Exploring the "ifs" and "whos" of committing to a club/select/travel team can be daunting.

NCLL aims to help by providing introductions to local club teams through various programs throughout the year, giving you a chance to get to know the coaches and for them to get to know your player. It's a great way to see if your child is ready—or even desires—to take that next step in the level of competition.

We will always make it clear in our communications who is running what. Below are the key distinctions and to the right, a brief description of the local programs.

Recreational Leagues (e.g., Little League, PONY, etc.)

• These leagues typically begin with Tee Ball, which can start for children as young as 4 years old
• Progression through divisions (coach-pitch, player-pitch, etc.) occurs through the pre-teen years.
• The emphasis is on participation, learning fundamentals, and having fun

Club Programs

• Increased travel and practice come with an increased cost, both financially and of your time
• These programs are generally more competitive and require tryouts
• They can begin at a wide range of ages, but it's increasingly common to see them start as early as 7 or 8 years old
• However, the most common time that players begin participating in these programs is around ages 9 through 12
• These programs often involve more travel, a greater time commitment, and a higher level of competition
• The goal is often to develop players for higher levels of baseball/softball, such as high school and college
• There are often multiple teams within one program for different skill levels

Key Points

• The age at which a child enters a club program varies depending on the organization and the level of competition
• It's important to maintain a healthy balance between sports and other activities
• Every child develops at their own rate
• Consider your child's physical, emotional, and social development when deciding whether to enter a club program
• Costs—both financial and time—must be factored into your decision