Building the Field of Dreams

Host Janet Michael welcomes back Guy Curtis — wearing his Little League hat this time rather than his Laurel Ridge Community College one — along with Terra Walker, Frederick County National Little League's information officer, to discuss the organization's ambitious capital campaign to expand and improve youth sports facilities in the Winchester and Frederick County area. About Frederick County National Little League Established in 1984 Serves Winchester, Stephens City, Middletown, and the southern end of Frederick County Nonprofit 501(c)3, fully volunteer-run organization Currently 25–35 teams per spring season with over 350 active players Fall season also active, though smaller in size 100+ volunteers each season Topics Covered The Capital Campaign Goal — Raising $500,000 to expand and improve facilities, starting with the Passage Road complex in Stephens City Current Facilities — Three existing fields at Passage Road; infrastructure is aging and in need of upgrades including paved parking, permanent bathrooms, refurbished batting cages, and field maintenance New T-Ball Field — Plans to add a fourth, more versatile multi-purpose field suited for T-ball and coach pitch divisions Naming Rights — Available for the new T-ball field and potentially the entire Passage Road complex for major donors Long-Term Dream: Indoor Facility — A year-round indoor sports space for practices, camps, clinics, umpire training, and community events; would eliminate weather-related cancellations and serve the broader community Field Lighting — A potential future upgrade to allow evening games at Passage Road Growing the League — Anticipating regional population growth and ensuring the league can accommodate more players, particularly in the younger T-ball and coach pitch age groups (4–7 years old) Life Skills Through Sports — Guy reflects on 10 years of coaching and the value of teamwork, communication, sportsmanship, and leadership development through youth baseball and softball Fundraising Opportunities Charity Golf Tournament — June 5th at Rock Harbor Golf Course, 9:00 AM shotgun start $125 per player / $500 per team Still seeking a title sponsor Register: givebutter.com/FCNLLCharityGolf or fcnll.com Pitch In For The Future Fundraiser — Spring season drive where each player fundraises within their own network Game Day Sponsorships — Sponsor a Saturday at Sherando Park; includes interaction with families and free popcorn for all attendees; openings still available for spring season General Donations — All amounts welcome; every dollar supports the campaign Volunteer & Board Opportunities — Coaches, board members, and general volunteers always needed How to Get Involved Website: fcnll.com Facebook page: Frederick County National Little League