LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - The distinctive sound of a bat connecting with a ball will soon be ringing out over the Fort Simpson ball diamond but softball players will notice a few differences this year.

Nathan McPherson, the village's recreation director, wants to change the way softball is played. During the past few years softball has been played on a pick-up basis with teams chosen randomly based on whomever showed up on a given night.

Team Sub Arctic's Carl Carpentier swings at the ball during last year's Midnight Sun Baseball Challenge in Fort Simpson. A few changes are being arranged for this year's softball season in the village. - NNSL file photo

This year, McPherson is aiming to have a softball league. Instead of signing up as a single player interested participants are being encouraged to organize teams, he said.

"Hopefully we get enough teams to start a league, that's the goal," McPherson said.

Games will be played on Monday, Wednesday and possibly Saturday nights. The start date hasn't been determined yet but games are usually underway by the end of May or the beginning of June, McPherson said.

Softball is a great summer sport, he said.

"It's fun. It's a good way to get active."

For people who are new to the village softball is a good way to socialize and meet other people, he said. Anyone who doesn't have a team can give their name to McPherson and he will find a team that needs players.

Teams can field 10 players and McPherson recommends a roster of between 10 and 15 people.

Laurie Ozmun has already gathered a team.

"Everyone that I contacted was excited about the idea of a league structure," said Ozmun. Approximately 10 people quickly joined the yet unnamed team.

Ozmun, who is returning to the sport after two years, said having teams should improve attendance, something that has been a struggle in the past. Team loyalty should keep people coming out and make it more competitive, Ozmun said.

If there's a lack of interest in the league set up McPherson said he will revert to the pick-up structure.

In addition to the revising the game structure McPherson is also planning to change the tournament.

For the past two years the village has been home to the Midnight Sun Baseball Challenge an event that has drawn only local teams.

This year McPherson wants to host a softball tournament on the June long weekend and attract teams from the rest of the territory. Players from Fort Liard have already shown interest in the tournament, McPherson said.

Plans are also in the works for a youth softball program.