Empire & Cactus Families:
We have some exciting news to share about the future of our two programs that will be happening within the next month. On October 28th, 2024, both boards from Cactus and Empire met and agreed to merge into one league starting with the 2025 spring season.
The newly established league will be known as Cactus Empire Little League and the boundary for the league will be Empire’s existing boundary plus Cactus’ boundary from Pantano to Swan.
What does this mean for you:
- Improved player development: Minor divisions will be broken into two groups (AA and AAA). This allows kids to further develop against players closer to their own skill and age level vs a 7-yr old playing against an 11-yr old.
- Minimal travel: Interleague will no longer be required and all games/practices will be within our own boundaries (Freedom Park, Jesse Owens Park, Michael Perry Park, Vista Del Prado and Palo Verde Park)
- More Opportunity for older players: A larger Junior division that practices and plays on the East side of Tucson
- You decide where to go: If you previously played in Cactus, you would have the option to play for either Randolph or Cactus Empire.
- More all-star opportunities: The ability to put forth additional all-star teams. With more kids in the league, more teams will be able to compete in all stars.
- More volunteer opportunities: We will have needs for coaches, board members, umpires, etc.
As your boards start working on transition plans, please expect more communications. We expect to open registration for Spring 2025 by the end of November and look forward to the future of our new league.
If you have questions about the changes or have a desire to be a part of the board moving forward, please feel free to e-mail [email protected]
Thank You,
Cactus Empire Little League Board