(this is a fluid document, and we will continue to add to it as more questions to answer become apparent)

How do I know if Challenger is right for my Player
I can't picture Challenger in action....how can I see what to expect
What is the structure of a Challenger game like
What is included with my FREE registration
What ages are included in SMVLL's Challenger Division
Do I have to live within SMVLL boundaries in order to register
How is my Player's safety protected
Who will be working with my Player
What is the "Buddy" system
What if my Player doesn't have baseball equipment
How do I get involved
When (and WHERE) are practices/game held
What if my Player is older than your Division, or if we live quite far from Mission Viejo
What if I have additional questions

How do I know if Challenger is right for my Player

If you aren't sure if Challenger is the right place for your son/daughter, we encourage you to reach out to  for additional information and considerations to help you make your decision.

I can't picture Challenger in action...how can I see what to expect

Want to see these great athletes in action, and learn a little more about the Challenger program?  CLICK HERE to see some videos.

What is the structure of a Challenger game like

The games consist of two innings, with each player batting and playing in the field each inning.  Some athletes hit off a tee, some hit a ball pitched by a coach.  

What is included with my FREE registration

Your registration comes with a full uniform; including a jersey, hat, pants, belt, and socks.  

What ages are included in SMVLL's Challenger Division

For Spring 2019 the SMVLL Challenger Division will focus on ages 4-14.  If your Player is older than this age range and you would like to discuss options for him/her, we encourage you to reach out to  for information on local Little Leagues that provide a "Senior Challenger" team.  SMVLL may, at some time, have a team for older Players but currently we are focusing on our "Juniors" division.

Do I have to live within SMVLL boundaries in order to register

The easiest answer is NO!  All are welcome, regardless of where you live and/or what school your Player attends.

How is my Player's safety protected

While it is our goal to provide a fun, supportive and empowering experience for your Player, his/her SAFETY is of utmost importance to us.  Managers/Coaches will be required to attend safety training, and any additional equipment needed to protect the players will be provided.  

Who will be working with my Player

If a parent of a Challenger Player would like to apply to be a Manager, they need to follow the following steps:

• check mark "Manager" or "Coach" in the Online Registation process
• when contacted by SMVLL, submit an application
• complete a LiveScan background check (CLICK HERE to read more about LiveScan)
• be interviewed by the SMVLL President

If a Manager does not come from parent interest on the team a Manager will be found from the rest of the SMVLL community.  He/she will be required to complete the same process detailed above.

What is the "Buddy" system

Players are accompanied during each game by a "Buddy" who is a mainstream Little Leaguer who assists the athlete where necessary in every facet of the game whilst ensuring a safe and memorable experience for both player and buddy. 

What if my Player doesn't have baseball equipment

One of the MANY excellent things about Little League is their "Everyone Plays" approach to this fabulous game.  If your Player does not have access to baseball equipment the team's Manager will be provided equipment that can be used at games and practices.

How do I get involved

The first step is to Register!  During the registration process there are several opportunities listed for Volunteering, please feel free to check mark as many as you'd like.  We encourage parents to get involved in this enriching experience!

Please note that ANY volunteers that work with the Players (Managers, Coaches, Team Parent, helpers on the field, etc) are required to complete a LiveScan application in order to participate with the Players.  This is a League-wide policy designed to protect our entire SMVLL community in all divisions and teams.  CLICK HERE to read more about LiveScan.

When (and WHERE) are practices/games

We will not have the practice or game schedules until the end of January 2019.  Practices should start the first week of February, with games beginning on March 2nd.  Games will be held once a week, on Saturday. All HOME games will be held at "South YAP Majors Field", and Away games will be held at the field of the opposing team.  YAP is our nickname the Youth Athletic Park (also referred to as Marty Russo Park....also often referred to as "The Lake Fields"...yes, it can be confusing...) at 22556 Olympiad Road, off the intersection of Olympiad and Marguerite.  Bathrooms are nearby, and our Snack Bar will be open for all games once the game season has kicked off.

Closing Day will be Saturday, May 18th.

What if my Player is older than your Division, or if we live quite far from Mission Viejo

We are more than happy to share information about the other Little Leagues in our area that have Challenger teams.  Below you will find a list, along with their league website, of local leagues that offer Challenger options:

"Juniors" is the Division for young kids through early teen.  "Seniors" is the Division for mid-teens through Adult.

What if I have additional questions

If you have additional questions about the program or registration process, please contact Amy Mitton at