Welcome to our Futures / Entry Level Page for 2024/25!
Target Age: 2015/16 Birthdays
We first started running a Futures level in 2021 season, although through our Renegades program we have managed &/ or run 3rd and 4th grade teams for the past 15 years. This is nothing new to us, albeit this age is of recent vintage in the club level universe.
Our Philosophy:
At 8 or 9 years old, we have found that kids love to do a variety of activities. We fully endorse that. Our goal is to make softball one of their many activities, have them learn to play "The Viper Way" and hopefully fall in love with the game.
We hope they are playing other sports during the other seasons, such as soccer and basketball to name a few. We want softball to be part of their routine so that as they evolve and get ready to play a few games, they have some of the skillsets necessary to learn how to play and compete. Pitching, catching...all part of what we introduce in a non-stressful manner.
This is an entry level/ competitive instructional level.
Our goal here is they learn, have fun and when they get to be 10u eligible, they choose to stay with softball and play for our Vipers program.
Our Futures program is overseen by our Commissioner, Sheila Serafin-Goulding
Coach Sheila is a former NCAA player, Varsity HS Softball coach and currently an elementary school teacher (Teacher of the year for 2024). She has coached with the Vipers for the past 8 years...from 8u up to 18U Premier.
We will be announcing our 24/25 coaches shortly.
See our flyer below...sign up link to follow
Scope: Intended for 2015/16 players who are interested in expanding their softball training and development, but may not be ready to compete at a full 10U level. The intent of this level is to train them in the "Viper Way" to 1) Be available for call ups/ guest opportunities should the 10u level ever need, and 2) be ready to transition to the 10u team in the Fall, 2025
Organizational Clinic Opportunities: Based on type and age groups, may be invited to participate with the 10u Level
Weekly Practices during Fall. Can be more at team discretion: Level is encouraged to practice 1X during the week. Coaches at their discretion may add or cancel practices based on player availability. Practice venues can be throughout Bergen County or Rockland County. Field availability will drive this. Team will have dedicated indoor time regardless. Team may share field or facility time based on availability and conflicts
Weekend Event, Fall/ Competition: This level will comprise mostly of practices, building skillsets and learning the new pace of play. Coach will look to schedule a competition day or days to benchmark training progress. This will be at Coach Sheila's discretion.
Winter Training: Team will have availability of 1x per week. Coach may seek open opportunities based on scheduling and availability and can request a 2nd time. Waldwick Superdome will be limited offerings and availability is TBA.
Spring Events: We will look to schedule up to three competition days in the Spring/ early summer to again baseline our progress. The intent will be to level up some of the rules and show the girls how to play such things as unlimited stealing, bunting, etc… This is TBD and TBA based on progress, rec schedules, player availability, etc.
Spring Note: Once rec games begin, practices will dissipate greatly. Practice events will be scheduled week to week once rec starts. Games should already be scheduled from winter. There may be weeks of no practice come mid-April due to players being committed to rec teams and other sports/ events. Coach discretion here.
Duration: Runs September through May/ early June. Thanksgiving-New Years is very casual with some off weeks built in.
Included: Batting Gloves, helmet stickers
Also Required: Players will need to purchase helmet (black), bat bag, two tops (white/ black Holloway sublimated) , 1 pant (black), socks (black), belt (black). Click Here to Shop