Welcome to Whalley Little League

Welcome to Whalley Little League (WLL). We are excited to have your family as
part of our community and look forward to a fun, positive, and rewarding
baseball season.

Whalley Little League is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization that has
proudly served families since 1956. Our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive,
and development-focused baseball program for players aged 4–14 with options for 14+, while
fostering teamwork, confidence, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love of the game.

This Welcome Package provides an overview of how our league operates, what to expect
throughout the season, and how families support the league through volunteering and
participation.

League Divisions at a Glance

League Age 4 – Blastball
• One game on Saturday or Sunday (games last for an hour)
• No weekday practices
League Age 5–7 – Minis
• One game on Saturday and one game on Sunday (games last for an hour)
• Typically one weekday practice
League Age 7 - 8 – Rookies
• One game on Saturday, one game on Sunday, and one weekday game (games last 1:45)
• Typically two weekday practices
League Age 9–12 – Minors
• One game on Saturday, one game on Sunday, and one weekday game (games last 1:45)
• Typically two to three weekday practices
League Age 9–12 – Majors
• One game on Saturday, one game on Sunday, and one weekday game (games last 1:45)
• Typically two to three weekday practices
League Age 13–14 – Juniors
• Possibly double-headers on weekends (games last over 2 hours)
• Typically three to four weekday practices

Coaching & Manager Opportunities

All teams are led by volunteer Managers (Head Coaches) and Coaches (typically 2 per team). These
roles are typically confirmed between February and March.

No previous coaching experience is required. Many of our coaches are parents who are new to
baseball and are supported by the league through training, resources, and mentorship. Families
interested in coaching are encouraged to express interest early during registration.
Criminal Record Check (Required)
For the safety of our players, all parents serving in coaching or managerial roles must complete a
Criminal Record Check, as required by Little League Canada.

Season Timeline - The Spring Season games typically runs from early April through mid-June.

• February: Major tryouts and Minor evaluations
• March: Rookie and Minor evaluations, Minis team sorting
• April: Season begins, Opening Ceremonies, Picture Day, Monday Clinics
• May: Amanda Asay Girls Baseball Tournament (hosted by Whalley)
• June: Bat-a-Thon, Summer Ball tryouts, Closing Ceremonies
• Summer: Summer Ball and Girls Baseball (June–August)
• Fall Ball: September to October until weather permits. Dependent on Coach availability per
division; registration begins in July-August)
Specific dates and event details will be communicated via email.

Evaluations & Team Formation

Evaluations are used to help create balanced teams and place players at the appropriate level.
• Teams are formed as early as March 1
• Evaluations are required for players league age 7 and older
• Evaluation information is emailed starting in January
• Evaluations take place throughout March
Please check your email regularly, as this is our primary method of communication.

Player Equipment Requirements

Families are responsible for providing the following:
• Gray baseball pants (white pants for Majors and Juniors division)
• Baseball glove
• Bat (USA Baseball–stamped bats only)
• Batting helmet
• Cleats
• Protective cup (boys) or jill (girls) — mandatory for players league age 8 and older

Field Locations

For players 12 and under, ALL games are played at:

Whalley Athletic Park.
10665 University Drive, Surrey

Practices may take place at:
• Whalley Little League Park, or
• Kwantlen Park (106 Ave & 130 St – approximately a 2-minute drive away)

Players in the Junior Division play home games at D3; away games vary depending on opponent.

Team Parent Role

Each team selects a Team Parent to assist with organization and communication throughout the
season. The Team Parent acts as a liaison between families and the coaching staff to help ensure
the season runs smoothly.

Responsibilities may include:
• Coordinating and assigning parent duties
• Posting updates and volunteer sign-ups in TeamSnap
• Collecting volunteer deposit cheques
• Distributing and collecting Picture Day forms
• Managing jersey and uniform distribution and returns
• Supporting team-building activities

TeamSnap & Parent Responsibilities

TeamSnap is our primary communication and scheduling platform.
All families are required to:
• Download and regularly use the TeamSnap app
• Confirm player attendance for games and practices
• Monitor messages from Managers, Coaches, and Team Parents
Volunteer duties are shared across families and posted in TeamSnap. Families are encouraged to
sign up early for preferred roles.

Game-Day Volunteer Roles
Each game requires parent support to operate successfully. Required roles include:

• Scorekeeper (training provided)
• Pitch Counter (training provided)
• Scoreboard Operator (D2, D3 & D5 only; online training provided)
• Field Prep (2–3 volunteers before games)
• Field Cleanup (2–3 volunteers after games)

Optional roles include music and player announcements using the Ballpark DJ app.
Teams are responsible for cleaning dugouts and spectator areas after each game.

Field Prep & Cleanup Responsibilities
Field Prep (Home Games – begins 1 hour before game time):
• Rake the infield
• Line bases and home plate
• Set bases at first, second, and third
Field Cleanup (Away Games):
• Rake the infield
• Store bases and equipment
• D2 & D5: secure screens and dugouts, cover mound and home plate, return batting cages
• Clean dugouts and lock gates

Volunteer Requirements (Important)

Whalley Little League is entirely volunteer-run, without volunteers, the league cannot operate.

Volunteer Signup

Volunteer sign-up information will be emailed when available.
Volunteer cheques will be collected by your Team Manager/Coach/Team Coordinator.

Volunteer Deposit:
• $300 volunteer deposit cheque per player (maximum two per family)
• Payable to: Whalley Little League
• Post-dated: June 15, 2026
• Player’s full name written in the memo line

Volunteer deposit cheques are securely destroyed once required hours are completed.

Volunteer Hours
• Six (6) volunteer hours for 1st player and 9 if you if you have 2 or more kids
• Managers and two Coaches per team are exempt
• Game-day duties are required in addition to volunteer hours

Players may not participate in scheduled games until volunteer cheques are received.

Volunteer Opportunities

• League work parties and field maintenance
• Concession and merchandise table
• Bat-a-Thon support
• Website work
• Skilled trades (electrical, carpentry, mechanical, welding)
• Photography and videography
• Photo Day coordination
• Parents with trucks for spring clean-up
For specialized volunteer roles, please contact vicepresident@whalleylittleleague.com.

Bat-a-Thon – Our Annual Fundraiser

Bat-a-Thon is Whalley Little League’s only annual fundraiser and one of the most anticipated
events of the season. This long-standing tradition has been part of the league and typically takes
place in early June.

Why Bat-a-Thon Matters
• Supports equipment purchases, field maintenance, and player development
• Helps the league qualify for up to $20,000 in BC Gaming Grant funding
• Teaches players the value of teamwork, effort, and community support
How Families Can Participate
• Online fundraising opens in May
• Families may help secure corporate sponsors (tax receipts provided)
• Sponsorships may be credited toward individual player goals

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities- Open now!

As our only annual fundraiser, the Bat-a-Thon plays a critical role in helping us maintain quality
equipment, facilities, and programs.

Benefits of Becoming a Sponsor?

Businesses that support Whalley Little League through Bat-a-Thon sponsorship receive:
• A custom advertising sign displayed at our main field
• Logo and business name promotion on both the league and Bat-a-Thon websites
• Public address (PA) acknowledgements during games and tournaments

• An advertisement in the league program for the season or the Rally in the Valley event
• A charitable sponsorship receipt

If you are interested in approaching a potential sponsor or if you have any questions, please contact
us at vicepresident@whalleylittleleague.com.

Summer Ball & Tournament Opportunities

Following the Spring Season, players interested in a more competitive experience may be invited to
try out for Summer Ball and tournament teams beginning at league age 7. Participation in Summer
Ball requires additional volunteer commitments for Whalley-hosted games and tournaments.

Tournament pathways include:
• Rookies (8’s and 7/8’s)
• Districts LA 9/10, LA 9/10 Selects, LA 11/12 & LA 11/12 Selects
• Provincials LA 9/10 & LA 11/12
• Intermediate
• Juniors
League Age 12 All-Stars may advance to Districts, Provincials, Nationals, and ultimately the Little
League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Whalley Little League has proudly represented Canada seven times, most recently in 2024.

Staying Connected

We love seeing families engaged throughout the season. Please tag us when sharing your Little
League moments:

• Facebook: Whalley Little League
• Instagram: @whalleylittleleague

Get Ready with Whalley Gear

Visit our team store for updated Whalley apparel:
http://whalleylittleleague.entripyshops.com

Exclusive Player Discounts

Whalley Little League families receive preferred pricing at our supplier partners:
• MVP Athletic Supplies – 10% discount (Excludes bats)
• Prostock Athletic Supply – 10% discount (Excludes bats)
• Source for Sports (Surrey & Coquitlam locations) – 15% discount

Please mention Whalley Little League at the time of purchase to receive your discount.
We appreciate our supplier partners for supporting our players and families.

Code of Conduct & Sportsmanship

Whalley Little League is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all
players, families, volunteers, and spectators. All participants and attendees are expected to
conduct themselves in a manner that reflects good sportsmanship, respect for others, and
adherence to Little League policies at all times, both on and off the field.

This includes (but is not limited to):
• Respecting players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and fellow spectators
• Refraining from abusive language, harassment, or inappropriate behavior
• Supporting all athletes in a positive and encouraging manner
• Following all park rules and league policies

Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including immediate
removal from the park, suspension, and up to and including expulsion from Whalley Little League.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a positive and memorable experience for every
child.

Thank you for choosing Whalley Little League.

Our volunteers, coaches, and board members are committed to supporting players and families throughout the season.
We look forward to welcoming you to the park and sharing a great season of baseball together.

Whalley Little League Board of Directors