Welcome to the 7U Program!

Our 7U program is the important step between Rally Cap (6U) and full SSMBA House League (9U).
It introduces players to a more traditional baseball game structure, while still keeping the emphasis on fun, learning, and confidence-building.

7U is run as a Local League, with teams from:

• Collingwood

• Thornbury

Players experience real games each week while continuing to learn the fundamentals needed for success in 9U and beyond.

Program Goals

In 7U, players will develop:

• Proper throwing and catching techniques

• Hitting skills through coach pitch, progressing toward machine pitch

• Base running and game awareness

• Fielding positions and understanding of outs

• Teamwork, listening, and sportsmanship

While games have a structure, the focus remains on development, repetition, and fun, not competition.

Season Length & Structure

• Season Duration: 9–10 weeks

• Start Date: Mid–late May (weather dependent)

• End Date: End of July

• Game Format: 1–2 evenings per week

• Locations: Collingwood & Thornbury diamonds

• Teams: Balanced based on age, skill, and requests where possible 

How the 7U Game Format Works

7U introduces players to real baseball flow, while keeping things age-appropriate.

Coach Pitch

Early in the season:

• Coaches pitch to each batter

• Multiple attempts to hit safely

• Encourages contact and builds confidence

Progression to Pitching Machine

Later in the season:

• The pitching machine is introduced at a gentle speed

• Helps prepare players for 9U, where machine pitch is used all season

Gameplay Features

• All players bat each inning

• Outs are introduced but handled positively

• No scores or standings

• Everyone plays infield and outfield positions over the season

• Coaches help direct play on the field

This structure prepares players for the faster pace and competitive elements of SSMBA baseball.

Team Assignments & Player Requests

We do our best to accommodate:

• Sibling requests

• Friend requests 

Requests must be made at the time of registration.
Final team assignments depend on:

• Balancing ages

• Skill distribution

• Available volunteers

Required Equipment

Players Must Bring:

• Baseball glove

• Running shoes or cleats

• Water bottle

• Grey baseball pants (recommended)

• Protective cup (strongly recommended)

Optional Items:

• Batting gloves

• Personal helmet

• Personal bat (must meet Baseball Ontario standards)

Provided by CMBA:

• Hat & jersey (players keep both)

• Team equipment bag with bats, bases, and balls

• Pitching machine (supplied and stored by CMBA)

Development Pathway

Understanding the progression helps families see where their child is headed:

6U (Rally Cap):

Intro program focused on stations, fun, and very simple gameplay.

7U (Local League):

Coach pitch → machine pitch, real game flow, local competition (Collingwood/Thornbury).

9U (SSMBA):

Full machine-pitch baseball with standings, travel, and playoffs across South Simcoe.

7U serves as the bridge year where skills begin to translate into actual game situations.

Coaching & Volunteer Support

The 7U program is supported by:

• Parent coaches

• Local teen volunteers

• Umpires (depending on division needs)

• Support from the U7 Coordinator and CMBA Board

We always welcome new volunteers — no experience required!

Questions?

[email protected]

We’re happy to help with equipment questions, scheduling, team placement, or coaching opportunities.