The Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Athletics Team strives to offer the communities' youth a positive athletic experience with emphasis on sportsmanship and fair play; in order to help them grow both as individuals and athletes. We offer a wide variety of athletic programs to provide young people with a safe and enjoyable athletic experience, stressing skill development and teamwork.
Baseball
HOUSE LEAGUE BASEBALL
GRADES K-8
Baseball House League, for ages Kindergarten through 8th Grade, is a community-based baseball program for the beginner through the most experienced player. House League is where it all starts and is the foundation for the player who wishes to someday compete at the highest level. This is a great program to enjoy the game while playing in your community with friends. All House League divisions will be centered on learning and developing the fundamentals of the game as well as success, safety, and, above all, FUN!
Lake Forest Recreation Department Expands Baseball Program to Include junior Scouts Travel Baseball
September 2024:
The Lake Forest Recreation Department (LFRD) is excited to announce the expansion of its baseball program to include Junior Scouts Travel Baseball, effective immediately. This new initiative will enhance the community's baseball offerings, providing young athletes with the opportunity to play competitive travel baseball while continuing to support and grow the house league programs. Lake Forest Baseball will be guided by an advisory board made up of members from Lake Forest Baseball Association (LFBA) and professional staff from LFRD.
“Our goal is to provide all players, regardless of age or skill level, with an excellent baseball experience,” said Mike Wick, Director of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation. “By expanding our baseball program to include Junior Scouts Travel Baseball, we’re creating more opportunities for athletes to develop their skills, compete at a higher level, and receive strong community support.”
The mission of Lake Forest Baseball is to offer a comprehensive and inclusive program that prepares young athletes for Lake Forest High School baseball and beyond. Under the supervision of LFRD athletics staff and the volunteer advisory board, the program will focus on coaching, training, and team development across multiple levels of play. Program components include year-round competitive travel baseball for elite players, seasonal competitive travel teams, developmental leagues, and specialized clinics.
Lake Forest Baseball will offer consistent baseball opportunities for players ages 5 to 15. LFRD has a successful track record with other athletic programs, such as Girls Softball and Football, which feature both developmental and travel components. The department's commitment to building strong developmental programs, such as Flag Football and Softball, will ensure that Lake Forest Baseball achieves the same level of excellence.
Anthony Anaszewicz, Program Manager
Email: anaszewa@cityoflakeforest.com
Phone: 847.810.3945
VOLUNTEER COACHES
Parent volunteer coaches and assistant coaches are needed for each team. If you are interested in helping out, please attend the mandatory volunteer coaches meeting prior to the season. All coaches will be contacted in March with all of the details.
Email Jason Olson for more information.
basketball
The Lake Forest Recreation Department/Lake Bluff Park District Basketball House League will offer your avid Basketball player a great opportunity for developing their skill set in a fun and safe environment. As the divisions progress, so does the level of competition. While the level of competition progresses, the philosophies do not change throughout the program.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
COACHING
The LFRD and LBPD offer two coaching clinics for parents that would like to coach. Parents will learn the rules of the game, how to conduct a practice, skill development drills, how to reinforce good sportsmanship, will receive sample plays, and get the basics in how to insure the players have fun.
OFFICIALS
The LFRD and LBPD offer a basketball officials clinic to anyone interested in becoming an official for the in-house basketball league. Participants will learn the rules of the game, proper hand signals, how to reinforce good sportsmanship, and get the basics on how to insure the players and coaches have fun.
Email Jason Olson for more information.
junior scouts Football
FLAG FOOTBALL HOUSE LEAGUE
GRADES K-8
Catch the excitement of Flag Football! Basic skills such as catching, kicking, throwing, blocking, pulling flags, playing defense, and receiving hand-offs will be taught and practiced. Boys and girls will practice all of the skills necessary to play the game of football without serious risk of injury.
For more information, please contact Ken Pierini, Program Supervisor at (847) 810-3943. Registration opens in July.
7 on 7 Football
grades 5-8
Using the foundation of 7 vs. 7 USA Football, Friday Night Lights will feature games under the lights at Deerpath Park.
- 7 vs. 7 USA Football rules and regulations will provide the base structure for the program, with local modifications.
- Athletes will be coached by professional coaches who will teach techniques, plays, terminology and cultural philosophies handed down from the LFHS Football program, in a non-tackling environment.
- Games will be played 1 hand touch, no contact.
- For enhanced safety, athletes will be mandated to purchase head gear in order to participate, cost is roughly $35.
- More detailed information will be distributed in a parent manual prior to the start of the program.
- Team rosters will be kept small to promote one on one coaching for better skill building and maximum game action.
For more information, please contact Jason Olson, Program Supervisor at (847) 810-3946.
TACKLE FOOTBALL
GRADES 4-8
Jr. Scouts girls Softball
Grades 1-11
Our Junior Scouts Girls Softball program has it all! From entry-level skill building to clinic-based programming, our house leagues (and travel options) prepare young athletes for the next level at Lake Forest High School. Coaching staff stresses skill development, teamwork, leadership, and a good work ethic. This all-encompassing fast-pitch softball system is for athletes in grades 1-11.
House League
Travel Teams
LACROSSE
love 2 lax
Grades 1-6
Participants will learn the positions and rules of the game, while they work on their skills through drills. Skills that will be developed are cradling, groundballs, passing, and shooting. Equipment needed: Helmet, shoulder pads, gloves, stick, cup, mouth guard. Hockey equipment may be used.
For more information, please contact Ken Pierini, Program Supervisor at (847) 810-3943.
