People involved in Lethbridge Summer Sports in anticipation of the bounce-back season –

It was very quiet around Softball Valley for facilities manager Hank Stuffer.

“Last year we played from June to September, the year before that we had nothing,” he said. “We usually have 300 people here so it was a pretty big push for the system.

“We built this park to come from Lethbridge and play. So it was almost heartbreaking to come down here and sit empty. “

In 2021, a normal number of teams took to the field in Softball Valley.

This year, with epidemic health restrictions consistent and relatively relaxed before the season, about 100 teams have signed up for the summer. This is similar to pre-epidemic numbers.

“Our mixed league starts in the last week of April, and we will continue until the end of September or the first part of October,” said Staffer. “The major leagues take place in mid-August. We’ve booked a lot of tournaments this year, so it’s going to be a completely boring season. “

Lethbridge Little League is also expecting a bounce-back season.

“Registration has really increased this year compared to the Covid 19-year-old,” said President Travis Overberg.

About 800 children have been registered for 2022, the highest in seven years.

Last year, participation was only two-thirds of the current number in the Little League. The company is growing, especially among the younger age group, three to seven years old.

Oberg said everyone from coaches to players are feeling extra excitement ahead of a schedule that has minimal disruption.

“It’s really exciting to be able to start the season on time and start our normal programming without interfering with what has happened in the last two years,” said Oberg.

As the countdown to the season continues, there is still a lot of work to be done to prepare for the softball field game, but Staffer said he can’t wait to play the ball.

“It’s going to be good to see people back again,” he said.