The purpose of the Tide softball program is to feed our high schools with solid and competitive players.  Since the dissolution of Santa Barbara Youth Softball in the 1990's, the high school programs at Santa Barbara and San Marcos have been unsustainable.  By giving 24 kids in each division the opportunity to play in the fall against top level teams I hope to see more talented young athletes spread out among our high school teams.  Cumulative years of this fall program will produce more advanced level players per every four year increment.  Therefore, it's reasonable to say that the success of this program could serve to balance out the high schools.  Our secondary purpose is to support our local ASA all-star programs.  In order to compete in southern ASA, our girls simply  need more in depth training.  And our final objective is met by giving players the opportunity to play club level softball year round if they so choose.

RECAP OF the FALL OF 2009, 10u Tide.

The SB Tide program was offered to all players who played all-stars the previous summer making it a "no-cut" program.  The girls had to be age eligible for 10u in the spring of 2010, with an exception of a couple of needed players to compete the roster for one tournament.  Many of the players have a primary sport other than softball in the fall, and it's appropriate at their age that they choose their primary sports based on the season. We held practices twice weekly from Sept-Nov, and typically had 10-13 players at each practice. We participated in several friendlies (hosting three of them at home).  We played in the PFX Tour tournament in Fresno, giving the girls the opportunity to see two pro games, attend pro player run clinics, and meet and greet them for autographs.  It was inspiring and motivating for all who attended.

Primary Program Supporters Include:

Thanks to Jack Coy, (San Marcos HS) and Jeff Dell (Santa Barbara HS) for your support.  Thanks to the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation for their unending support of softball in our community and to the SB Elks Club for their continued support.

Travel Ball

We register as an A ball team, which is called Travel ball (Club).  However, we go dark in the spring, meaning that Tide players are eligible for spring and summer recreational play.

It's well known that all of the best players come out of the year round travel ball programs and the biggest question that I get from parents is "when do we make the switch?" Here's my answer:  Playing fall travel can delay that decision. First, play fall travel ball to gain the experience and return to the rec league the following year.  It doesn't have to be a choice between travel or rec when the kids are so young.  It can be a gradual process.  All of the 09 Tide players are returning to the league. 

SB ELKS CLUB:  We are a registered non-profit and are supported by the Santa Barbara Elks Club.  The 2010 season will see even more support from the Elks including fundraising assistance, food preparation at our home friendlies, and updates in the Elks Club Newsletter.