Lakeland Youth Softball
Lakeland Youth Softball (LYS) is a volunteer-run program dedicated to fostering citizenship, teamwork, and a love for softball among Lakeland area youth in grades 1-9. Open to all skill levels, the program offers age-based teams (8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U) and participates in the Northwoods Softball League, with practices starting in spring and games running through mid-summer. LYS emphasizes community involvement, sportsmanship, and skill development while maintaining affordability and inclusivity for all participants.
Ages
What aged players are appropriate for this program?
8U: Ages 6-8
10U: Ages 9-10
12U: Ages 11-12
14U: Ages 13-14
When
What time of the year does this program run?
Practice: Typically begins as soon as the snow melts in April or May.
Games: Typically start Late May/Early June
Where
Practices are typically held either at the Lakeland Union Highschool softball fields (behind McDonalds) or the Brandy Lake Park Fields
Games: Home games are held at the LUHS softball fields. Away games are held at the fields in other cities.
Practices
Younger teams, (8U and 10U) typically are on the field 2-3 times a week.
Older teams (12U and 14U) typically are on the field 3-4 times a week.
Practices typically start around 5:30 pm and last an hour to hour and a half. (Some nights practices may start later depending on field availability)
Games
How many games will the teams play? What days of the week?
Number of games really depends on the age group but typically 8-12 games are played each season. Games are typically held week nights.
Jerseys
Are jerseys provided or are they purchased separately?
Jerseys are provided by LYS but can be available for purchase at the end of the season.
TOURNAMENTS
Each team (10U, 12U, 14U) will be signed up for at least one tournament each season. LYS will cover up to two tournaments for each team. Coaches may choose to do more tournaments throughout the season and summer.
Extra Costs
What costs beyond registration fees should be expected?
If a team chooses to participate in more than two tournaments, parents will have to cover the additional entry fees.
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering is vital to make youth organizations successful. Parents donating their time to the club make the club money, which allows the club to grow and provide better resources for the athletes. If the club doesn't have volunteers, entry fees would need to be increased to cover the expenses required to run the day to day activities.
Each family is expected to volunteer at least four (4) hours throughout the season. Many families donate many more hours (don't be shy to give more!). The more you can give to the club, the better it is for the athletes. Volunteer time is tracked and families that don't meet the requirement will be contacted.
2025 Season
Age Level
8U: Birthdates of 9/1/2015 to 8/31/2018
10U: Birthdates of 9/1/2013 to 8/31/2015
12U: Birthdates of 9/1/2011 to 8/31/2013
14U: Birthdates of 9/1/2009 to 8/31/2011
Cost
8U: $75
10U: $100
12U: $100
14U: $125
Important Dates
Parent Meeting: April 3, 2025
Practice Start: April/May depending on weather
Game Start: Late May/Early June
End of Season Banquet: Middle of July