The CLCF Girls’ Softball League will be entering its 27th season.

The largest fast pitch softball program in the city has divisions at the 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U levels, as well as a high school division with girls ages 15 to 18. CLCF is having a tremendous turnout and almost a 100-percent return of players coming back from last year. With the highest numbers in the younger divisions, this means that there will be great things to come for CLCF Gals in the next few years.

CLCF Gals have experienced a resurgence in the last two years, and the program is hoping to have another boost in numbers going into this year. The league plays their games at the tremendous facilities at Brayton Park in Cranston.

“That facility is kept looking sharp by parent volunteers, but most of the work is done by the parks and recreation director, Anthony Liberatore, and his fine group,” league president Jonathan Wild said. “You would not believe what it entails to make all of the parks look nice throughout the city. Those guys don’t get enough thanks.”

Brayton Park has a new playground for the children and a track for the parents to walk during practices, as well.

Although it is a recreational league, that doesn’t mean that CLCF isn’t competitive.

“We keep score and play to win,” Wild said. “But the main thing is that we want the girls to have fun.”

The friendly competition allows for some flexibility in the league. Wild alluded to the fact that players can play wherever they would like. If a player doesn’t get to play much shortstop and wants to play shortstop, the CLCF Gals’ recreational league will allow her to do so.

For the more advanced players in the league, CLCF also offers a travel team in addition to the recreational league. The CLCF Bombers, who are headed by Fast Pitch Chairman and Vice President of Softball, David Feole, is a travel team comprised of some of the top talent in the CLCF league, with the teams playing in several tournaments throughout the summer.

For the recreational league, though, there will be a full season, followed by playoffs and championship games. Also, for the first time this season, the league is planning on having an awards banquet after the conclusion of the season to acknowledge the efforts of the players and coaches, who put in a great deal of time and dedication throughout the year.

“Without the coaches and volunteers, we would have no league,” Wild said. “It is amazing to be a part of this organization and I am very thankful to everyone for their help.”

Although CLCF Gals is about having fun, the league also wants to see its athletes improve. Because of this, CLCF Gals holds a number of free clinics throughout the season, so that the athletes can work on their skills and receive some personal instruction.

When Wild was asked what the goal for his league was, his answer was simple.

“We want the athletes to continue to grow and love the game,” Wild said. “We want them to learn about good sportsmanship and to continue to come back season after season.”

In addition to Wild, the board members for the league are Peter Thomas, Eddie King, Mike Caranci, Tom Madden, Ken Gouchie and Dave Eastman.

CLCF Gals will hold Opening Day on April 11.

Those interested in playing can register at the league’s website, or sign-up in person on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the league’s office at 970 Pontiac Ave. in Cranston.