Four struggling youth softball organizations from Scarborough have merged into one.
The 2007 season will mark the first year of operations for the Scarborough East Minor Softball Association (SEMSA).
The new group has been formed through the merger of the Guildwood, Meadowvale, West Rouge and Seven Oaks organizations.
Chris Riehl, who was the president of the Guildwood Softball Association and who will have a yet-to-be determined position with the new association, said it only made sense to have the various groups join forces.
"We're each pretty much doing the same thing for fewer and fewer kids," Riehl said.
About a dozen years ago the Guildwood association had about 600 players. But in 2006 there were only 154 registered youth players.
Riehl added the other associations had also been plagued with significant membership decreases in recent years.
Riehl also said interest in the local leagues reached the point where there was not sufficient bodies to form select teams - chosen from the better house league players - in most of the age groupings.
In fact, last year the four associations only fielded a total of three select teams, two from Meadowvale and one from Guildwood.
Riehl believes the new union will only provide some positives.
"It's going to help our organizations," he said. "And I think from a marketing point of view by having larger number that will attract more people."
The new association will provide house leagues for players aged 4 to 19. The registration fee will vary from $70 to $120.
The registration fee includes a jersey, team picture and individual trophy.
"We're thinking if we get 400 to 500 players this year that would be good," Riehl said.
Riehl is also hoping SEMSA will also be able to field at least six select teams this season.
For more information about the new association, please visit www.semsa.ca or call 416-281-0253.