Hello former and current Edina Fastpitch families!

We are excited to announce that Edina's slowpitch and fastpitch programs are coming together for 2023! By combining efforts, we will be able to expand and enhance the softball offerings in our community and offer a variety of options for girls ages 5-14. 

Why are we doing this? There are many reasons it makes sense for both of our organizations to come together. 

 From the slowpitch side, program participation has fluctuated throughout the years and they didn’t have the parent board volunteers needed to continue the slowpitch program alone. The slowpitch program has been a great opportunity to get exposure to softball at a young age, and we wanted to be able to build-off of what slowpitch has done so well and continue to expand softball in Edina.

Secondly, there is always confusion from new families about which program is appropriate for their child. And until now, we have been two entirely different organizations, each with our own structure, schedule, volunteer board, and line of communication. We think there is an easier way to provide exposure to softball in Edina while still providing opportunities aligning with the competitiveness and commitment levels of each individual girl.

There are differences between the programs, but a lot of the fundamental skills are the same. By combining, we will still be able to provide many of the same quality softball offerings but streamline communication and have one "home" where parents can explore these options and choose what is right for their child. 

There will be some growing pains, of course, as we make these changes. There are also some details we are still working out. For example, the slowpitch program has historically offered teams based on current grade level (K-1, 2-3, etc), while we have formed teams based on age (8U, 10U, etc). We understand there will be some overlap when we combine and we are working hard behind the scenes to make this transition as simple and clear for families as possible.

Here's what you can expect: 

-You won't need to register for "slowpitch" or "fastpitch"--we will be one organization: Edina Softball!

-We will provide teams ranging from recreational to highly competitive with varying levels of commitment.

-Recreational teams will not require try-outs. The more competitive travel teams will be formed after try-outs, consistent with the fastpitch approach in prior years. 

-Fundamental skills (throwing, hitting and base-running) will be a part of the experience for all levels!

-The recreational leagues for the youngest girls will be formed by CURRENT grade level (Kindergarten through 2nd grade). Girls will be placed on teams based on school affiliation and friend requests. There will be exposure to the pitching machine and development opportunities, but most of the time, players will have coaches pitch or use a tee. 

-Starting with our 8U league, we will form teams based on birthday (for 8U, players would be 8 or younger on December 31, 2022). 

-Our 8U league will have two "paths": a recreational league with inter-league play and use of the pitching machine, or a more competitive, travel league that will play teams around the metro area.

-It is possible a child will qualify for both leagues, the youngest K-2 league AND our 8U league. We will help you decide which is the best fit for your child and family!

-Our 10U, 12U and 14U leagues will also have two paths: competitive, travel teams or less competitive, recreational teams. These teams will also be formed by birthdate as not by grade level. 

Thank you again for your patience with us during this time of transition. More information will be emailed soon about registration for the 2023 summer season! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at: ldyhelferich@gmail.com

We appreciate your many years of support for fastpitch and we look forward to what's next!

Sincerely,

Laura Helferich

President, Edina Girls Fastpitch Association