Even though the calendar says January, Octorara Area Little League (OALL) members are already thinking about warmer temperatures and the start of the spring 2024 season.

Registration is currently underway for spring play at the league's website, http://www.octoraralittleleague.org, and the deadline to register is at midnight on Saturday, Feb. 10.

Boys and girls ages 3 to 16 are invited to participate. "We are projected to have over 20 teams and (more than) 200 players for the spring 2024 season," said Brianna Kowalchik, the league's events/social media coordinator. "Practices will begin in the middle of March, and games will commence in early April. We will officially kick off the season with our opening-day festivities on Saturday, April 13."  

Games are played at the league's main fields, 325 N. Bridge St., Christiana. The four fields are located behind the Christiana Lions Club building, and there is also a concession stand.

Octorara Little League is volunteer-run, and its mission statement reads, in part, "Our dedicated coaches and volunteers are committed to instilling values of teamwork, discipline and responsibility, both on and off the field."

"Everyone on the board, coaches and assistant coaches are volunteers," Kowalchik pointed out. "Our concession stand is volunteer-run. It take a lot of manpower and willingness to help, but we get good people."

Players pay a registration fee, which entitles them to a uniform and hat. Programs are available to help those in need. "We have several opportunities for families that are experiencing financial issues including OALL scholarships, T-Mobile Call Up Grant and Every Kid Sports. Our website has information regarding all three of these opportunities," noted Kowalchik.

She said the league remains popular in the community. "Anyone who signs up (generally) will continue through the program until at least middle school, where there are school (sports)," she said. "We already have 43 new players, which is a lot. They have never played before and are coming into the league to play."

This spring, teams in the league will play against one another. "For this spring, we will mainly play in-house. We give them team names," explained Kowalchik. "We will then go to the playoffs and championship - all in-house."

Last year, Octorara Little League sent teams to the District 23 Championship, where they competed against Warwick Little League from Lititz.

"Our 10-U All-Stars won the District 23 Championship last year," Kowalchik added. "In addition to this All-Star team winning districts, our 12-U and our intermediate, 50/70, also won the District 23 Championship."

For more information about Octorara Little League and to register, visit the aforementioned mentioned website or http://www.facebook.com/OctoraraLL or email admin@octoraralittleleague.org.