The NTRA youth softball program consists of several different levels starting at age 4 with the T-ball program (co-ed) and having athletes move through the softball program levels. Program level age is based on grade level at the time of registration. The levels of play are listed below along with pitching mound distances and base distances. The season typically runs from the end of May through the middle of July. Home games are played at Oliver Thomas Park (Diamond 2). Pixies, Juniors and Intermediate play away games at Lincoln Grade School, Washington Park, and Metamora Black Partridge Park. Seniors play away games in East Peoria, Morton, Peoria and Bartonville. If you have questions, comments, or concerns regarding the softball program, feel free to email our softball director, Austen Meeks at [email protected]. Questions on TBall pleast contact our TBall/Baseball Director, John Kern at [email protected].
Program Levels:
T- Ball- This level is intended for children (boys and girls) enrolled in Pre-K (4 years old) or kindergarten at the time of registration. The children will learn the very basics of team playing.
Pixie- This level is intended for girls enrolled in first, second and third grade at the time of registration. In this league, players will expand on the basics of softball. A coach will pitch to their respective team while batting. The distance between the bases is 50 feet.
Juniors- This level is intended for girls enrolled in fourth and fifth grade at the time of registration. In this league, players will continue to learn the basics of softball as well as pitching and catching. The distance between the pitching mound and home plate is 35 feet and the distance between the bases is 60 feet.
Intermediate- This level is intended for girls enrolled in sixth, seventh and eighth grade at the time of registration. In this league, players will focus on mastering the skills they have learned in previous levels as well as introduction to stealing bases. The distance between the pitching mound and home plate is 40 feet and the distance between the bases is 60 feet.
Seniors- This level is intended for girls enrolled in eighth grade (at the time of registration) through age 18 (as of January 1 of the current year). In this league, players will continue to focus on mastering the skills they have learned in previous levels. The distance between the pitching mound and home plate is 43 feet and the distance between the bases is 60 feet. Requires local travel.
Registration Information:
The softball season typically runs from the end of May through the middle of July. Registration will take place starting in February and will run through March. We will send an email reminder regarding the start of registrations to anyone with an account on our website. We will also advertise the registration on our Facebook page.