames with live baserunning.
- Defensive instruction stays high, with coaches clarifying decisions between plays.
- Minimum-play rules ensure equitable time in the field and batting order.
Team Placement
We keep friendship requests in mind while balancing skill sets across teams.
- Coach/teammate requests, siblings, and school connections are honored whenever possible.
- Parity-focused placement spreads pitchers, catchers, and big bats across the division.
Season Rhythm & Facilities
Families can plan around midweek practices and Saturday doubleheaders at our core softball parks.
- Wednesday practices at BF Day or Lower Woodland; Saturday games on the Cloverleaf.
- Ross Park stays available for scrimmages and rain makeups.
AAA Softball is the launch point for league-age 9–11 athletes who are ready for full player-pitch tempo, faster defensive reads, and bigger roles in every inning.
Player Profile
Focus: reinforce strong throwing, hitting, and catching habits while introducing pitchers and catchers to game-management responsibilities.
Rosters blend returning AA leaders with 10- and 11-year-olds ready for higher velocity and field coverage.
- League-age 9–11 athletes are the core of every roster.
- Graduating AA players land here when they are ready for full player-pitch pace.
- Coaches consider safety, confidence, and growth when placing players.
Game Environment
Player-pitch games introduce strategy—pitch counts, changeups, bunt defense—while keeping instruction front and center.
- 11" ball, player pitch, live steals, and infield fly.
- Managers balance competition with teaching moments every inning.
- Minimum-play rules and pitching plans keep workloads safe.
Assessments ensure teams stay competitive and every player finds a role that stretches their skills.
- Attend the scheduled assessment (or makeup) to remain AAA-eligible.
- Coaches draft with parity in mind—pitchers, catchers, and bats spread across teams.
- Staff reviews feedback to place athletes where development and safety align.
Season Rhythm
Families can expect three touchpoints a week with time for skill work, games, and recovery.
- Practices run 60–90 minutes to layer pitching, defense, and hitting.
- In-season cadence: Tuesday practice, Thursday game, Saturday game.
- Coaches communicate workloads so pitchers and catchers stay fresh.
Facilities & Next Steps
BF Day and The Cloverleaf provide full-sized diamonds, bullpens, and lights—perfect for growing softball IQ under game-like conditions.
- Primary fields: BF Day, The Cloverleaf, and Lower Woodland softball layouts.
- Expect occasional scrimmages with partner leagues for extra reps.
Majors Softball elevates league-age 10-12 athletes into full player-pitch play with faster tempo, district-level competition, and expanded strategy.
Assessments & Draft
Focus: sharpen varsity-ready habits - precision pitching, timely hitting, defensive IQ - while keeping development at the center.
Evaluations ensure every roster has arms, bats, and leaders ready for a full season grind.
- Attend the scheduled assessment or makeup to remain Majors-eligible.
- Managers and division leaders use scores plus prior-season notes to build balanced teams.
Competitive Environment
Games feel faster, but instruction remains layered into every inning.
- Managers call full offensive and defensive playbooks—bunts, steals, situational coverages.
- Minimum-play and pitch-count rules stay in force to protect arms and keep benches engaged.
- District 8 matchups introduce consistent varsity-style competition.
Player Development Goals
Consistency is the name of the game—on the mound, at the plate, and in the field.
- Pitchers refine velocity, command, and secondary pitches with structured bullpens.
- Hitters hunt good pitches, add situational bunting, and track quality at-bats.
- Defenders master communication, cut systems, and double-play footwork.
Roster Construction & Workloads
Majors staffs manage innings and roles so athletes thrive through June—and into the All-Stars window.
- Pitching plans share innings across multiple arms each week.
- Catchers rotate to protect legs while staying in rhythm offensively.
- Utility players learn both infield and outfield assignments.
Season Rhythm
Plan for three to four touchpoints most weeks with built-in recovery around holiday or tournament windows.
- Three practices each week focus on arm conditioning and defensive installs.
- Regular season: Monday practice, Wednesday tune-up or game, Friday night lights, Saturday doubleheaders.
- District schedule may add occasional makeup games on Tuesdays or Thursdays.
Facilities & Next Steps
Lower Woodland’s Cloverleaf hosts most Majors action, with spot trips to Bitter Lake for Friday showcase games.
- BF Day diamonds remain available for added bullpens or cage work.
- District crossover schedules are shared early so families can plan travel.
Junior Softball readies league-age 13-14 players for high-school pace with a full 90-foot diamond, district schedule, and advanced strategy.
Ballpark Dimensions & Mechanics
Focus: sharpen varsity-level mechanics, expand leadership roles, and prepare athletes for summer tournament play.
The jump to a 90-foot diamond mirrors prep softball, demanding quicker reads and stronger arms.
- Game play uses 90' bases and a 43' rubber—identical to high school rules.
- Field work emphasizes longer throws, deeper cuts, and communication on the larger surface.
Playing Time & Safety Standards
Even with elevated competition, NCLL safeguards participation and workload balance.
- Minimum-play rules keep benches active and development-first.
- Pitch count and catching guidelines manage arm and knee health through a longer slate.
District Competition
Junior teams represent NCLL in District 8 play, facing peers from across North Seattle.
- Regular opponents include Ballard, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Richmond, Northwest, and Northeast Seattle.
- Expect shared umpiring crews, travel nights, and optional interleague weekends.
Assessments & Draft
All athletes attend tryouts; every player lands on a roster via the Junior Division draft.
- Skills assessments, coach input, and positional needs inform selections.
- Draft parity keeps district games competitive from Opening Day through tournaments.
Facilities & Travel Notes
Green Lake and Lower Woodland #1 host most practices, with occasional sessions at Bitter Lake or Magnuson.
- Expect travel across District 8 for Friday night or Sunday showcase games.
- Coaches share scouting reports and logistics early so families can plan carpools.