Dear Little League Families & Community,
Happy Holidays from all of us at the Stickney Forest View Little League. As the Baseball/Softball season approaches we would like to pass on some information and discuss some changes that we hope will better the league. The league wants to keep everyone informed to ensure complete transparency with information on important dates, events, and changes occurring within the league. There will be improved relaying of information and reminders through multiple avenues.
We would like to make improvements but with the limited revenue that the league receives it has made it difficult to do so. For this reason, we have decided to add a mandatory fundraiser for each family that registers. We believe that with this fundraiser and a more assertive approach to secure sponsors, our goal can be achieved. The proceeds we receive will be strictly to improve the softball field and if any funds remain, we will focus on the Jr. field. Our goal is to finish the softball dugouts, fencing and complete much needed repairs to the field. We will also begin researching options to have lighting installed in the Jr. field and improvements to the fencing. The improvements to the Softball field will allow the softball teams to play home games on what used to be a practice only field. The dugouts and fencing will ensure all safety requirements are met to host games properly and safely. This will also allow the softball teams to practice and have games on a more authentic softball field. For those that don’t know, traditionally a Softball field has a completely flat infield whereas a Baseball field has a raised pitcher’s mound. Having 2 fully capable fields will allow more flexibility to practice/games scheduling for the entire league. Pictures Below:
This year we will be adding a fundraising raffle called “4 for 4” for each household that registers. At registration each family will be charged a $100 fundraising fee (which is non-refundable). Each family will be given a book of 5 raffle tickets worth $20 each to then sell if you choose to. Selling the 5 raffle tickets will allow you to recoup the fundraising fee or you can keep the tickets to increase your chances of winning some prize money. A percentage of the money raised will be raffled off as prizes. Once the season begins in May, we will host 4 raffle dates with 4 drawings each day. (“4 for 4”) At the conclusion of each raffle date winning numbers will be placed back in for future drawings allowing the opportunity to win multiple times. Prize money totals will be disclosed closer to the end of registration as the final numbers are dependent on registration numbers. All proceeds will go to improving the fields.
We want to create a more unified league by implementing a universal league uniform color. On top of this being more cost-efficient it will help streamline the uniform ordering process. We want to create a greater sense of belonging, not just to a team but to our “League”. We believe this will help our youth support and motivate each other. As the younger kids begin their endeavors in the league, we want them to look up to the older kids and envision themselves as the future of the league. With this we will implore the older youths to set an example and strive to be role models. The Baseball players will be receiving a uniform top and hat, whereas the Softball players will be receiving a uniform top and socks. We have chosen to not give visors to softball players as we have noticed the trend of the girls not wearing them due to the use of face masks. Pants will not be ordered/supplied this season as it has been difficult to obtain proper sizing which causes delays and player preferences vary (ex: short vs long pants). This will also help in the overall goal of improving fields as those funds can be moved towards maintenance. We will be implementing a uniform rummage sale for pants and equipment (more details to come).
An important matter that we have faced in the past is over/under rostered teams. Teams will be properly rostered with 11-13 players. When teams are over rostered, coaches are burdened with the difficult task of ensuring each player receives ample playing time. Our coaches are a huge asset to our league as they take on this important role which we know can be difficult and time-consuming yet rewarding to see the growth of our players throughout the season. We ask that you please take into consideration becoming a coach for a team as without them we cannot finalize a team. Teams that are under rostered frequently find themselves scrambling to find players in the event of player absences. Teams that are properly rostered will ensure each player receives the greatest amount of playing time. This will also protect teams from canceling games due to not having a full team. Teams will be filled in order of registration. We do not want to leave any kids out, so please register during the registration period in a timely manner. Once a team is filled, a wait list will start until another full team can be created.
In addition, we have included a school enrollment form that will make the address verification process easier, especially during tournament season. We will no longer need 3 proofs of residency as this form will be sufficient. We ask parents to download/print the form and fill out the top portion. Our league name is Stickney Forest View Little League and our League ID # is 1130920. The bottom portion will need to be completed by your child/ren school principal or administration. Please note, a form needs to be completed per child. Once the form is completed you are able to upload it to your account. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Finally. we would also like to remind everyone; this is a volunteer-led organization with many individuals donating countless hours to ensure the success of our little league program. We are always seeking more volunteers as all help is greatly appreciated. There are many ways in which people can help; volunteering to help on an administrative level, helping with field maintenance (building/repairing) and upkeep, seeking out sponsorships and/or grants (attached is our sponsorship form), or volunteering to coach, are just a few ways to contribute. If you are interested in helping support our league in any way, please reach out via email or speak to any board member.
With all that being said, registration will begin January 8th, 2024!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We thank you for your time and understanding as we work diligently to improve the league. Please feel free to email us with any questions.
Thank you!
SFVLL Board
