Summer Program: 8u TRAVEL
8U Program Information
Stillwater Fastpitch was established in 1984 to promote the development of a quality, competitive level of girls fastpitch softball in the St.Croix Valley Area. This program is committed to the development of potential Stillwater Area High School softball players. The 8U program focuses on development over wins with equitable playing time prioritized by coaches.
SAFA’s 8U program is designed to meet the varying needs of the girls within the Stillwater Community. SAFA offers two programs aimed at creating a fun, inclusive and development environment for girls of all abilities.
Eligibility:
Age level is determined by birth year. See the age eligibility chart.
8U TRAVEL PROGRAM:
This program requires a commitment level of 3x per week with travel commitments. A typical schedule includes 2 practices and 1 game night per week. There will be three tournament weekends, including a State tournament in July. Weeknight travel locations could include neighboring communities or Farmington, Grantsburg, WI and other metro locations. The state tournament location may require a hotel stay. Attendance for practice and games is required.
Tryout & Evaluation Information
Evaluations for the 8U Summer traveling program will be held in the fall at the following locations/times:
LOCATION: Stillwater High School, Varsity Field and Field #2
- 5701 Stillwater Blvd, Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
DATE: Sunday, August 30th
TIME: 10:00AM-3:00PM
- Players will be assigned a specific time-slot within the time frames above, depending on group sizes. The final schedule will be emailed to participants closer to the try-out date.
- Players should arrive at least 30 minutes before their tryout start time to check in and warm up.
Evaluation areas may include:
- Hitting
- Infield
- Outfield
- Arm Strength/Running
Players will be evaluated by independent evaluators using standardized scoring criteria to support fair team placement. The SAFA selection committee will perform team formations based on tryout scores and prior coach evaluation and input.
There will be no additional make-ups for tryouts. Players who miss will be evaluated based on prior coach input, stats, etc.
Travel Training Schedule:
**Optional practice opportunities may be scheduled in November-December depending on coach availability and facility space.
January-March
- Monthly instruction from Stillwater High School coaching staff
- Hitting 2X a month
- Defensive Training
- Speed & Agility training
April - July
- 2 practices a week
- 1 league game night each week in May/June
- 3 tournaments, including State tournament
Interested in Coaching?
Coaching interviews will be conducted after teams are formed. Parents interested must sign up to be a head or assistant coach when registering. To help with having a successful 2027 season, we encourage parents to sign up for coaching during this registration period.
8U Program FAQS:
How old does my child need to be to play?
The recommended age is at least 7 years old (1st grade). If the evaluation committee feels there is a safety risk you will be notified and fully refunded.
Does my child need prior softball experience?
No! Both programs are designed to teach girls how to play and develop as softball players. We welcome anyone who hasn’t played before and look forward to growing the game!
Will my child be placed with other children from her school?
Maybe! For our inhouse program, we try to accommodate friend requests but cannot guarantee placement based on a variety of factors including skill, number of teams and league placement. During in-house registration, you will be able to submit friend requests.
Placement on a travel team is based on the evaluation process and SAFA team formation committee.
Why the New Model for the 8U Traveling Program?
This new structure allows players and coaches to build stronger team continuity throughout the year and enhance overall player development and team experience. Players are also better prepared for evaluations closer to the summer and fall seasons. The structure also allows winter development opportunities and increased training time before the spring season. Tournament planning and scheduling can also begin as early as December and January.
How long does the season run?
8u Travel season begins in mid-April and end in July. The travel season may stretch longer depending on National qualifier tournaments which typically are scheduled at the end of July. Winter training for the travel program begins in January.
What is the game format?
The format is 60 minute games using a pitchball machine. Travel rules can be found on the Minnesota Softball Website
Teams will practice 1-2x per week, in addition to game nights. Sample schedules are provided in the annual parent letter. All practices and home games will be held at local fields, primarily Stillwater Middle School, Lily Lake and Stillwater High School.
Is equipment provided?
Each team is provided a set of catcher’s gear, 2 bats, practice balls, an equipment bag and other coaching aids.
What equipment do I need?
A glove, facemask and cleats. The majority of players also have their own bat but this is not a requirement.
What is the refund policy if my child doesn’t like it?
There are no refunds after teams are formed.
What is fall ball?
Fall ball is another option with separate registration to play a 6 week condensed season. There is 1 practice and 1 (doubleheader) game day for 5 weeks followed by a state tournament. The intent of this league is to be relaxed with focus on fun and keeping the girls engaged.
FEES:
8U Travel: $475.00
A payment plan option is available during registration.
Deposit due upon registration: $175
Payment 2 (processed Oct 1st): $150
Payment 3 (processed Nov 1st): $150
Should finances be a hardship for your family, SAFA partners with Youth Advantage for assistance for those who qualify.
What is included in my registration?
8U travel program includes MN Softball League fees, tournament fees, uniform (one jersey, pants, socks), sweatshirt and off-season training (beginning January 2027)
Additional SAFA registration costs may be associated with equipment, fields, gym space, field supplies, umpires, evaluations and various administrative costs.
DIBS will be an integral part of running our program this year, as our volunteers are vital to keeping it running smoothly. Details for the DIBS program in 2027 will be given to you sometime before the 2027 season begins.
For information on our 8u INHOUSE league, click HERE