Vidalia — The Vidalia youth softball recreational league will incorporate two separate leagues for the first time.

After passing a vote among board members, the Vidalia youth softball league will feature a recreational version, where players will be drafted, and an elite version, where teams that have players already assembled on their respected clubs will play against each other.

President of the Vidalia youth softball leagues Wesley McCarver said this would void any advantages that existed in past years when already established teams played against teams that were drafted.

“This is about leveling the playing field, expanding and making tournament teams stronger,” McCarver said. “We’ve had teams from Jena, Jonesville, Harrisonburg and Natchez. These girls get to stay together and the more they play together, the better they get. With two separate leagues, it makes it more fair.”

The leagues will be separate and teams from different leagues will not play against one another unless the coach from the recreational league chooses to play an elite team.

Board member Donald Bertelsen said the majority of the board wanted the change to ensure a better playing experience for everybody.

“We’re optimistic about this,” Bertelsen said. “We’re trying to play with people who want to play summer ball and people that want to play year round without detracting from our recreational league. We’re trying to accommodate everybody.”

McCarver said a Challenger League is also being held for special needs children, ages 3-18.

Those who are interested in joining any league can call McCarver at 601-870-8763 or Bertelsen at 601-870-8441. Hometown Sports will have applications as well. Ages 3-18 can sign up for the recreation league and ages 7-18 can join the elite league.