In-House
Program Overview
Our In-House program is designed to provide a quality fastpitch softball experience to the younger player ages 4 to 8. We offer a 6U
& 8U. Our 6U program is a t-ball league. 8U league is a machine league.
Age groups are based on the player's age as of August 31st of the prior year. Players must participate within their age groups to build cohesiveness with their teammates for upcoming years. Below is more detailed information on each level.
In-House Program for 6U & 8U Levels
Below is some additional information about our In-House program:
- The In-House season runs from April to mid/late June.
- LFSA has a volunteer requirement for our families. Please visit the Volunteers page for more information.
- Uniforms include a shirt and shorts for the summer season.
- All players must bring a glove, softball fielder's mask, and water bottle.
- LFSA will hold a coaching informational meeting for all coaches in the In-House program.
In-House Softball FAQs
What is the difference between In-House League and Traveling League?
In-House League is for beginner softball players and is a more recreational league. Traveling League is a more competitive softball program and involves player assessments, weekend tournaments, and more game play.
What does 6U stand for?
6U is for players ages 6 and under (ages 4-6); this league is a T-ball league.
What does 8U stand for?
8U is for players ages 8 and under (7 to 8 year olds); this league is a pitching machine league.
What age group (6U or 8U) will my daughter be assigned?
The age of the player on August 31, 2023 is their playing age for the 2024 season. You may use the age calculator at Minnesota Softball. You can find it by following this link: https://mnsoftball.com/pages/cms/age-calculator
What equipment do I need to buy?
All players must bring a water bottle, a glove, and a softball fielder’s face mask.
What equipment is provided?
The league provides helmets, bats, catchers gear, softballs, tennis balls, whiffle balls, ice packs, training cones, batting tee, sling machine, bases, and first aid kit.
What is included with the uniform?
Jersey top with number on back & game shorts.
What equipment is optional to buy?
Softball cleats (not metal), (your child can wear tennis shoes), bat, helmet, batting gloves, and bat bag.
Where are practices and games?
All practices and games are at Lakeview Elementary, Lakeville (fields 1-4).
What days of the week does 6U play? 8U?
6U is Monday & Wednesday, for 1 hour; 8U is Tuesday & Thursday, for 1 hour 15 min.
What times are practices / games?
Practices for 6U will start at either 5:30pm OR 6:30pm. 8U will start at either 5:15pm or 6:30pm; All games will be 6:30pm; arrive for practices 15 minutes prior to start time; arrive for games 30 minutes prior to start time for warm-ups.
How many volunteer hours per family do I need to complete?
Please refer to our Volunteer page for information. https://www.lakevillefastpitch.org/volunteerpolicy
What if I don’t complete my volunteer hours?
The League needs your time more than your money. If volunteer hours are not completed, you will be given an invoice to be paid.
Where are typical volunteer hours worked?
Most volunteer hours are at Aronson Park, helping facilitate Lakeville Softball Tournaments (concession stand, field work, etc.).
How do I find the volunteer hours to sign up? Will I receive emails?
Volunteer hours will be emailed to all parents upon availability. Volunteer hours will also be posted to the DIBS tab on the lakevillefastpitch.org website.
When does the season start and end?
Season begins Monday, April 22nd through Thursday, June 20th (9 weeks).
Are practices or games on the weekends?
No. All practices and games are scheduled during the week.
Are there make-up games due to weather cancellations?
Yes. Make-ups are determined by the Coach. Will be Friday PM (6U) and Saturday AM (8U).
How are batting and fielding line-ups formed?
Coaches play each player a different fielding position each inning. Batting lineups rotate throughout the season so all players get to bat first for a game.
How are teams formed?
Team placement is based on age, school enrollment and friend requests; 9-12 players per team.
Can I request a friend to be on my daughter’s team?
We will do our best honoring a friend request.
Do parents bring snacks/drinks for game days?
Yes. Coaches assign snacks/drinks to parents for games only.
How many Coaches are assigned to each team?
Each team is assigned 1 Head Coach and Assistant Coaches (these coaches are parent volunteers).
How is the season scheduled?
The first half of the season is mostly practice; the last half of the season will be a mix of practices and games.
