BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA

At Northwest Little League, we strive to ensure we deliver on a high quality experience for each player, as well as the coaches teaching them, and the spectators cheering them all on. Recently we sent out a survey to our families gauging how satisfied they were in 14 areas of the program, ranging across areas such as the registration process, fields, practices and games, time commitments, communication, and others. We received a great response to the survey and we are very thankful for the time taken by each one that submitted it and their comments. We were very pleased to see the majority of the results positive and know the program is trending in a good way.

However as with anything there’s always room for improvement – and the Council has reviewed the results and put a plan in place to help address the areas of most concern. In an effort to be fully transparent with our league, the following areas are being planned for improvement:

Uniforms
It was clear that the uniforms received just no longer cut it. Other leagues have gone to a dry-fit, sublimated jersey that the player gets to keep – and rightfully – we will too! Starting next spring the shirts will be higher-quality, dry-fit, and sublimated – and players will still get to keep them at the end of the season.

Field Quality
There’s no doubt about it, we’re lucky to have the great complex we do with all of the fields together in one place, the indoor batting cages, and the always popular concession stand. But we also know the fields need to be improved for appearance, but also for playing conditions. Some of the items we’re planning:

1. Contracting with vendor to cut the weeds regularly every two weeks
2. Reviewing drainage possibilities for our fields to clear them of water quicker after rain
3. Warning tracks and wind screens for our outfield fences
4. Installing a scoreboard on the upper softball field and ensuring the others are in working order
5. Leveling out the areas around home plate, and other areas in need

Number of Practices
Typically once the season starts, practices are at a minimum in order to use the fields to accommodate the games, however we will be reviewing the schedules to ensure a more constructive use of field time, increased practice times, and overall quality of practices.

Players and Coaches Clinics
We are reviewing programs and group lessons that can be taught at the field as an extension to the program that players can benefit from, whether it be pitching, hitting, or fielding. Additionally, we’ll be looking to select a few coaches to attend practical training, who can then lead annual coaches clinics prior to the season to ensure all coaches are at the same level of understanding.

With your voices and the improvement plan put in place, we hope to ensure Northwest Little League's strength for many years in the future. It is critical to remind that everyone that helps at Northwest at entirely volunteer-based. This includes managers, coaches, and the council. There are a few people who donate literally, hundreds of hours of their time over the course of the year. As a volunteer-based organization we are always looking for more help in any way possible - even if it's just for a day or two to help with some of the field projects, or whether it be longer by taking a team on to help coach or manage. Should you have any desire to volunteer, please reach out to the council at Northwest by using the contact form below.

 The Northwest Youth Athletic Association Council is pleased to announce that the Northwest fields are now smoke and tobacco free! At Northwest, we care about the safety of all players and their fans that attend any of their events. To that end, the NYAA Council has approved a motion to make smoking and use of tobacco at all Northwest fields and the snack stand area prohibited. Please note, this includes e-cigarettes, vaping, cigars, and chewing tobacco.

Signage has also been installed at various areas of the complex.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Brian Shellock at shellockb@gmail.com, or contact any member of the NYAA Council, using the contact form at the bottom of this page.

New to the Northwest Little League website is a page dedicated to the local sponsors of our baseball and softball program. Please take a minute to visit the page now, found in the menu at the top of this page, or simply click here. 

Interested in becoming a sponsor of Northwest Little League? We offer several affordable, and flexible plans! Find out more information by contacting the Ways and Means committee by using the contact form below.