"There are a lot of programs parents can't afford, and that got me thinking, `Why not create a league where kids are able to play for free?'" White said. "I wanted kids not to be left out. During the summer, some kids see their friends playing and they're not able to." 

Although the league is in its infancy stages, co-organizer Rob Brantley said the league plans on having the first league player meeting on May 31. He said the players would come from 12 schools: Campbell, McGregor, Westport, Bissett, York, Weaver, Boyd Williams, Bowerman, Robberson, Freemont, and Watkins. 

"We decided on these schools because the are all located in Northwest Springfield. It seemed to make the most sense," he said. 

Brantley said the coaches would include adults from the community and "coach mentors" from other schools. 

"We are looking for older kids to be `coach mentors'," he said. "They will come from Jarrett, Study, Reed, Parkview, Central, Hillcrest, and area colleges." 

White said the league would be completely sponsor driven, so community sponsors will be an important aspect. 

"Currently we are searching for sponsors, volunteers, and coaches," he said. 

"If you think about it, it doesn't really cost much to run a league. It takes someone sitting down and giving an avenue. Right now we are getting organized, and it takes time to do that." 

One way the league is getting organized is with the help of the Springfield/Greene County Park Board. The Park Board has partnered with the league organizers and is helping establish rules and guidelines, schedule games, and put the teams together. 

Another member of the community that has decided to help the league get started is Springfield Public Schools (SPS). 

"We are very willing to try to get information out to kids," SPS Athletic Director Mark Fisher said. "Anything that helps kids, and it looks like this program is trying to help, and gets kids involved in softball, is a good idea to us. 

"Softball for young ladies in the area is still in its early stages and anything like these leagues will help promote better softball." 

Fisher said he also thought the league was a good idea because it was free. 

"This is great for those who can't afford to be on a travel team and be in another league," he said. 

Brantley said they expect the league to include 10-12 teams, with teams being coed and split up to include 2nd to 5th graders and 6th to 8th graders. He said the games are tentatively scheduled to start on July 12. 

White said this league would be great for all the kids in the Northwest Springfield community. 

"This will give kids something to do during the summer and a chance to learn to work as a team, and to gather social skills from being around kids their own age during the summer," he said.