The Outer Banks is enjoying a return to club sports this spring, with children and volunteers across the county participating in baseball, soccer and lacrosse.

OBX Baseball, affiliated with the Babe Ruth League, has 146 players across 13 teams ages six to 12. They kicked off the season on March 22 with opening ceremonies and teams play at Kitty Hawk Elementary School. “We have an excellent group of coaches and volunteers which make all of this happen,” said Jon Britt, OBX Baseball League president. “It’s only with volunteers and their support that we can continue to build our league into an enjoyable, thriving, superior league for our ballplayers and their families.”

On Roanoke Island, children participate in Dare County Baseball, part of the Tar Heel League. This season there are three age groups: 8U, 10U and 12U. Three teams for each age group play one to two games per week at Westcott Field in Manteo and at Ralph Horne Field at Pigum Walker Park in Wanchese. “We have so many dedicated individuals who help make our league successful, and all of us at Dare County Baseball want to say THANK YOU!” said an April 20 Dare County Baseball Facebook Post.

OBX Lacrosse, led by Coach John Van Lunen, has approximately 30 middle school participants and 20 in the U10 team. “Our U10 lacrosse is a very casual outfit designed to increase awareness and enthusiasm with younger athletes,” said Van Lunen. The teams practice twice a week at the Dare County Parks and Recreation complex in Kill Devil Hills, but travel to Virginia for most games at Princess Anne Athletic Complex.

At the Nags Head Soccer Complex, boys and girls from all over the county are meeting to learn the basic skills of soccer through Outer Banks Youth Soccer Association (OBYSA). According to the club website, OBYSA’s goal is for “children of all skill levels in our organization to have fun through the sport of soccer. This is accomplished by giving all of our athletes adequate playing time (every player plays at least half of each game), plenty of opportunities to touch the ball (5v5 to 8v8 games), and a league philosophy that promotes soccer skill building, effort, and sportsmanship.” The league is open to children age five through 8^th grade.

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