The Learn to Play program run by Estevan Girls' Softball continues to grow.
The program, which is for kids aged five to 10, was restructured locally in 2011 to form three levels of players based on age and ability.
The three levels are a progression of skill development. The emphasis is on fun and softball skills and takes into account the development of the young players, namely suchthings as short attention span, lower levels of coordination, difficulty tracking objects and limited ability to think ahead and make decisions.
Softball Canada says the Learn to Play program is "designed to be a young person's introduction to the sport of softball. The emphasis is on fun, action and a positive atmosphere, with a gradual introduction to non-stressful competition."
The program got a boost recently with the sponsorship of Power Dodge for the next three years. It is now known as the Power Dodge Learn to Play softball program. Teams are now called the Vipers, Darts, Rams, Chargers, Wranglers and Challengers.
Parent participation is part of the program so that the coach is able to lead practices with a number of adult helpers, so that there is an ideal ratio of 2-to-1, player to adult, or at the very least, enough helpers to set up stations and keep the kids involved and participating.
This helps keep the kids' attention and increases the number of repetitions, which assists with developing softball skills.As the season progresses, the teams shift toward playing some games.
The LTP is for both girls and boys.In 2011, there were 38 players on three teams. Last year, there were 54 players on four teams, and this year there are 72 players on six teams.
Estevan Girls' Softball president Shauna Earl said credit for the program nearly doubling its numbers in three years can go to the organizers who decided to restructure the program, but more so to parents, coaches and LTP directors - Bruce Duncan this year and Jody Waloshin in 2012.
