Registration for Alabaster Youth Baseball, Softball and Soccer opened up on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 8 a.m. The city of Alabaster’s Parks and Recreation Department is also seeking head coaches and assistant coaches for each team.

“In my opinion, not enough kids are active. Sports are a healthy activity, and they help socialize kids. For a lot of kids, it’s an outlet,” said Alabaster Parks and Recreation Director Tim Hamm.

Parents can register their child in person at the Alabaster Depot from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during weekdays. They can also register their children online.

Spots on the Alabaster Youth Baseball teams are open to kids ages 4 through 14. Teens from 15 to 18 can also register. They will be put on a waiting list and placed on a team if there is enough room. The registration fee for the 4-year-old T-ball team is $90. The fee for all other baseball teams is $165.

Hamm said while the baseball teams have typically been predominantly male, girls are also welcome to register.

“We have had girls play baseball before,” Hamm said.

Girls from five to 12-years-old can be registered for the Alabaster Youth Softball teams. The registration fee for softball is $165.

According to the city of Alabaster’s website, the purpose of Alabaster Youth Softball and Baseball is to “teach the fundamentals of baseball and softball to every child who wants to participate

Both boys and girls from four to 16-years-old can become a part of Alabaster’s recreational soccer program. According to the city’s website, the age matrix for soccer teams has changed. This year, U7 and U8 teams will be combined, and play as a U8 division.

Parents who register their children will receive a multi-child discount of 10 percent after the oldest child is paid in full.

A non-resident fee of 10 percent per child will be charged to anyone who lies outside of Alabaster city limits. Anyone who pays fees with a credit or debit card will be charged a 4.5% service fee assessed by Municipal Pay Services, AL. The city of Alabaster will receive no revenue from this fee.

Checks cannot be accepted, and no refunds will be issued, unless there are not enough kids signed up to form a team.

Every child who participates is guaranteed to play 50 percent of each game. Hamm also said beginners are welcome.

“It’s important for every kid to feel like they’re part of the team,” Hamm said. “Don’t be afraid to try it if you’ve never done it.”

In person registration ends at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13. Online registration ends at 11 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14. To register a child online or learn more about Alabaster Youth Sports, visit Alabasterparks.org.