For players starting at age 9, we offer a competitive softball option. Players will compete in 4-5 Regional NAFA tournaments over the course of the season. These usually offer "4-Game Guarantees" which results in at least 16 games played. Tournaments are spread throughout the season so you don't have to worry about being gone every weekend. Last year, we played mostly in Newberg but could play tournaments in other cities around the valley such as West Linn, Eugene, Keizer, etc.
*Player must be within the designated age group as defined in the 2026 Spring Softball Age Chart.
*Players wishing to join an MYS team will need to go through an evaluation to determine appropriate level of competition. The evaluation process is used as a try-out for our teams. Players wishing to play MYS are not guaranteed a spot and will have the option to play softball through Keizer Little League if not chosen for one of our teams.
What Is McNary Youth Softball??
Briana Brewer(McNary HS Softball Coach), along with AJ Burke(McNary HS Assistant Coach), were discussing the future of softball in Keizer and the need to offer a highly competitive, local option that rivals typical "tournament teams" without the extreme cost and travel they entail. The thought was to ensure that McNary HS continues to have a consistent stream of high level players who have played together for years before they enter high school. Currently, tournament level softball players are scattered throughout other teams, with none that are actually based in Keizer.
The plan focuses on practicing and learning fundamentals without the pressure of a tournament every weekend. Practices are usually coordinated after McNary HS softball practices and use the McNary facilities.
What Is NAFA??
NAFA hosts tournaments and events through Spring, Summer and into Fall, with games for every level of play. Providing some of the best Umpires in the area, great fields, and trophies and individual medals for Championship winners in both the upper and lower bracket. NAFA brings over 30 years of passion and experience to each season and the tournament directors know that in every aspect of the game, fastpitch is a team sport.
Oregon NAFA: https://www.youthfastpitch.org/
NAFA Divisions:
A: Elite, top-tier teams for ages 12U and up.
B: Strongly competitive tier for experienced players, usually teams made up of all second year players.
C: A developmental yet competitive tier. This is where most teams play.
Age Breakdown:
10U: Typically 4th & 5th Grade (3rd graders can try-out)
12U: Typically 6th & 7th Grade
14U: Typically 8th & 9th Grade
Game & Practice Schedules:
Games: Sat/Sun Tournaments.
Practices: Two Per Week. Weeknights. (Coach's Discretion)
Tryouts / Team Placement Process
Try-outs will be held in Mid-February with dates communicated through this website, email, and social media. Each player MUST attend at least one try-out in order to be considered for an MYS team. These try-outs generally last about 90 minutes and will consist of rotating groups of players through different skill events. Coaches and Assistants will be observing and scoring each player. The scores from all observers are then added up and averaged out. While evaluation scores are important in the team draft, they are NOT the only factor in picking a player for a particular team. Many variables go into player selection. The coaches will be looking for overall player skill level, coachability/attitude, positional skills needed (pitcher, catcher, short-stop, etc), and more.
A typical team is made up of between 11-13 players.
MYS team selections are based primarily to create the best team we can make at each age level. Our goal is to place all players on a team where they can excel – at a level with players of similar skill, and emotional maturity. Our decisions are intended to improve the overall growth and success of our players and we strive to deliver the best experience for our players and families as possible. Because of this, coach and player requests are not offered or guaranteed.
Team invitations will be sent out after each try-out session. Prompt responses are appreciated as all teams need to be finalized no later than March 2nd. Please keep in mind that there will be no refunds after accepting a position on a team.
All kids will have the opportunity to play softball. If you are not invited to play on an MYS team, you will still have the opportunity to play softball with Keizer Little League. We strongly believe that every kid that wants to play, should play, if possible, so we are partnering with Keizer Little League to make that happen.
What Happens After I Accept A Team Invitation?
Once teams are finalized, the coach will reach out with more specifics about the season and their expectations. While official practices don't begin until mid-March, the coach might begin optional practices and workouts earlier in March after the basketball season concludes.
For a list of expected equipment, visit our buying guide page here.
For the 2026 season, we expect to have one softball team each for the following levels: 10U and 12U.
*For more information about the upcoming season, check out our 2026 Spring Softball Season Info page.
More Questions?
If you have any other questions about the softball program, contact AJ Burke at [email protected].