This past weekend the 2005 softball season got off to an early start. Several of the teams that make up the America’s Finest City Softball League (AFCSL) traveled to Palm Springs to take part in one of the first tournaments of 2005, the Palm Springs Desert Classic. Here in San Diego, the AFCSL is gearing up for another season that will conclude with San Diego hosting the Gay Softball World Series (GSWS).

“2005 will be a very exciting year for the AFCSL,” said Martin Cherrier, AFCSL membership director, World Series Open Division chair and World Series fundraising chair. “We will be hosting what is expected to be the biggest Gay Softball World Series ever, which is annually one of the largest adult amateur athletic events in the U.S.”

Leagues from across the country will be sending their top teams to San Diego to compete in the GSWS this August, and as the host city for the tournament, local teams will be fighting for an opportunity to participate. The league expects that there will be many new faces looking to join the league this year in order to get in on the action.

“The league expects to have many competitive teams as everyone is eager to participate in the GSWS,” Cherrier went on to say. “The AFCSL encourages players of all skill levels to participate this year by attending one of our skill clinics.”

New players who are interested in playing softball in the 2005 season are invited to attend one of three upcoming ratings clinics that are scheduled for Jan. 23, 30 and Feb. 6. Clinics start at 8:45 a.m. and players in attendance should come prepared with cleats and a glove. Based on their performance at the clinic, players will be rated for play in the league and if individuals do not already have a team to play for, the league will assist them in finding a team to play with.

In addition to getting new players acquainted with the league, the AFCSL is also looking for new sponsors, not only for the league, but for the upcoming GSWS that is expected to draw more than 3,000 athletes to San Diego for the weeklong event.

“Sponsors benefit by getting their name out into the community and by advertisements done within the series program and various banners,” Cherrier said.

The 2005 series will take place this Aug. 15-20 and regular season play for the AFCSL begins Feb. 27. For more information on the AFCSL softball league or sponsorship opportunities, visit this article online at www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to the AFCSL and GSWS websites.