Youth baseball eyes getting games in this summer; soccer also now has the green light

Since Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced that youth baseball, softball and also now soccer teams can begin play on July 6 as Covid-19 restrictions ease plans are now being put together to get some local baseball games in this summer.

Those plans include attempting to set up a schedule of games for teams from the Medina, Lyndonville and Albion Leagues.

Medina LOYAL Baseball President Chris Goyette stated in a Facebook post Saturday that  “with the state now setting July 6th as the date to open up for baseball, we would like to get the word out to everyone and gauge level of interest in playing some organized baseball.

“Right now we are planning to set up a schedule of games with the  Albion and Lyndonville youth baseball leagues. The ages for which we are offering this for is going to be 7-12 based off May 1st birthdate.

“We are looking to run the program from July 6th  till end of August, with the potential to go well into September based on if LOYAL football proceeds with their season this year.

“If anyone has any questions regarding this potential baseball season feel free to reach out to me using my email. Also if you are definitely interested and would like your child  to participate please email me with you and your child name, child birthdate, and jersey size. My email is cgoyette2113@gmail.com.”

Soccer also hoping to get some competition in

Although the regions’ two main youth soccer leagues, the Buffalo and Western New York Youth soccer League and the Rochester District Youth Soccer League, both cancelled their seasons last month due to the Covid-19 Pandemic the Governor’s easing of restrictions as of July 6 now opens the door for some local competition.

“I think we can go out and do something to get the kids some competition,” said Carl Creasey who coaches the Albion Raptors girls soccer team which competes in the RDYSL. “We certainly need to be careful of everyone’s health and safety and the New York State West Soccer Association has issued guidance for teams. There are plenty of things in the guidance that are really easy to follow.”

“Practice and scrimmages are what we are looking to try to do at the start,” added Creasey whose is hopefull of being able to work with some other local teams to get in scrimmages or practice games.

“I think it is a possibility to get in some competition for the kids,” added Creasey who notes that getting insurance coverage and connecting with other local teams that might also be able play are the first steps for teams like the Raptors to take in order to be able to begin to practice and scrimmage.