Travel softball is intended for select girls with the ability and desire to play at a competitive level against other travel teams in the area and whose families are willing to support the additional time and costs to go with that effort.

A player's age as of September 1st will determine their eligible age division for the following season. For example, a player turning 9 on September 1, 2025, would be eligible for the 8U division for the 2026 season because they would be 8 years old on August 31, 2025. You can use this age calculator to determine the player's playing age.

Mt. Laurel and Jersey Storm typically field 1–2 teams in each age group, ranging from 8U to 18U.

Any player with the desire, dedication and willingness to work hard at improving their softball skills and competing against some of the best softball players in our area should consider trying out for a team. Travel softball involves greater time and financial commitments than recreational softball.

The season kicks off with tryouts in June and July. Once tryouts wrap up, rosters are finalized and teams gear up for Fall Ball, which runs from September through early November. After a short break, Winter workouts begin in January—typically once a week for 1–2 hours—focusing on skill development and specialized training.

As the weather improves, teams move outdoors for practice in preparation for the Spring season, which runs from April through June (and sometimes into July). Depending on the age group, teams can play 20+ games each season, plus several weekend tournaments in the Spring and Summer to challenge and develop their competitive edge.

Our Mt. Laurel Storm travel teams compete in the South Jersey Girls Softball Association (GSA) — an independent league that draws strong competition from across Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties. Opponents include teams from towns like Marlton, Barrington, Gloucester City, Pine Hill, Washington Township, Atco, and Voorhees.

In addition to league play, our teams enter a variety of local tournaments — with many held nearby in Medford, Cinnaminson, Voorhees, and even right here in Mt. Laurel. Storm teams also compete in larger sanctioned events (USA Softball, USSSA) — which may involve light travel, typically within an hour’s drive, though some tournaments may take us to neighboring states for high-level play.

Costs for participating on a Storm travel team typically range from $500 to $700 per player, though the exact amount is set by each team's coach. This fee usually includes:

• League registration

• Insurance

• Uniform and gear bag

• Winter workout facility rental

• Guest instructor fees

• Tournament entry fees

Players are also responsible for providing their own equipment, including a glove, cleats, bat, helmet, and sliding pads.

Team sponsorships, which can vary year to year, may help reduce individual player costs.

Please note: If a team performs exceptionally well and qualifies for regional or national tournaments, there may be additional costs. Decisions about attending such events are made collectively by the team and families, with consideration for time, budget, and potential fundraising efforts to help cover expenses.

Hopefully, an excellent softball experience. MLGS takes pride in its travel program and seeks the best managers and assistant coaches available. Experienced board members mentor the teams to make sure that each player is being developed to their full potential. MLGS has a long tradition of fielding quality teams, with many former travel players now playing in the high school and college ranks. Many of those players have credited their experience with our travel program as helping them succeed at the next level. We hope that every player who has gone through the travel program has significantly improved her game and has gotten more enjoyment from the sport as their skills increase. This in turn can lead to more confidence in other areas of endeavor.

Our coaching philosophy is centered on keeping things positive although, the coaching and competition is more intense than recreational ball. Playing time is not equal and playing positions more specialized than in recreational ball.

No! The difference between a skilled recreational league player and a travel player is minimal! Often the coaches will see a hidden talent in a player that they can bring out. Even if a recreational league player is not "tearing up the league" they may have an attribute such as speed, bat speed, desire, attitude, work ethic, etc. which could surface prominently in the travel setting.

There are benefits to be had by playing either recreational or travel softball and it is important to thoroughly analyze both programs to determine the one that is best suited for the player and her family. The recreational program is best suited for the vast majority of girls due to all practices and games being on Mount Laurel fields, playing against all Mount Laurel girls who are her classmates and friends in a less time-consuming atmosphere with less pressure and at a minimal cost. However, it is a decision each family needs to make for themselves and some will opt for the added benefits and experience that only the travel teams can offer.

If you have any questions about the travel program, please contact our Travel Softball Manager Joe Foster at fosterjoe26@gmail.com. They will also be glad to share references from parents whose daughters have been through the travel program. If you have questions about the recreational program, please contact League President Bob Fair at mtlaurelgirlssoftball@gmail.com.

We hope you find this information useful in determining the proper future softball path for your daughter, and thank you for your continued involvement with our program.