The Carnarvon U9 program (also called Learn to Play 2 or LTP-2) supports our youngest fastball players, providing training in fastball fundamentals and the experience they need to grow in the sport. Some U9 players have experience from Blastball and T-Ball, while others have no baseball or fastball experience. Either one is fine. The emphasis of U9 is on fun and skill development - with fast and engaging sessions that keep players moving and learning. Players benefit from the structured practices and simplified games.
Schedule
The season begins in early April and runs until the end of June. During this time, players will be on the field an average of two times per week.
If coaches choose to play games in the Softball Vancouver Island (SVI) league (http://svifastball.ca/), U9 games are set for Saturdays at 9:00am or 9:30am. In 2016, there were 11 teams in the U9 league from the Central Saanich, Cordova Bay, View Royal, Peninsula, Duncan and Carnarvon ball clubs. In 2016 and 2015, the U8 team participated in a fun tournament in early or mid-June called the Jamboree Weekend at View Royal.
Age Requirements
In Spring 2022, U9 Fastball is available for players born in 2014 and 2013.
Team Selection
In the case of more than one U9 team, the Club will make every effort to accommodate friend or coaching requests made at the time of registration, however no guarantees can be made. Priority for team make-up will be given to past Carnarvon players first, then on a first come-first serve basis.
Uniforms
Players will receive a team uniform shirt and a hat that they get to keep at the end of the season (there is no uniform deposit). This is their uniform. Coaches will advise parents when uniforms need to be worn throughout the season. Sometimes uniforms are required for every game and practice. Black ball pants or dark (preferably black) athletic pants may be required at league games.
Equipment
Required equipment:
- batting helmet with a strap and cage
- glove
- cleats (optional) - baseball or soccer style cleats are fine
- infield face guard (optional)
Please ensure that you mark the player's name on everything. A white label or masking tape works well on the outside of the batting helmet and handwritten on labels in shirts, glove and hats.