The Girls Softball League of Westfield (GSLW) is a not-for-profit organization, the purpose of which is to provide the girls of Westfield, NJ with the opportunity to learn and to play fastpitch softball.  As a general proposition, the GSLW’s programs are open to all girls (grades K-12) who live in Westfield or who go to school in Westfield.  And, with some exceptions, the GSLW’s programs are organized and run entirely by volunteers from the Westfield community.

GSLW Families,

We hope everyone had a great Fall Softball season. As we move towards Winter we just wanted to take a moment and let everyone know about our planned softball offerings for later in the year.

Fall/Winter Clinics

Working with the Turf in Cranford, GSLW will offer a 5-week pitching clinic on Wednesdays beginning November 17th for ALL interested 3rd through 5th graders. The clinic is targeted at beginner and intermediate level pitchers to provide some additional formal instruction coming off their experience this Fall. Registration details will be released 11/10.

In addition, the GSLW will be offering all skills clinics at the Turf in Cranford on Saturdays starting January 8th through February 26th based on age. The clinics are a great opportunity for all players to work on new skills as they get ready for the Spring season. Registration will open later this month and times based on age group are listed below:

• Players 8 and under (2013-2014 birthdays) 9:00am - 10am
• Players 10 and under (2011-2012 birthdays) 10:15am-11:30am
• Players 12 and under (2009-2010 birthdays) 11:45am-1:00pm

Spring 2022 Rec

Our Recreational League is open to girls in Kindergarten through Grade 8 who reside in or attend school in Westfield, NJ. Team Practices will start in early April with games running from April to the end of the school year (June).  New softball players are welcome in all divisions as this is an instructional and recreational program, yet competitive enough for all players in town.

For grades K-3, there is one practice during the week and a game on Saturday.

Older grades (4-8) play two games a week and one practice during the week.

We expect game times/locations for the Spring to be: 

• Kindergarten: Saturdays at 1:00 pm, at one of the elementary school fields
• 1st Grade: Saturdays at 3:00 pm at one of the elementary school fields
• 2nd Grade: Saturdays at 2:00 pm at the Memorial Pool Complex
• 3rd Grade: Saturdays at 4:00 pm at the Memorial Pool Complex
• 4th & 5th grade: Thursday at 6pm and Saturdays at 11:30 am at the Memorial Pool Complex
• 6th, 7th & 8th grade: Mondays at 6pm and Saturdays at 9:00 am at the Memorial Pool Complex

Coach Volunteers for Rec League

Based on the commitments listed above for our Spring Rec League, we are always in need of moms and dads to volunteer as Head Coaches or Assistant Coaches. We are here to guide you every step of the way and hope you will consider donating your time to our players. It is a very rewarding experience.

If you are interested in coaching or have questions, please send an email to Mary Wickens at mwickens@westfieldsoftball.org

Spring 2020 Travel

The GSLW Travel Program is designed to provide a higher level of competition for the more avid and skilled players 8 years (2014 birthdays) and up. Players develop confidence, skills, and teamwork while competing with similar teams in the NJ-area. In the spring, there is typically 1 practice a week and two games on Sundays. Travel players must also register for Spring Rec.

Travel tryouts will be on February 6th and team practices will start the first week in March at the Turf.

**NEW** Parent Information

As an all-volunteer organization, the GSLW relies on its families for volunteer support. One option we are looking into based on early feedback and leading practices from other leagues is a Volunteer Bond program designed to promote and encourage more volunteers in a variety of roles throughout the season, both on the field and off. We will continue to share updates as we get closer to our Spring season on this and any other initiatives and programs throughout the year.