Mission Statement
The Licking Heights Youth Association (LHYA) is a non-profit, 501c3 organization structured to promote youth sports to the local community. The league was founded to provide a place for youths age 14 and under to play baseball, softball and t-ball. We aim to provide a safe, competitive and fun atmosphere for youth to learn the basics of sports, sportsmanship, teamwork and advance their skills in a progressive nature.
Currently Offered Programs
We currently offer programs for the following sports. We would be happy to entertain new sports offerings if there is a demand and we can find the volunteers willing to help make it happen.
T-Ball
The t-ball program is an introductory program with all games being played with other LHYA teams. No score is kept and this is really the time to learn the very basics of the game of baseball/softball.
Recreation Baseball
We provide age groups of 8U (Machine Pitch), 10U (Minor), 12U (Major), 15U (Pony) and 18U (Babe Ruth). Games played at these various levels will be played against both other LHYA teams as well as other nearby associations.
Travel Baseball
We provide age groups starting at 9U up through 18U. These teams participate in the COYBL or similar leagues in Central Ohio.
Softball
We provide age groups of 8U, 10U and 12U. These teams will participate in the COGFP and play games against both other LHYA teams as well as other teams participating in the COGFP.
Fall Baseball
This is an instructional league. We provide age groups of 8U (Machine Pitch), 10U and 12U (Kid Pitch) and 15U (Pony). Games played at these various levels will be played against both other LHYA teams as well as other nearby associations.
Fall Softball
This is an instructional league. We provide age groups of 8U, 10U and 12U. These teams will participate in the Lakewood fall softball league and play games against both other LHYA teams as well as other teams participating in Lakewood's fall league.
Volleyball
We provide age groups of 3rd/4th grade and 5th/6th grade. Games played at these various levels will be played against both other LHYA teams as well as other nearby associations.
Basketball/Cheerleading
We provide age groups of 3rd/4th grade and 5th/6th grade for both boys and girls basketball. We provide age groups of 3rd/4th grade and 5th/6th grade for cheerleading. Games played at these various levels will be played against both other LHYA teams as well as other nearby associations.
Evolution of LHYA
As you can see from the mission statement we have grown significantly since we were founded. As we accommodate ages 18 and under and currently also offer basketball, cheerleading and volleyball. The LHYA has been in the Summit Station / Pataskala community for over 20 years. This is possible due the support of all the volunteers and businesses in the community that have supported us over the years.
Through our volunteers we aim to teach great sports mechanics and sportsmanship at all levels. Every year we look to improve or enhance the LHYA in some way. Through community support and sponsorship we have been able to improve the fields at Jersey Elementary School, keep all of our children in quality equipment and we look to continue the field improvements at all of our locations.
A lot of the money raised is going to develop and support baseball and softball but we continue each year to enhance and improve basketball and volleyball. An All sports complex is the dream for the Licking Heights Youth Association and we will get there through the help and support of the community.