Youth Softball Spotlight Shines On Archer Lodge During District Tournament

ARCHER LODGE, N.C. — Some of the top young softball players in eastern North Carolina will take the field in Archer Lodge as Johnston County Little League hosts the North Carolina District 6 Little League Softball Tournament.

The tournament will be held June 19-21 at Archer Lodge Town Park and will feature teams from Johnston County, Wilmington and Durham competing in 8U, 10U and 12U divisions.

Opening games are scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19. Championship games for all three divisions will be played Sunday, June 21.

Tournament champions will advance to their respective state tournaments beginning July 5. State champions will move on to regional competition, with regional winners earning a berth in the Little League Softball World Series scheduled for August 2-9 in Greenville, North Carolina.

Johnston County Little League will be represented in all three age divisions and enters the tournament as the defending district champion in each division.

League President Ronnie Correia said hosting the tournament is a significant milestone for the organization.

“Johnston County Little League is incredibly honored to have been selected to host the North Carolina District 6 Softball Tournaments,” Correia said. “This opportunity reflects the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, coaches, families and community partners who have helped build a program that continues to grow and thrive.”

Correia said the tournament provides an opportunity to showcase both the league and the community while welcoming teams and families from across the district.

“We are excited to welcome players, coaches and families from across the district and showcase not only our facilities, but also the outstanding sportsmanship, competition and sense of community that make Little League softball so special,” he said.

According to league officials, this marks the first time Johnston County Little League, formerly known as Clayton Little League, has hosted a District Little League Softball Tournament in its charter history.

Archer Lodge Recreation Director Chris Allen said the event will also highlight the town’s investment in recreation and youth athletics.

“Hosting the District 6 Little League Softball Tournament is a great opportunity for Archer Lodge to showcase our community and the outstanding recreational facilities we have worked hard to provide for local families,” Allen said. “Events like this highlight the importance of youth sports in bringing communities together and creating memorable experiences for young athletes.”

Johnston County Little League serves youth ages 4 to 12 through baseball, softball and tee-ball programs based primarily in the Archer Lodge area. Games are played at Archer Lodge Town Park and the Archer Lodge Community Center.

Archer Lodge Town Park is located at 2636 Castleberry Road in Archer Lodge. Admission to the tournament is open to the public.