Sparks

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Sparks is Santa Clara's premier summer tournament team that plays in 5-6 tournaments at a fun and increased competitive level.  Sparks divisions are 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U (TBD).  Sparks tournaments run from late May through mid-July.  The Sparks teams travel to tournaments throughout the Bay area. Try outs are open to girls who play Santa Clara PAL-Gal recreational softball during the 2021 season. Players develop new skills and take their ability to a new level. Great friendships, great memories, and plenty of great softball await our Sparks teams for summer 2021! 

Depending on the county situation, Sparks tryouts will be the last Saturday in April. 

 
Managers and evaluators will take into consideration the following when determining player team placement: 

• Base Running
• Hitting
• Fielding
• Position Drills
• Overall athletic ability
• Sportsmanship
• Current season performance
• Feedback from current season managers 

Expected costs for the 2021 season will be approximately $500-$550. Personal equipment and travel expenses are not included. Families can expect to contribute (money, items and help) to shared meals, snacks and drinks for the team. 

Families may expect at least 3 practices a week and tournaments on weekends starting on Memorial Day to mid-July  (some tournaments will have Friday night games).  There will be about 2 or 3 weekends off from tournament play.  Playing time will be based on performance at practices.  Every player is expected to arrive on time to practice and games, ready to play, and with needed equipment. Players/families MUST commit to 5-6 tournaments from May – mid July.  Of course, we recognize that the summer is prime vacation season > so we ask that you have those conversations with your Sparks manager early on. 

Santa Clara PAL sponsors all of our tournament teams, allowing Sparks to play in our own  Tony Sanchez tournament for free and also in two additional tournaments.  For this to happen, when SC PAL hosts their tournament the weekend of May 24-26, it is requested  for families to work anywhere from 4-9 volunteer hours. A more detailed sign up schedule will be communicated to you by your team parent closer to the tournament weekend. If you are interested in assistant coaching or being a team parent, please contact your Sparks manager  or a board member.

Generally, Sparks will play two weekends and then get a weekend off starting with our first  tournament on Memorial Day weekend.  

Sparks travel is typically limited to the local bay area, but can take them to Tahoe, San Diego or several other locations depending on how  teams perform in their association tournament.  Saturday is typically pool play to establish seeding (between 2-3 games, with an occasional Friday  night game).  Sunday is typically single elimination play based on seeding, keep winning – keep playing!  At minimum there will be 4 games per tournament; there may be as many as 6 or 7. 

If you have questions about the Sparks teams, expectations, requirements or tryouts > please email the Santa Clara PAL Softball Board at scpalsoftball@gmail.com, we're happy to answer your questions! 

Respectfully, 

Your Santa Clara PAL Softball Board