FAQ
Learn more about what to expect when you join the GAL community! If you have a question that isn't answered here, send it to info@galsoftball.org and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
When does the season run?
The spring/summer softball season starts in April and lasts through June. The Firecracker season tournament ends the season the last week of June.
GAL also offers a short and sweet late summer/fall season August-September, which is typically a one-game-per-week commitment.
What are the GAL divisions and age brackets?
Spring/summer season:
| Division | Grades |
| Coach Pitch | Kindergarten - 2nd grade |
| 10u - Minors | 3rd - 4th grade |
| 13u - Majors | 5th - 7th grade |
| 19u - High School | 8th - 12th grade + 19-year-olds |
Fall season divisions vary and are determined based on final registrations.
Can I request to be on the same team as a friend?
Yes, you may add a friend request as part of the registration process. Friend requests are limited to one, as one of the goals of GAL softball is to encourage new friendships across the entire league.
Should I sign up if I've never played before?
Yes! GAL Softball is for players of all experience levels. There are no tryouts and no pressure. Your coaches and teammates will support you as you learn the basics and develop your softball skills.
What is the time commitment?
Spring/Summer season
| Division | Game Days |
| Coach Pitch | Sundays and Thursdays |
| 10u - Minors | Saturdays and Wednesdays |
| 13u - Majors | Saturdays and Tuesdays |
| 19u - High School | Sundays and Mondays |
13u and 19u play double headers on the weekend and a single game on the weeknights. 10u plays 1-2 double headers per season, dependent on the number of teams registered to play.
10u, 13u and 19u teams will have one practice during the week that will be determined when the season starts based on field availability. Coach Pitch has an optional practice based on parent and coach schedules.
Fall season
All teams have games just once a week, on Sundays, at Optimist Field during the fall season. Practices, if the team chooses to have them, would be held on Saturdays.
We understand families have other obligations and vacations during the season. Please communicate with your coach if your player will be absent for a game. This is a huge help to coaches when preparing lineups.
What equipment do I need?
All you need is a glove and some good athletic shoes to play! GAL provides all other equipment.
Beyond that, here are a few helpful things to know:
- Face shields are highly recommended when playing infield positions. You can find these at sporting goods stores. GAL has limited quantities available for team usage.
- GAL provides bats and batting helmets for teams to share. You are welcome to purchase your own and bring them if you prefer.
- If purchasing your own bat, look for a slowpitch bat with the USSSA seal, and ensure the bat is the appropriate length and weight for your athlete.
- Softball shoes are great to have, but metal spikes/cleats are not allowed.
- Black athletic shorts or softball shorts/pants are recommended.
How much does it cost to play?
Spring/summer season
- Coach pitch (K-2) is $185 per player.
- All other ages are $210 per player.
Your spring/summer season registration fee includes a softball jersey.
Multi-player discounts available for families registering 2+ kids for the summer season!
- Save $40 on your second player.
- Save $75 on your third player.
- Save $150 when you enroll 4+ players.
Fall season
$50 per player. Your registration includes a team t-shirt.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes. If joining GAL is cost-prohibitive to your family, please contact us at president@galsoftball.org to obtain scholarship information. We believe all girls who want to play should be able to play, regardless of family income or any other factor.
Where are games and practices?
Games and practices are primarily hosted at Optimist Field (Glen Lake Park) in Minnetonka and at Legacy fields on the Minnetonka High School campus. At times and depending on availability, scheduling and construction, other nearby fields are used.
You can find information and directions to our fields on our facilities page.
Does GAL have more competitive teams?
Yes. The GAL travel softball program, which is invitation-only, offers a higher level of competition and skill building. GAL travel athletes play in local/regional tournaments and have additional practices and scrimmages with teams outside GAL. The travel softball season usually starts right after our regular season, culminating in the state tournament at the end of July. Participating in travel comes with a small additional expense to cover tournament expenses, which is determined at the start of every season.
Where can I find game information?
GAL uses the SportsEngine app to connect you with your schedule and communicate with coaches. Please download the app and check it regularly for team communications and information on game times and locations. See the web help page for more information and links to download the app.
How do I sign up to work concessions?
Please use the Dibs page to sign up for a few concession stand shifts at Optimist Field each season. It's easy, fun and it's the best view of the game! We rely on parent volunteers to keep the concession stand open. Thank you for your help!
How can parents get involved?
At GAL, we encourage parents to be supportive of all athletes, coaches, umpires and organizers. Cheer loud, encourage the players, enjoy the games and be a role model for good sportsmanship.
We also rely on parent volunteers to coach, run concession stands during games, help out at GAL's social events and communicate with coaches about player absences. Please sign up for volunteer opportunities throughout the season.
If you're really passionate about the sport and the league, we want you to join the GAL board!
Parents can play many roles in sports: current or former athlete, coach, fan, motivator, role model or critic. Studies have shown that family members may influence an athlete’s involvement and achievement in sport more than coaches. Parents also are the first and most critical agents at socializing sports.
What's the difference between slowpitch vs. fastpitch softball?
The key difference between these two sports is that slowpitch is a hitter's game, while fastpitch is a pitcher's game. Once the batter hits the ball, the games are essentially the same. In slowpitch, there's a lot more hitting so the games have much more action in the field and on the basepaths.
The higher level of hitting in slowpitch means that defense is a key part of the game. Slowpitch softball gives players a lot of experience fielding, throwing and positioning.
A common misconception is that the slowpitch game isn't very competitive or is played loosely. The GAL recreational (house) games are meant to strike a good balance between competitiveness and fun. You'll see the girls running hard, diving for fly balls and making incredible defensive plays. Come watch a high school game sometime and you'll see how competitive they are!
Why play slowpitch if the high school path is fastpitch softball?
Slowpitch softball players get a lot of experience in defensive and baserunning skills, so slowpitch is a great place to start playing ball and building skills before shifting to fastpitch, if that's their preference. In fact, a number of local varsity players got their start in GAL and switched to fastpitch in their junior high years.
Many slowpitch players stick with GAL throughout their high school years for the camaraderie they've built with teammates and the balance GAL offers to both players and families.
