WRPD youth sports season kicks off

The Wasco Recreation and Parks District have an extensive lineup of activities for youth, including NFL flag football, t-ball baseball, coach pitch baseball, Little League baseball and Little League softball. All of the sports programs are aimed at promoting fun and learning the basic fundamentals of the game.

The programs fall in line with the mission of the WRPD.

"Our goal is to provide safe and enjoyable programs to build character and form relationships so kids can play with their peers, make new friendships and learn about the game. Sometimes a child has never played a sport, and parents want to encourage them to try it out," District Manager Chris Serna said,

The NFL flag football team is open to both boys and girls, and there are three divisions for ages 7 - 8, 9-10 and 11 to 14. It is a five-on-five format. The first game is on March 25, and the season ends on May 6. It is a competitive sport where scores will be kept, with a championship game at the end of the season. Players must complete at least one assessment to qualify for the team draft.

The co-ed t-ball baseball program is designed for ages 3-4 years old. The focus is to acquaint the kids with positions, innings and base running. Parents/guardians are allowed on the field to assist their athlete during the game and must provide a glove for their child. Games will be played at Maple Park. It is a noncompetitive sport.

The co-ed coach pitch baseball program is for ages 5-6. Coaches will pitch to their own team. This program will focus on the basics of baseball and building a solid foundation for becoming a successful ballplayer. Coaches are allowed on the field to assist athletes during the games played at the little league field. Parents/guardians must provide a glove. It is a noncompetitive program.

Little League baseball for boys is broken into ages 7-9 minor, 10-12 major and 12-14 junior divisions. It is a live-pitch baseball program that will teach athletes the foundation of positions, innings, pitching, hitting, fielding, throwing and base running. It is a competitive division, with rules and guidelines from Little League International. All players must attend an assessment to qualify for the team draft.

Participants must bring a glove to tryouts with parents/guardians supplying cleats (non-metal), pants, belt and glove.

Little League softball has three divisions for girls 7-9 minor, 10-12 major and 12-14 junior. It is a live-pitch baseball program that will teach athletes about positions, innings, pitching, hitting, fielding, throwing and base running. It is a competitive division, with rules and guidelines from Little League International.

All players must attend an assessment to qualify for the team draft. Participants must bring a glove to tryouts, and parents/guardians must supply cleats (non-metal), pants, belt and glove.

Sign-ups are open now, with NFL flag football registration running through Feb. 24. Registration for the other programs is open until March 5, and the fee is $65, except for t-ball baseball and coach pitch baseball, which is $55.

One can register online at wascorecdesk.com or visit the office, 1280 Poplar Ave., from 9 am to 5 pm.

All program fees include a hat and jersey.

Serna said the sports programs will be special.

"Not only as a spectator but for parents and families to see the growth of a child from the beginning of the season to the end of the season. We want to show kids that it's not about the wins or the losses; it's about the experience."

The WRPD has other programs throughout the year, like their Fit Club, for adults who want to practice good health and exercise. This kicks off again in March. They also have a senior center that is open daily throughout the year.

Of the senior center, Serna said, "We do this so they can have fellowship and develop close relationships. Most don't have family, so it's nice to see them come together and spend time with each other.

"We provide services for youth but adults as well, where we focus on sports and events for our community."

WRPD board meetings are held every third Thursday of the month, and Serna invites residents to attend.

"The more input, the better our programs."

Another component of the WRPD is its monthly drive-thru commodity distribution which takes place every fourth Thursday of the month at 10 a.m, at West Side Park. Canned food and fresh vegetables and fruits are provided to the community. The next one will take place on Feb 23.

Serna said the success of the WRPD depends on many volunteers.

"We highly encourage parents, family and friends to help by volunteering to coach our youth programs or assist with events."

For more information on volunteering or sports registration, call the WRPD office at 661-758-3081.