8U TRAVELING BASEBALL & SOFTBALL
- 8U Baseball: Boys 7-8 years old as on 8/30/2025.
- 8U Softball: Girls 7-8 years old on 8/31/2024.
- Player pitch with occasional coach or machine pitch
- Games held 1-2 evenings per week in June-July.
- Practices 1-2 times per week based on coach availability and start in April or May.
8U TRAVELING BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If your question is not answered below, please reach out to one of the members of our Board here.
Beginning in 2025, we will start to offer 8U baseball and 8U softball. A minimum of 10 players is necessary to complete a full team. Our youth traveling baseball & softball teams participate in the local Wolf River League and is a competitive program. In this level, players typically have a foundational understanding of the game and are ready to participate in a more advanced and competitive environment. The "traveling" aspect implies that the team participates in games in the local league, as well as occasional weekends, often involving travel to different cities or regions. If there is a great deal of interest, try outs will be held. Coached by experienced individuals, the focus is on refining fundamental skills, strategic gameplay, and fostering teamwork. Click here for the Wolf River League Rules.
Coed Little League or 8U?
Coed Little League:
- Ages 6-8
- Boys and girls play together
- In-town league, meaning there is no travel or play against other towns. All teams are formed with local players and compete against each other all summer.
- Recommended starting place for beginner players.
8U Traveling Teams:
- Ages 7-8
- 8U Baseball: boys only, play with baseball
- 8U Softball: girls only, play with size 11" softball
- Player pitch, with coach pitch after a certain amount of balls.
- Traveling league, meaning the W-F team would travel to local towns to compete against other teams.
- More competitive, players must have a basic understanding of the rules of baseball/softball.
Should my my child participate in Little League or 8U team? Can they do both?
Any child can participate in Coed Little League, regardless of skill.
As 8U is a more advanced level of play, we aim to ensure that every child has the skills and understanding needed to enjoy the game, grow as a player, and contribute positively to their team.
To achieve this, all players are likely to be required to participate in a tryout before joining the 8U team. This is not meant to exclude anyone but rather to assess each player’s readiness for this competitive level. The tryout helps us ensure that:
- Basic Skills are in Place: Players understand fundamental skills such as throwing, catching, batting, and base running. This is for the safety of players.
- Knowledge of Rules: Players have a basic grasp of baseball/softball rules, positioning, and game flow.
- A Good Fit for Team Dynamics: The 8U level introduces more complex gameplay and strategy, and we want to create a positive and product environment for all participants.
Interested players can join both Little League and 8U. The league will do it's best to accommodate game days on different days of the week, however they may be some overlap. For those who play in both leagues, there will be a discount offered on the registration fees. If you pay for 8U and your child does not end up participating after tryouts, the Club will refund you that portion of payment.
When do we practice? Practices are held 1-2 times per week and begin as early as April. Practices are scheduled based on field and coach availability.
When do we play games? Games are played 1-2 evenings per week in June and July. They involve travel to local towns as well and home games in Weyauwega.
Do we have weekend tournaments? Tournaments are scheduled in conjunction with coach availability/interest and the Club's board of directors. Some teams may have no tournaments, other traveling teams maybe have a few. Tournament participation is not required at this level.
Practices are held at either the Weyauwega City Park, the high school softball field, or Vinger field behind the high school. See our Facilities page for maps. Games are held in local towns that may include, but are not limited to: Amherst, Iola, Waupaca, Shiocton, Rosholt, Manawa, Tigerton, New London, etc.
How do I communicate to my coach? Our league uses the TeamSideline platform for communication. This is the primary way you should contact your coach outside of practice/games.
Should I notify my coach if my child will be absent? Yes! To help with practice and game preparation, coaches appreciate knowing if your player will be absent.
How do I know what team my child plays on? Your team name and child's coach(es) will be listed in the TeamSideline platform under the 'Roster' section.
For more information, see our Equipment page.
- Shoes: Baseball/softball cleats are recommended at this level. No metal cleats are allowed.
- Socks: If socks will show, red should be purchased. If long baseball pants are worn, this may not be necessary.
- Hats (baseball only): Hats are part of the required uniform and are purchased by parents during program registration.
- Visors (softball only): Visors are not required as part of the uniform.
- Bottoms: White baseball pants or black softball pants (no stripes on the side) can be purchased with their uniform during registration or elsewhere at any local/online athletic store.
- Uniform Tops: Matching jersey tops are part of the required uniform for this league and are purchased during program registration. They can be worn from year to year if they still fit.
- Gloves: All players should bring their own glove provided by parents. Please label their glove!
- Bats/Helmets: The league will have a few bats and helmets, however many of the kids start to use their own equipment at this level. If you choose to purchase a bat or helmet, please ensure it's approved for 8U use and clearly label it!
We have teamed up with Fox Cities Embroidery to offer additional player and fan gear. Please see the link on our homepage once it's set up!
Who works concessions? Every family that has a child in a league is required to work at least one shift in the concession stand. This means if you have children in multiple leagues (for example, T-ball and 8U Baseball) your family would work one-two concession shifts for each league.
What if it's my timeslot but there looks to be enough help already? Please always go into the concession stand and ask if you are needed. Often times board members or people with other jobs (out of concessions) may be in the space, but that doesn't mean it's their responsibility to work.
When do I work concessions? The league will end out a Sign Up Genius link to fill concessions and they will be filled on a first come, first filled basis. We will do our best to send reminder emails, but ultimately it's a team effort between the coaches and parents to remember.
What if I cannot work my family's assigned date? It is the responsibility of parents to find their own replacements. This is not on the coach or Club. You can message every family on your child's team through the TeamSideline app. Please do not notify your coach or the Club unless every effort has been made to find a replacement.
What if there's not enough help in the concession stand? No games will be held if we are short in the concession stand.
How long is a game? Games are 60-75 minutes long each.
Are there umpires for this level? Yes, umpires are provided by the hosting location. Please keep in mind at this level there are umpires who might be starting in their officiating career, so patience and understanding is appreciated.
Positive encouragement is critical to the success and fun of this program for our players!
Do we take team and/or individual photos? Yes. A local photographer will be scheduled within the first month of the program and all families have the opportunity to order team or individual photos.
If any games will be canceled due to weather or otherwise, here is our communication plan:
1. Email will be sent through the TeamSideline platform to all parents on the roster. We will make every effort to make this decision by 3:00 pm.
2. A message will be posted on our Facebook page.
3. Your coach might also send out an email to your team through the TeamSideline app.
Preferred contact to your child's coach should be done through the TeamSideline platform.