Participating teams in the Little League Softball World Series must play and win tournaments at multiple levels in order to be eligible. Some will complete their last qualifying tournament only the night before they board planes for Portland.

Our format parallels that of the same aged (11 &12) boys baseball tournaments, which culminate in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. All-star players are chosen from the regular season teams of their local area Little League Softball program. Most of these newly formed teams must then rise to the top of their District, then their State or Country, Division and Region. Some will have been traveling for as much as four weeks before they arrive at the World Series.

Little League rules now allow players to simultaneously play in other programs during the "regular" season, so if you are interested in being part of this exciting tournament, you must begin by affiliating with your local area Little League. Here's where you might start: http://www.littleleague.org/media/whyaffiliate.asp. The rules might be a little different, but you will find Little League Softball enjoyable and competitive. Just watch the games on ESPN/ESPN2 to see for yourself.