POULSBO — At a time when discovering valuable lessons is most important for today’s youth, North Kitsap’s Little League program offers a host of them, including teamwork, competition, confidence and pride.

And as more than 700 excited Little Leaguers gathered April 8 at Snider Park, proudly wearing their team colors to celebrate opening ceremonies, one could feel that it’s that time of the year again.

“This is the best time,” NKLL president Mike Driscoll said after Monday evening’s initial games. “We’ve worked on this for the last eight or nine months. Getting games going is what it’s all about.”

Driscoll said the fall is usually the toughest time of the year for the NKLL board as it works to prepare the structure for a new season. NKLL is an all volunteer organization that creates and runs the three month campaign, allowing all NK youth to get involved with the game of baseball.

“It takes a year-round effort to put this league together and keep it running,” NKLL vice president Mike Prevost said, adding that a group effort including substantial local business support is also necessary.

When opening day arrives, the focus is squarely on the kids. Still there is a need for additional volunteers, Prevost told the opening ceremonies crowd.

The league’s fundamental bases are covered but it still needs a few umpires to keep watch over the diamonds’ bases.

“There isn’t near enough of us to cover all of these games,” said NKLL umpire Roger Sanford. “We’re asking for your help as parents. We’ll teach you the rules. We’ll train you in the game so that the kids can have fun, ‘cause that’s what we’re here for.”

Concession volunteers are also needed in order to ensure players and fans have access to requisite hot dogs, hamburgers and all other summer baseball delights. Training will be provided.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call the NKLL clubhouse at (360) 697-5449.

And any kids still interested in signing up for a team are also encouraged to call, said National league player agent Carla Morris.

“We will go out of our way to find a place for any player that wants to play unless we are absolutely filled up,” she said.

The goal of Little League baseball is bringing kids together and teaching them to play the game.

“It’s one of the best team sports that a child can play,” Driscoll said, noting the all important value of teamwork. “Baseball is a unique sport where it takes a lot of mental (effort) to make it work.”

It also takes a devoted group of volunteers to make it happen for North Kitsap youth, from the tip of the county to Bangor. As soon as the bats start cracking and smiles fill the helmets, it all pays off Driscoll said.

“We’ve got a good group of people who strive to give their kids their money’s worth and teach them the great American game of baseball,” he said.

For updated information or game schedules visit, the NKLL Web site at www.nkll.com.