WRPD keeps kids active with sports programs

There is full lineup of activities for the youth of Wasco offered by the Wasco Recreation and Parks District, with registration now open.

"Wasco Little League Baseball is open to boys ages 7-12 who reside or attend any schools within our boundaries," WRPD Manager Chris Serna said.

It is a live-pitch baseball program. "This is a competitive division with rules and guidelines associated with Little League International. There is a Majors and Minors Division offered."

The Majors Division offers a higher, more competitive level of play than the Minors Division. Players must be League age 10-12 to be eligible for Majors. "A draft is conducted to fill the available slots on our Majors teams. Players not selected to play in the Majors Division will be placed in the Minors draft."

"There are advantages and disadvantages to participating in Majors. The most obvious advantage is the chance to play at a higher level of competition, often against (and with) the best players in our community. However, parents should also know that the participation rules are slightly different for Majors than for Minors."

All registrants must attend one assessment to play in this league and be drafted by coaches. Assessments are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, March 4 and 5. The season runs from March through June, with the Little League registration costing $110 and a deadline of March 3.

There is also girls recreation softball, a live-pitch softball program designed for ages 7-14. "The recreational softball league is perfect for players with any level of experience looking to have fun out on the field. It is a great league to stay active, meet new players and continue to grow and develop."

"If you are looking to have some fun, learn and develop your softball skills, and grow with your teammates, then recreational softball is the game for you. Divisions played will be 10u and 14u."

All registrants must attend one assessment to play in this league and be drafted by coaches. Tentative assessments are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 26 and 27. The season runs from April through May. Registration is $70, and the deadline is Sunday, Feb. 25.

The Coach Pitch Program is designed for ages 5-6 years old. "Coaches will pitch to their own team. This program focuses on the fundamentals of baseball and is designed to build a solid foundation for becoming a successful ballplayer. Coaches are allowed on the field to assist athletes during the game. This is a noncompetitive league." The season runs from April through May. Registration is $65, and the deadline is Sunday, March 3.

The district also runs a T-Ball program designed for ages 3-4 years old. "Our focus is to have fun while introducing athletes to fundamentals of positions, innings, and baserunning. Parents are allowed on the field to assist their athletes during the game. This is a non-competitive league." The season runs from April through May. Registration is $65, and the deadline is also Sunday, March 3.