Sign-ups are still open for District 7 Little League before tryouts begin the weekend of March 14-15.
Registration fees range from $105 to $120, depending on the division, says Little League spokesman Tak (Gus) Niketas.
No player will be turned away due to financial hardships.
“Little League wants kids to play. We just want the kids out there having fun,” Niketas says.
District 7 covers six neighbourhoods in the region: Beacon Hill (James Bay), Central Saanich, Hampton (Tillicum), Lakehill (Saanich), Layritz (Wilkinson Road) and National (Oaklands).
The program consists of a baseball Little League program for both boys and girls from ages three to 12 and a girls’ softball division for players 13 to 16. Approximately 1,600 children play in District 7.
Niketas says Little League players must play ball where they live, the rules don’t allow children to play in other neighbourhoods.
“This allow kids to play with other kids from the same neighbourhood,” he says.
Niketas started playing Little League baseball in the mid-1970s, and he remains active in the organization even though his children have graduated from the program.
He says as a volunteer organization, Little League is always looking for volunteers when it comes to umpires, coaches and concession workers.
“We really need parents to step up and be part of it,” he says.
To register or more information, please go online to littleleaguevictoria.org.
The Little League baseball season runs from early April to the end of June. There are also all-start teams that compete at regional, provincial, national and international events.