September 21, 2023
Dear Federal Way National Little League Parents and Players,
The Little League Season is just around the corner. I want to extend a warm welcome on behalf of the entire Board of Directors to our returning families, as well as to all new families to our League and our community.
At a time when children have many sports and activities to choose from, we are thrilled that a large number of boys and girls between the ages of four and sixteen have chosen to play ball in Federal Way National Little League. FWNLL is the official Little League organization in Federal Way National and has exclusively served the community of Federal Way for decades, providing a positive environment for the development of sportsmanship, character, and athletic skill among our youth. Our program puts an emphasis on fundamentals, participation, development, teamwork, safety, family involvement, and fun, all while developing an appreciation and love for the game of base/soft ball. As a parent myself, I know what a thrill it is to see your child play for the first time and watch them grow and improve through the years. These are memories that we will all cherish and I am pleased that you too will enjoy watching your children learn baseball and grow as part of the Federal Way National Little League family.
The Board is constantly working to improve our league and make it the best it can be for the kids in our community. As such, one of our goals is to always improve on communication, and with that in mind, hopefully this welcome letter will address questions we have received about the league, financials, and volunteer commitments.
Board Membership
First, I would like to extend a warm thank you to our 2023 Board Members. I applaud each of you for the time you have given so freely and the sacrifices each of you made to help make Federal Way National Little League one of the best, well respected youth Little Leagues in all of District 10. With that said, I'd also like to welcome our 2023-2024 Federal Way Little League Board Members, some of whom are new, and some who are past board members, as we continue the precedence of professionalism and excellence. The sacrifices of everyone's time and efforts, including your unwavering dedication to this league, are greatly appreciated.
Board Positions
Do you want to get your feet wet and be more involved with our League? Help make our local league even better and show your support? Would you like to be involved and be part of the Board? There are still a few Board positions available, as well as committee positions, if you would like to assist in the running of our great league. We welcome everyone, as it is our volunteers that make us such a great League and the more members we have will be paramount to the strength of our League. Please contact me at [email protected] if you are interested.
Why do I have to volunteer?
Federal Way National Little League is 100% self-funded and 100% run by volunteers. None of the board members, managers, or other volunteers receive any compensation for their countless hours of work. It is our volunteers that make our League great and we call upon everyone to help out. Volunteering your time only goes to further the betterment of the players within our League, so please don't be shy - just ask any Board member or coach, "How can I help?", as help comes in many forms, from very small roles to much larger ones. No matter how you volunteer, I am confident you will find it is one of the most satisfying things you can do for your kids.
Our income comes entirely from registration fees, fundraisers, the snack bar, and sponsorships. Our expenses include uniforms, equipment (catchers gear, baseballs, etc.), utilities, taxes & insurance, field maintenance (we do not receive money or services from the city to pay for this), and umpire fees. So it comes down to our parents, Board and volunteers to put in the effort, like those in the past, to continue to raise funds for the League's financial needs.
How can you help?
DONATE
Donations of cash or check are always welcome, but we also can use things like food items that can be sold at the snack bar or gift cards to Costco or Home Depot. Donations also come in the form of our fundraisers. Participate in our fundraisers, whether they be League-wide events (i.e. our hit-a-thon), or Seattle Mariners Little League day or other events. Please come to all the fundraising events and participate. Also pass along information regarding fundraising to family and friends who may not be part of the League but are willing to support. Every little bit helps and many of the fundraising events are opportunities build upon player comradery.
SPONSORSHIPS
We are still in need of sponsors for our 2023 season to help bridge the gap in funding from our normal revenue generating streams. Do you know a local business owner who is interested in supporting their community and/or our players within the League? What about a restaurant your family visits regularly, a salon you have been visiting for years, a local mechanic, realtor, or that contractor/repair man you recommend to all of your neighbors?
Take a look at our sponsorship letter https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1344992 and pass it along to anyone who may be interested in becoming a sponsor. Contact [email protected] with any questions.
VOLUNTEER
Federal Way National Little League would not exist without volunteers. It takes good people throughout this area to make this League work and come together. Please consider becoming part of the team and volunteer when and where you can. Lend a hand and get involved. It truly takes a community. We just ask that you have a heart for kids and are open-minded and have a good perspective on what we are trying to accomplish. The only way to keep our registration fees among the lowest in the city is with everyone's participation in fundraising during the Hit-a-thon and working in the Backstop Snack Shack. We are extremely grateful to the parents who take on additional volunteer jobs beyond these commitments.
Volunteering saves us money, especially for jobs that we otherwise need to pay for, like umpires and repair services (field maintenance, etc.) Have time and want to help, but not sure how? Please contact [email protected].
Closing
Our League is truly a one-of-a-kind place to make and share memories with kids, families and friends. I am constantly reminded by members of this great community of the numerous memories and friendships that have been created in and around Federal Way National Little League. Constantly I hear people tell stories about their time at FWNLL. This is also evident by the past players who are now parents coming back to volunteer or coach in FWNLL, or those that no longer have players in FWNLL that still volunteer for this League. It is this commitment by the members of this community that have made FWNLL truly one of the best places for our youth to learn and play ball.
We are set for another fun and exciting baseball season and there is no better place for a family to watch a ball game. Your children will always remember their time and experiences at FWNLL and I look forward to seeing you all out there on the field or in the bleachers being a part of FEDERAL WAY NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE!!!
Sincerely,
Teri Foster President Federal Way National Little League
[email protected]