Program areas at South Park Youth Association
South Park baseball had approximately 600 combined participants register for the Spring and Fall leagues, which encompassed t-ball (ages 4 & 5), rookie coach pitch (ages 5 & 6), coach pitch (ages 7 & 8), minors (ages 9 & 10), majors (ages (11 & 12) and Cal Ripken (ages 13 & 14). In addition to the revenues noted above, baseball received approximately $93,000 of contributions from companies and individuals to help finance our program. All baseball coaches are volunteer parents who receive no compensation for their efforts. SPYA policy mandates that all coaches pass a background check on an annual basis in order to coach. Baseball teams are selected (drafted) each season subsequent to all players attending a skills day assessment, which helps ensure that our teams are as even as possible and creates fair competition. During the current year, we completed construction of an indoor training facility for use by participants in the organization as well as students at Carmel Middle School.
South Park football had approximately 100 participants in 2023. We fielded 4 teams among the various age groups. Our football league was once again aligned with Pop Warner youth football, which requires kids to participate based on age and weight restrictions to help ensure player safety and fair competition. All coaches are required to complete an annual course on "heads up" football in order to ensure they are teaching proper techniques to the players. In addition, all football coaches are volunteer parents who receive no compensation for their efforts. SPYA policy mandates that all coaches pass an annual background check in order to be eligible to coach. Some participants receive partial or full financial aid to cover registration fees. Finally, in addition to the revenues noted above, football received approximately $18,500 of contributions from companies and individuals to help finance the program.
The girls lacrosse and beginning lacrosse programs remained strong, with approximately 250 total participants. Coaches for SPYA lacrosse teams included volunteer parents as well as individuals with college / pro experience who receive a nominal amount of pay for their coaching activities. SPYA policy mandates that all coaches pass an annual background check in order to coach.
South Park's other programs are softball and field hockey. Total participants within these two sports was approximately 150. Coaches within these programs include parent volunteers as well as individuals with college experience who receive a nominal amount of pay for the coaching activities. Coaches must pass annual background checks in order to be eligible to coach. Some participants receive partial or full financial aid to cover registration fees.