If you are thinking about signing your child up for sports, you may wonder if they are better suited to a recreational or club team. Recreational sports teams are often seen as stepping stones to playing in club teams, serving as softball or baseball training for young players. Although they are similar, they are different in terms of rules, intentions, and funding. Below is more information about both of them to help you decide.

Recreational

Recreational sports refer to beginner sports teams. It's where children begin their journey in sports, and it is open to all players. There are often different age groups to split kids up with their peers, and the teams are coached by volunteers, who are usually the parents of players.

The primary goal for recreational sports is for everyone to participate and have fun. While competition is involved, all players are rewarded for their efforts. Enrolling your child in a recreational league is also less expensive than a club team, as you usually only have to pay a small amount.

Recreational baseball and softball teams are divided into age-determined categories, including:

• T-Ball: A team of children aged 4-6 who are learning the basics and hit the ball from a tee.
• Rookie: These are children aged 7-8 who are learning how to hit from a pitching machine or a coach throwing the ball. The goal is to familiarize children with the finer points of the game. 
• Minor: This includes ages 9-10. Minor league is when players' skills start getting refined, making them more skilled in the sport.
• Major: Major is the highest level of skill, and children in the major leagues are usually aged 10 years old or older.

Club

Club teams, also known as travel teams, are not as casual as recreational teams. These teams often have tryouts to select the best players, as they travel to tournaments and other areas to play baseball or softball. Playing for one usually costs more money, as this is a private team that does not get funding from the local area. Some teams are even sponsored by local businesses to help pay for uniforms and tournament entrance fees.

Joining a club team is a rewarding experience, especially if you have an older child who shows skill in their sport. This helps them develop into better players, as softball and baseball training is often more refined and serious in this type of league. This is necessary to be competitive in tournaments and against other teams during the regular season.

Whether your child plays for a recreational or club team, The Cages Training Facility in Phoenix, AZ, offers the perfect place to further their softball or baseball training. This facility is open to the public for both beginners and advanced players. They offer private one-on-one instruction, as well as a variety of batting cages and pitching machines to help kids grow. Visit the website to learn more about their services, and call (602) 923-0607 to speak with a team member.