Mission
The Westwood Youth Softball (WYS) program provides females from grades kindergarten through nine instruction, competition and fun playing fast pitch softball. We strive to cultivate a love of the game by teaching the skills and rules of softball in a positive environment for our players and participants (coaches, parents/guardians, umpires and fans). WYS is committed to ensuring that ALL players in our organization are valued and treated with respect, regardless of skill level. We are committed to teaching fundamental life lessons like sportsmanship, winning and losing with pride, and teamwork. Finally, and most importantly, we are committed to make sure the girls have fun!
Westwood Youth Softball is a registered, non-profit organization dedicated to the recreation and athletic endeavors of girls from kindergarten through ninth grade that are interested in playing fast pitch softball. The WYS board consists of parent volunteers and recognized as the governing body of the in-town program and all the teams representing Westwood in various sanctioned girls
softball leagues.
Programs:
Spring Recreational
The primary objective of the Spring Recreational program is to enable players to learn the game of softball in a fun and stimulating environment. The focus is on developing their skills to help them be the best softball players they can be. The season usually begins in mid or late April and ends by mid June.
Summer Travel
• In 2015, WYS joined the Hockomock Girls Softball League, which is a competitive fast pitch league for 10U, 12U and 14U teams.
• Games are played twice a week from mid June through the end of July.
• If there are a greater number of players registered than allowed by the league, Westwood Youth Softball will try to form an additional team to accommodate more players. However, if another complete team cannot be formed, Westwood Youth Softball may require tryouts for the summer league teams.
• The summer season starts in mid June and runs through the end of July/early August.
• There are approximately 2 games and one practice each week.
• Practices and make up games may be scheduled on weekends.
• While WYS understands that families travel and take vacations during the summer, we ask that players do not miss more than 2 or 3 games.
• WYS recommends that players give their coaches notice of scheduled summer travel plans/vacations before the summer season begins.
Summer Norfolk County Softball League (NCSL). Grades 2, 3 and 4 of school year just completed.
• The season will be June to the end of July
• No games the week of July 4th.
• Grades 2, 3 and 4 will play in a team together and games are played in Dedham, Norwood, Walpole and Westwood.
• Games start at 6:00 (warm ups at 5:30). Games are played twice a week on Monday and Wednesdays, with the understanding that some may miss an occasional game as necessary given busy summer schedules.
• Coach pitch entire game
Fall Recreational
• In Fall 2016, WYS joined the Charles River Softball league and sponsors teams in both U10, U12, U14 and U18.
• Games are on Sunday mornings.
• U10, U12 and U14 typically plays doubleheader games beginning at 9am.
• U18 plays one 9 inning game beginning at 9:30 am. Hard stop at two hours and 30 minutes.
• Other towns in the league include, but not limited to, Dorchester, Holliston, Medfield, Natick, Needham, Newton, Parkway, Wayland, Waltham, Watertown and Weston.
• In U10, after four balls, a coach from the hitting team will enter the game and pitch from a safe distance.
• Girls will need a batting helmet with face protection, a fielding mask and a fielding glove (U10 large enough to fit a 11inch softball. U12 and above large enough to fit a 12inch ball) Batting gloves are optional.
• For more information on equipment click here. Bats they own and can get comfortable with are recommended, but can be provided games.
• Bats/Balls must be ASA certified
Clinics
During the offseason, WYS, also organizes and sponsors several clinics.During the winter, we offer catching and pitching clinics
for our grade three through eight players, as well as general skills and drills clinics for all grades. These clinics are taught by outside professionals as well as board members and coaches. In the spring and fall, WYS partners with the Westwood High School varsity
coach and players to sponsor a free skills and drills clinic for all grades. Emails are sent to WYS members when clinic information becomes available.