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Borough staff and members of the Recreation Department submitted an application for the League Enhancement in December of last year, to seek assistance with the already-planned Girls Little League Softball program.
Last week the Carlstadt Little League program received the funds, which will cover the costs of uniforms, equipment and some safety modifications and improvements to existing Little League fields, to better accommodate the girls program into the existing Boys Little League facilities.
"The demand for a Girls Little League Softball program has been known for years and the Borough has been working to make it a reality: this grant has made the process far easier to accomplish affordably," said Councilman Joe Emerson, who serves as president of the Carlstadt Little League.
"I can't begin to express our appreciation to Little League International for their financial generosity and recognition of the demand among our young athletes, the commitment of our volunteers and all the hard work that has gone into creating the new league."
"We've always been proud to be able to offer free youth athletics to our families in Carlstadt, and we are grateful to Little League International to not only allow us to continue to do that, but to expand our programs as well," added Carlstadt Mayor Craig Lahullier.
The team is coached by longtime Carlstadt Girls Softball League President Paul Squeo, who over his 13 years of leadership has built a strong record of success, with six championship teams across various age groups.
The new league kicked off on April 19, with 14 girls playing a 16-game schedule against other programs in Lodi, Wood-Ridge, Garfield and Lodi. The season wraps ups on May 30, followed by the District 5 All-Star Tournament.
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