January is registration time for playing SYAC softball in the spring. Girls from kindergarten through eighth grade are invited to sign up to learn to play the game of softball in fun league competition on ball fields all around Syosset and Woodbury.

The following dates are announced for parents and children to come to H.B. Thompson Middle School for registration and for a skills evaluation for the purpose of assembling softball teams: January 14 for Pony League (grades 2-3), January 22 for Junior League (grades 4-5), and January 28 for Senior League (grades 6-7-8). Registration is open from 7 to 10 p.m. Please try to come on the night set aside for your daughter's age group.

New this year is Parent Orientation and Registration for girls in Instructional League (grades K-1). This will take place January 8 between 7 and 10 p.m. Children are welcome to attend, but since there is no skills evaluation for this age group their presence is not required.

All other age groups will have a skills evaluation, and for this girls should wear sneakers (no cleats!) and bring a fielder's glove. Please leave jewelry at home. The cost of the season is $105 per child, and parents must pay by check or cash at registration.

All girls in grades 2 through 8 must register in person and with their own parents. You may not register someone else's kids.

SYAC softball games are played on weeknights. The season will begin in early April and extend to playoffs in early June, except in Instructional League, where there are no playoffs. Skills clinics will be offered on Saturdays, dates to be announced.

Teams are coached by parent volunteers, and parents who are interested in coaching may sit for a brief interview with board members at registration. Parents, local businesses and practices are invited to sponsor teams at a cost of $225.

SYAC also has a travel program that plays on weekends in the fall and spring and on weeknights in summer. Tryouts are held in late May and early June, and interested players should sign up for travel tryouts at January registration. For more information: www.syacgs.org.