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Youth Athletic Alliance starting 3rd season of kids' baseball, softball in several St. Lawrence County communities

Posted 4/25/16

The growing North Country Youth Athletic Alliance is preparing for its third season of baseball and softball to St. Lawrence County boys and girls, and is looking at building a soccer program this …

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Youth Athletic Alliance starting 3rd season of kids' baseball, softball in several St. Lawrence County communities

Posted

The growing North Country Youth Athletic Alliance is preparing for its third season of baseball and softball to St. Lawrence County boys and girls, and is looking at building a soccer program this fall.

The fledgling alliance is growing. Two years ago the coalition consisted of teams from Lisbon, Madrid, and Waddington. Children participated in a 12U division in softball and baseball. These communities exchanged ideas to provide athletic opportunities in a cost effective manner. The NCYAA developed a network of towns and personnel who come together and strive to enhance the sport and their young athletes.

Participants for the 2015 season grew to include 12 teams for senior baseball and six teams for the Junior Division. On the softball side there were nine senior and five junior teams. Games are played at local fields in every community. In most cases each team played the others in their division twice, once at home and once away.

This year, Canton, DeKalb, Edwards-Knox, Lisbon, Madrid, Massena, Morristown, Potsdam, Parishville, Russell, and Waddington all have teams in one or more divisions.

In three years participation has grown from the original three to 11 townships on the schedule for the 2016 season. Meetings are ongoing to finalize the upcoming season. Coaches and coordinators are reviewing and adjusting details.

Each team representative has equal input in the development and operation of NCYAA activities.

The board believes input from all involved creates an optimal situation for our rural communities to travel and compete with the teams they will be playing at the next level. Friendships have developed among communities and athletes. Over 350 children are involved.

Opening day for baseball is scheduled for April 30th and softball soon follows with May 9 as its starting date. The season runs until the third week in June allowing for rain dates and playoffs at some levels.

NCYAA members say they are meeting a need and are considering branching out to start a fall soccer program. Soccer would be set up and run in similar fashion. Multiple divisions and group-appropriate rules would apply.

“The success of this alliance originates from dedicated parents, coaches and coordinators in every community who volunteer many hours to provide safe and enjoyable activities for our children,” the announcement of the season said.

For more information visit www.ncyball.wix.com/2015.