Frequently asked questions
Is this a travel team?
Not in the traditional sense. Cherry Creek Charm is a select team designed to give players more reps, coaching, and game experience than rec softball alone.
We plan to play 4-6 local Front Range tournaments each season while keeping the schedule manageable for families.
Our goal is development and confidence — not year-round travel ball.
Does Little League come first? What if there’s a conflict?
Yes. Little League always comes first.
All of our players will also play in Cherry Creek Little League, and we fully support that. If a Little League game or practice conflicts with a Charm activity, the Little League commitment takes priority.
Players will never be penalized for honoring their Little League commitments.
How many tournaments will you play?
In our first season, we expect to play 4-6 local tournaments in the Front Range area.
These typically take place in March and April, before the Little League schedule is known.
As the team develops over time, tournament participation may grow, but our focus will always remain balanced and development-focused.
How often do you practice?
Practice frequency depends on the time of year.
Typical schedule phases:
Fall (Aug–Oct)
2 practices per week during the fall season.
Winter (Nov –Feb)
Cage or development sessions are held about twice a week throughout the winter.
Spring (Mar–Jun)
About one Charm practice per week during the Little League season.
We intentionally design our schedule to avoid overloading families.
How do you handle playing time?
At the 10U level, development matters most.
During pool play games, players will rotate positions and receive equal opportunities to play.
During bracket play, we may adjust lineups more competitively, but every player will continue to see the field and contribute.
Our goal is to develop well-rounded players, not specialize them too early.
Do you develop pitchers and catchers?
Yes. Pitcher and catcher development is an important part of the program.
Players interested in pitching or catching will receive opportunities to learn the position and develop safely over time.
We emphasize:
• Proper mechanics
• Gradual workload increases
• Building confidence
• Learning game situations
At this age, we believe multiple players should have the chance to explore these positions.
What kind of families fit the Charm?
The best fit for the Charm program are families who value:
• Development over early wins
• Positive sideline behavior
• Encouragement and teamwork
• Respect for coaches, umpires, and opponents
We want players who love the game and parents who support a healthy, positive team culture.
What safety standards do you follow?
Player safety is always our priority.
We follow standard youth sports safety practices, including:
• Two-deep adult leadership whenever possible
• First-aid readiness at practices and games
• Emergency contact information for all players
• Safe pitching and throwing workloads
• Weather safety protocols (lightning, heat, air quality)
We work to create an environment where players can learn, compete, and have fun safely.
What age group is this team for?
Cherry Creek Charm is designed primarily for 10U players, especially girls moving up from 8U rec softball, who want more development opportunities. [LINK TO AGE CALCULATOR]
What makes Cherry Creek Charm different from other select teams?
Cherry Creek Charm was created to be a development-first bridge between rec softball and full travel ball.
Many select and travel teams quickly focus on winning tournaments and specializing players early. Our approach is different. We focus on:
• Building strong fundamentals
• Developing confident hitters and fielders
• Introducing game strategy
• Giving players experience in multiple positions
We also intentionally keep our schedule balanced for families, with only a few tournaments each season and a structure that works alongside Little League.
Our goal is long-term player growth—not early burnout.
How are coaches selected?
Charm coaches are chosen based on more than softball experience.
We look for coaches who demonstrate:
• Strong teaching ability
• Positive leadership
• Patience with developing players
• Commitment to player safety and sportsmanship
Coaches are expected to create an environment where players feel challenged, supported, and excited to learn.
At this level, how a coach teaches and communicates is just as important as their playing background.
What if my daughter is still learning the game?
That’s completely normal—and often exactly who this program is designed for.
Many players moving from 8U to 10U softball are still learning important skills like throwing mechanics, hitting consistency, defensive positioning, and the transition to kid-pitch.
What matters most is that players:
• Enjoy the game
• Are willing to work hard
• Want to improve
Players don’t need to be the most advanced on the field today. We’re looking for players who are ready to grow.