LOUYAA Softball Schedules and League News

Welcome to LOUYAA Softball …. 

Program Background Information for LOUYAA Fastpitch Softball:

LOUYAA is based out of southeast Frederick County Maryland and operates the largest intramural sports program in the region - primarily serving areas within the Linganore, Oakdale and Urbana school feeder systems.  For many years now, LOUYAA has partnered with Mt. Airy Youth Athletic Association (MAYAA) for our intramural level fastpitch program for Spring season.  LOUYAA Softball is also the largest contributor to the Frederick County Girls Softball League (FCGSL) for 15U teams and for Fall Ball.  LOUYAA Softball also supports regional travel/tournament programs which offer the highest levels of competition for advanced players.

Players are divided by age groups that keep the instruction and competition matched to the appropriate physical maturity and skill development of the players.  Our intramural program offers 8 and under (8U), 10 and under (10U), and 12 and under (12U).  In addition, teams are fielded into the FCGSL for 15 and under (15U) and we hope to support 18 and under (18U) level soon. Come see us play!

Team practices and games are hosted by LOUYAA/MAYAA at the following locations: Windsor Knolls Middle School, Green Valley Elementary, New Market Middle School, and also Watkins Park in Mt. Airy. 

For planning purposes and field juggling, we try to target practice/game days as follows for the age groups: various weekdays for 8U; Tu/Fri/Sat for 10U; M/W/Sat for 12U; Tu/Th/Sat for 15U (with some early season Sunday games); 18U tbd.  At the younger ages, there are typically about two activities per week (games or practice); while older age groups get together at least 3 times per week.  Specific schedules will be worked out as each season arrives. 

Spring practices get underway as weather allows in mid/late March with games starting by mid-April.  We wrap up spring season by the end of the school year for 8U/10U/12U/15U.  The proposed 18U season would get underway after the high school seasons end (near Memorial Day) and finish by end of June.

During Summer, there are various camps and clinics held throughout the region.  Links to some are on the tabs on this page.

Fall Ball allows players to continue to develop their skills in a different setting with some travel to other locations in the county for games.  Practices begin around back-to-school, and games are held on Sunday afternoons in September and October. 

During the winter months, there are clinics for pitchers and catchers which are very important for the development of these specialty players.  These times are also an opportunity to stay in softball shape by hitting the batting cages in the area while we wait for the return of warmer weather!

As Commissioner, my continuing goal is to ensure LOUYAA Softball provides an outstanding opportunity for our girls to play and learn about the game in a fun, engaging environment.  While studies show organized youth sports provide notable benefits ranging from health to self-esteem, we certainly also know this is a game to be enjoyed by all.  In this positive atmosphere governed by our Code of Conduct (link found below), the girls and the program will continue to thrive.  Indeed, friends made on the diamond can be some of the most important connections they will have.  The same can be said for the valuable family and community connections.

I would like to extend an invitation to each of you to find out how you can get involved to feed this “love of the game.”  As a volunteer organization, we need help from everyone and there will be plenty of opportunities to apply your skills whether it includes helping out with coaching, fields, equipment, team activities, concessions or other fund raising, finding sponsors, and many more contributions to a successful season and a healthy program.  There are openings on the Softball Committee as well to help us guide strategic program decisions.

Please contact me with any questions, concerns and suggestions, as we get ready to launch another great season!

Mike Schoonover
LOUYAA Softball Commissioner
softball@luyaa.org
240.409.9851 cell/text