Welcome to the Middle School Softball Program in Loudoun County!

While Loudoun County has a number of recreation, travel softball, and high school softball programs providing opportunities for female athletes, it did not have a middle school program like the ones in neighboring counties and the one in place for boys’ baseball in Loudoun. Additionally other youth sports sponsor middle school programs (basketball, volleyball, wrestling, etc.). Both parents and players alike have consistently shown an interest for a middle school softball program.

 

What Leagues/Schools are participating in the Program?

Ashburn Girls Softball League (AGSL) > www.AGSL.org

** Belmont Ridge, Eagle Ridge, Farmwell Station, Trailside

Leesburg Girls Softball League (LGSL) > www.leesburggirlssoftball.org

** Harper Park, Simpson, Smarts Mill

Dulles Youth Sports (DYS) > www.dullesyouth.com

** Brambleton, Lunsford, Mercer, Stone Hill, Willard

Lower Loudoun Girls Softball Leage (LLGSL) – www.LLGSL.com

** River Bend, Seneca Ridge, Sterling Middle

Western Loudoun Girls Softball League (WLGSL) > www.WLGSL.org

** Blue Ridge, Harmony

 

What is the benefit of the Middle School Softball Program?

The middle school program provides young ladies at participating middle schools the opportunity to represent their school, enhance school spirit, develop camaraderie, encourage teamwork, and to further develop their softball skills while developing relationships with the girls they will play with in high school. The program will also provide an opportunity to encourage participation from the high school programs as the middle school players practice and play together before they try out for their respective high school teams.

 

How does the Middle School Softball Program differ from House League and Travel Team Softball?

The middle school softball program provides interested players an opportunity to play a more competitive level of softball than house league, but not with the full commitment of a travel softball program. It also provides the opportunity to represent their school, enhance school spirit, develop camaraderie, encourage teamwork, and to further develop their softball skills while developing relationships with the girls they will play with in high school. Teams will be encouraged to make sure players get playing time, however there are no guaranteed playing time minimums. Rosters will be staffed to accommodate different skills levels and potential schedule conflicts.

 

What are the expectations of the Middle School Program?

This is to be a competitive league. Most of the players are expected to have extensive playing experience.  The coaches will expect players to be highly motivated to play. Lineups will have strict limitations, unlike house leagues, there is no full roster batting. Due to the competitive nature of this league expect teams to have as many as 14 or 15 rostered players, (Note this will diminish playing time for some.) It is conceivable that we may have to contract down to one or two teams, should we not get enough players from each school.

 

How will the Middle School Softball Program work?

Projected Start Date – Tryouts in Late Feb/early March 

• Season runs late March through late May with playoffs late May/early June

  • About an 8 -10 game season with single elimination playoffs or possible tournament style playoff (pool play and championships)

  • Time commitment is two evenings per week, Mondays and Fridays.  Due to the amount of middle schools in the area,  Monday and Friday are likely to all be games, with a few bye dates, that would be used for makeup games as needed

All middle school female athletes (grades 6th – 8th) are eligible to tryout. One team will be formed for each participating middle school from players that attend that school, are homeschooled or attend a private school, but live in the attendance boundary for their public school. Schools may be combined if numbers do not support adequate team size or at the league's discretion.

Each participating league is responsible for handling try-outs, field allocations, coach selection, team selection, practice schedules and uniforms for the middle schools in their jurisdiction. Games will be officiated using Virginia High School League (VHSL) rules.

 

What is the cost to play in the Middle School Softball Program?

The cost will be determined by each league. LGSL's cost for 2024 is $165 and must be paid when registering for tryouts. This fee covers the player jersey and socks, along with coach's equipment, field fees, insurance & umpires. Middle school players must provide their own gear and pants. If a player does not make their Middle School team, the $165 registration fee will be refunded. If the player is an LGSL House League player, the registration fee may be transferred to their LGSL House League fee.

 

Can a player simultaneously play in both Middle School Softball and other Softball programs?

Yes, but there may be times where Middle School Softball may conflict with other commitments. The leagues will work to minimize the impact of potential scheduling conflicts as much as possible. Additionally, it will be very important that each player discuss their situation with their coaches to set expectations. 

Middle School Softball rules require non-travel team players to also play in House League for the Spring Season: LGSL or the House League of a Loudoun County Softball Alliance affiliated League (AGSL, LLGSL, WLGSL),

 

Should I register my player in both house league (if not a travel player) and Middle School Softball?

Yes, but only if the player is not an active player with a travel team.  If your player is selected for the middle school team, she must play for the house team as well, unless she is an active player on a travel team.

 

How will team selection be determined?

Player selection and team size will be determined by individual coaches and the process established by participating leagues

 

What happens if my player is not selected for the Middle School team?

If a player does not make the middle school team, the middle school registration fee will be refunded.