Force Welcomes Little League Softball to ECTB Stadium

June 4, 2009 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Philadelphia Force News Release


ALLENTOWN, Pa. - The Philadelphia Force is excited to announce their participation in a partnership between the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Softball League and Little League International for the 2009 season.

The Force will host local Little League Softball teams on three different nights; however, Little League will be honored at a total of seven games throughout the season.

"This is one of the many great steps that the NPF has taken in the off-season," said Erin Statmore, the assistant general manager of the Philadelphia Force. "We are nothing but thrilled that the NPF has joined forces with Little League. We feel this partnership is going to help the growth of grassroots organizations have positive role models in not only Force athletes, but the rest of the NPF."

The dates that the Force will host Little League are as follows: June 17 against the Chicago Bandits, July 12 against the Akron Racers, July 28 against the Rockford Thunder. All games are taking place at ECTB Stadium in Allentown, Pa.

The Little League nights will be a fun filled, team bonding experience for the young athletes. Teams are encouraged to sign up their teams for a parade that takes place before every game, and the opportunity to help the Force in their season long Battle of the Bats competition.

The intention of the partnership is to help the growth of softball and its players. The partnership will provide Little League Softball additional training and educational resources, and in turn expand the awareness of the NPF.

The NPF is especially excited about this opportunity since the opportunity to influence young girls is irreplaceable for the athletes.

"We are looking forward to hosting Little League players, coaches, parents and families in our ballparks this summer," said Cheri Kempf, the president and commissioner of the NPF, in the Little League release. "The players in the NPF are the sport of fastpitch softball's elite. I believe in the overwhelming positive influence that our Pro athletes can have on the lives of young girls."

Little League Softball is looking forward to receiving the same encouragement for their athletes.

"Partnering with the National Pro Fastpitch is a firm step forward for Little League Softball," said Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, in the Little League release. "Establishing a relationship with the NPF can help to motivate children to play the game, while offering an educational element to Little League Softball coaches trying to grow their local programs."

The Philadelphia Force is a member of the National Pro Fastpitch League. The team is located in ECTB Stadium in Allentown, Pa., having taken the rights from the New York/New Jersey Juggernauts in 2006. The Philadelphia Force is proud to provide fans affordable family entertainment, elite women athletes the opportunity to pursue a professional career in softball, and is a core constituency of the local communities.



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