house program

VFA’s House (also known as community or recreational) program focuses on playing with friends, fun, and softball skills development. 80% of VFA’s athletes play House. Programming for VFA’s House Program runs roughly from April to June. Specific dates are dependent on field permits, age group, Lower Mainland Softball Committee (LMSC) scheduling, and playoff results. Click here [link to FAQ “When Does the Season Start and End?”] for more detail.

House programming is divided by age group. Age group divisions are mandated by Softball Canada and ages are by calendar year.

How to Sign Up for the House Program

Registration for the Spring 2027 Season will open in late 2026 or early 2027.

VFA wants every child to be able to participate in sports. If cost of participation is a financial burden, please check organizations such as KidSport, Athletics4Kids, and Jays Care for grant eligibility.

REgistration fees

VFA registration fees for the 2027 Season have not yet been set and Softball BC has advised that its annual membership fee for 2027 is also still under consideration. For background reference only, registration fees for the 2026 Season are below. Updated information for the 2027 Season will be posted as soon as it is available.

House Registration Fees for Spring 2026 Season

House Program Days and Locations

Days of the week, times and locations for House programming are set by age group and are dependent on field permits, registration numbers, and LMSC scheduling. U7 and U9 participants (for Spring 2027, players born 2018-2021): Note that at least one parent or other designated adult is expected to attend EVERY session with their child!

Games

Although game days have not yet been set for the 2027 Season, league game days have remained largely consistent for the past several years. Game days and times for the 2026 Season are below. These game times may occasionally differ due to field permitting constraints. Updated information for 2027 will be posted when available.

House Game Days/Times for the Spring 2026 Season

VFA House teams in the U15C and older age groups “Interlock” or play games against other Lower Mainland teams. This means that teams will play approximately half of their games at home fields and the other half in other areas. Some U13C teams may also participate in a more limited interlock with nearby associations, with occasional games in Delta or Richmond. These away games may take place on Mondays at 6:00pm or 6:30pm.

At older age groups, VFA pays for each House team to register for two weekend tournaments per season, as well as regional or provincial tournaments for teams that qualify. These tournaments may take place in the lower mainland or may involve additional travel.

practices

Most teams at U11 and higher will schedule a weekly practice time that works for the coaches and players on each team. These practices will typically be scheduled for Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons, or Sundays, when field allocations are most available.

Equipment and Uniforms

VFA provides jerseys/shirts and team equipment (e.g., net, tee, practice and game balls, bats, catching gear) for each House team. Each player needs to bring their own individual playing gear. By age group:

Team Formation

VFA forms its House teams beginning in late February or early March. Age Group Coordinators form teams based on: birthyear (so teams can progress through Softball Canada’s two-year age brackets intact rather than changing every year); friend requests; geographical area; school attended; preferences about previous teams; and, where possible, balancing team strength.

Players are able to list up to 3 “preferred teammates” on their registration form. VFA’s House program focuses on supporting the social aspect of players’ continued involvement in the sport, and VFA forms House teams that emphasize continuity over time and playing with friends as much as possible. However, please keep in mind that with varying registration each year and, ultimately, attrition over the years, we cannot accommodate all friend requests.

To increase your chances of being matched with friends:

• Register early! Teammate requests after team formation has begun cannot be guaranteed.
• Name friends, not coaches or teams, in your registration form. House coaches cannot solicit players for a specific team. VFA cannot accommodate requests for teams, but will make every effort to place each player with at least one requested friend.



Players wanting to move from a team will be allowed (before the season starts) to request a transfer away from that team, but not to any specific other team. The Age Group Coordinator will attempt to place the player on a new team based on the factors above.