Registration for new program, other township rec programs, under way
UPPER TOWNSHIP — Flowers blooming, eggs hatching and children playing ball in the field are all sure signs of spring.
While winter is not yet ready to release southern New Jersey from its sometimes-icy clutches, Upper Township’s youth recreation programs are getting a head start with their first pitch, kick and throw set for early March.
“Our spring sports season is ready to get under way,” said Deputy Mayor Kim Hayes, who oversees recreation for the township.
Hayes said the programs play an important role, joining schools and churches in providing activities where everyone from the sprawling township’s 11 villages can come together.
“Many of my closest friends have been made volunteering for these organizations. Some of the most productive conversations I’ve had about our community have happened during a walk around Amanda’s Field or in the stands at the Community Center,” Hayes said. “Recreation creates the environment where we can gather together and create bonds and share ideas.”
Sports offered by volunteer programs include baseball, soccer, lacrosse and softball.
Recreation Secretary Larry Cole said the Upper Township Football Association would be kicking off an NFL FLAG program in mid-March.
NFL FLAG is the official flag football program of the National Football League. According to its website, more than 600,000 athletes ages 4 to 17 participate on more than 1,600 teams in all 50 states.
“We’ve seen our neighboring communities offer similar programs in recent years and I’m excited to see this offered within the township,” Hayes said. “It’s a great way for boys and girls to learn the fundamentals of the sport.”
Matt Lowry, who is head of the NFL FLAG arm of the UTFA, said it’s taken years to get to the point of actually fielding teams.
He said there were a couple of false starts in getting to this point, such as a league formed under Gridiron Flag Football and another that was for-profit that did not work out, before a partnership was formed with NFL FLAG.
When he proposed the program to Township Committee, he said Hayes suggested huddling up with the UTFA.
Lowry said after establishing bylaws with a lot of help, he reached out to the NFL and spent a year acquiring the rights.
“Here we are,” he said last week. “It’s going to be a good year.”
Games will be played from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays at Caldwell Park.
Groups will consist of K instructional (1 p.m.), Taxi (first and second grades, 1 p.m. practice, 2 p.m. games), Pee Wee (third and fourth grades, 2 p.m. practice, 3 p.m. games), JV (fifth and sixth grades, 3 p.m. practice, 4 p.m. games), Varsity (seventh and eighth grades, 4 p.m. practice, 5 p.m. games) and High School (4 p.m. practice, 5 p.m. games).
Kickoff for the league is set for March 11. Lowry said opening day would consist of team meet and greet, skill and drills such as a 40-yard dash, parachute race, quarterback accuracy throws and footwork drills. He said he spoke with Ocean City High School head football coach Kevin Smith and that varsity players may be there to assist.
Games will begin March 18 with a break April 15 for Easter, resuming April 22 through May 6. Playoffs are scheduled for May 13 and a possible championship game against Linwood is set for May 20.
Lowry said one of his goals is to set the foundation for the next decade to ensure growth and continuity.
But the league hasn’t crossed the goal line yet. So far, Lowry said, only about 80 players have signed up (as of Feb. 15) and he is looking to get at least 150 and as many as 200.
Lowry said a recent Facebook post generated a lot of interest and he hoped a newspaper article would help put them over the top.
Lowry said both boys and girls are welcome and that teams would be co-ed unless there are enough to explore an all-girls team.
He said the league is volunteer-run, like the other recreation leagues in the township, and that most people who have signed up have noted their willingness to help. He said the snack bar would be open during games.
UTFA President Jim Burger said volunteerism is vital to youth sports.
“Upper Township is known for its great sports programs and it’s all because of people like Matt Lowry who put the effort and countless hours into their operations,” Burger said.
Hayes agreed.
“None of these offerings would be possible without the dedication of the volunteers. The coaches and board members dedicate countless hours to make each of our programs so successful,” she said.
The cost is $100 per player or $200 per family. Jerseys, flags and footballs will be provided. Register at utindians.net.
Burger said the league would be a great addition to what the UTFA offers in the fall. The Upper Township Indians play in the Cape Atlantic Junior Football League, fielding teams for children in taxi, pee wee, JV and varsity levels.
“It’s a long off-season and this keeps them involved all year with a fun twist to their normal grind,” Burger said.
Baseball
The Upper Township Baseball Association offers organized games for youth ages 5 to 17, including Little League and Babe Ruth.
T-ball is for 5-year-olds and 6-year-olds who did not play previously. The season usually runs from late April through May. Events can be scheduled on any weekday depending on field availability and coach availability. The league tries to schedule T-ball around kindergarten soccer so that the kids can play in both sports.
Registration closes at 11 p.m. April 1. Cost is $85.
C-League is for 7- and 8-year-olds and those who are not drafted into the B-League. C-League usually runs from mid-April through May. Teams play one or two games per week and can be scheduled on any weekday. Registration closes at 11 p.m. March 1 and the season runs April 11 to May 27. The cost is $115.
B-League is for children age 9 and 10 who are not drafted into A-League. They must attend the B-League evaluation.
A-League is for players age 11 and 12 and younger players who are drafted. The Little League age determination date is Aug. 31.
A-League and B-League run from early April through May. Games can be scheduled on any weekday.
A-League and B-League registration closes at 11 p.m. March 1 and the season runs April 1 to May 31. Cost is $140.
There also is a Babe Ruth league for players age 13-15. Registration closes at 11 p.m. March 1 and the season runs April 1 to May 30. Cost is $205.
Soccer
The Upper Township Soccer Association has six age groups for boys and girls, ranging from preschool to sixth-eighth grade. Registration deadline is March 1 at uppersoccer.com.
Girls and kindergarten games will be played at 9 a.m. Saturdays at Amanda’s Field, where boys and preschool games will be played at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. The season starts March 25 and ends May 6 (May 13 makeup date). Cost is $50 and includes a jersey.
Practice will be for grades first and up at the day/time of coaches choosing. Preschool and kindergarten will have a practice session prior to their game, as game times are shorter for this age group.
Email andi.mccrosson.utsa@gmail.com for more information.
The league is looking for coaches for all age groups. Anyone interested should email lyergerutsa@gmail.com.
Lacrosse
Started in 2007, Warriors Lacrosse of Upper Township is for boys and girls in kindergarten through eighth grade and is a feeder program for the Ocean City High School teams.
Games are played at the Old Tuckahoe Road field. Registration is closed for the spring season.
Softball
The Upper Township Girls Softball Association web site has not been updated since fall. Deadline to sign up is March 3 at uppertownshipgirlssoftball.com.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff