District 16/31 PA Little League Home Page

District 16/31

Tournament Managers and Umpires Meeting

Sunday June 7th

2pm

At: Nanticoke HS Auditorium

CLICK For 2026 Regular Season Rules Presentation

District 16-31 Little League Announces Major Summer Events, Historic Milestones, and Regional Realignment Across Luzerne County

WIKES-BARRE, PA – District 16-31 Little League officials today announced a landmark summer for youth baseball and softball across Luzerne County, highlighted by the return of a nationally recognized tournament, the hosting of a state championship for the first time in decades, statewide redistricting changes, championship event dates, and multiple league anniversary celebrations.

East Region Junior Softball Championship Returns to NEPA

The East Region Junior Little League Softball Championship will return to Luzerne County this summer, relocating from Wilkes University to Nanticoke Little League. The tournament begins July 23 and is expected to bring national attention to the region.

More than 140 families representing teams from 10 states—from Maine to Maryland—will travel to Northeastern Pennsylvania. The tournament champion will advance to the Junior Softball World Series in Kirkland, Washington.

The East Region tournament, which spent nearly 40 years in Orange, Connecticut, made its move to NEPA last summer and remains one of six United States regional tournaments that feed into the international Junior Softball division.

State Major Baseball Tournament Returns After 40 Years

In another major development, Luzerne County will host the Pennsylvania State Major Baseball Tournament at Jenkins Township Little League from July 27 through August 2.

The tournament will feature eight section champions from across Pennsylvania, with the winner advancing to Bristol, Connecticut, for a chance to compete in the Little League World Series.

This marks just the third time District 16-31 has hosted the state major baseball tournament—and the first time in 40 years. Previous host sites include West Pittston Little League (1966) and Pittston Township Little League (1986). Most recently, Luzerne County hosted in 2021 at Valley West Little League.

Statewide Redistricting Impacts District 16-31

District 16-31 also enters the 2026 season under a newly implemented statewide redistricting plan mandated by Little League International and finalized in November 2025.

The plan reorganizes Pennsylvania into eight sections and realigns district boundaries to better reflect regional participation. Notably, District 29 was dissolved, with leagues reassigned across the state.

District 16 and District 31 now comprise leagues throughout Luzerne County, including communities such as Freeland, Hazleton, Nanticoke, Back Mountain, Greater Pittston, Plains, West Pittston, and Wilkes-Barre, among others. These updates ensure long-term sustainability and competitive balance across the region.

Championship Dates and Locations Announced

District 16-31 has officially announced its 2026 Championship schedule:

Major Softball Championship: Friday, June 26 at Mountain Top Little League
Major Baseball Championship: Sunday, July 12 at Valley East Little League

These championship events will showcase the top local talent competing for district titles.

Celebrating 75 Years of Little League Excellence

Four District 16-31 leagues will celebrate their 75th anniversary seasons in 2026:

West Pittston Little League
Nanticoke Little League
Back Mountain Little League
Pittston City Little League

These milestones reflect decades of community commitment to youth development and the enduring legacy of Little League in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Community and Regional Impact

District leadership emphasized the importance of these events not only for youth athletics but also for regional pride and economic impact.

Bob Bertoni, District Administrator, said:
"People see the games, but what often goes unnoticed is the incredible amount of hard work and dedication that goes into hosting tournaments of this caliber. From volunteers to organizers, it truly takes a community effort. Events like these put Northeastern Pennsylvania on the map and showcase what our region can deliver on a national stage."

Alan Stout, Executive Director of Visit Luzerne County, added:
"This tournament is a major win for Luzerne County’s economy. From hotel stays to restaurants, local businesses will feel the impact. Welcoming families from across the East Coast highlights our region as a premier destination for youth sports and tourism."

Dave Pedri, President & CEO of The Luzerne Foundation, said:
"Hosting events like this brings a tremendous sense of pride to our region. It reflects the strength of our communities and creates opportunities to showcase everything that makes Northeastern Pennsylvania special."

Little League and Easton. Official Partner of Little League.

Little League 2026 International Tournament #LLWS Schedule Release

2026 LLWS^™ Schedules Released!

The official schedules for all seven LLWS^™ Tournaments are now available, including all 22 games of the 2026 Little League Softball^® World Series, Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, on linear ESPN platforms for the first time in history. Be sure to book your travel and mark your calendars to tune in this summer!

Read Story View Schedules

Community Heroes Presented by New York Life. Learn More.

Beverly Bogar, League Tresaurer, West Pasadena (Calif.) Little League, Retired. Shelby Lane, Board Member, St. Bethlehem Little League, Clarksville, Tenn., Teacher. Alyssa Lopez, League President, Sunset Little League, Rio Rancho, N.M. Nominate a Hero.

Conceptul Design of Upgraded Lamade Stadium

Coming Soon: Little League^® International Complex Changes

With the 2026 Little League Baseball^® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, quickly approaching, the Little League^® International Complex is set to undergo some exciting changes to improve the player and fan experience. Check out what changes are ahead before this summer’s action!

View Changes

Little League Coach of the Year Supported by Positive Coaching Alliance. Nominations Are Now Open!

Nominations Open for the 2026 Little League^® Coach of the Year Award, Supported by PCA

Does your Little Leaguer^® have a coach who goes above and beyond every single practice, game, and team activity? Nominate them to be recognized for going the extra mile as the 2026 Little League^® Coach of the Year, Supported by the Positive Coaching Alliance.

Nominate a Coach

Little Leaguers^® Getting Unique Experience at MiLB and MLB Parks

Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) clubs across the nation are in full swing and once again teaming up to host Little League^® Days this season. Learn how your kid and their friends can take part in this opportunity.

Find Out More

Little League^® Alumni Shine in 2026 NFL Draft

More than 15 former Little Leaguers^® stepped into the spotlight as they were selected to join professional football teams during the 2026 NFL Draft. Check out whose professional careers are just getting started.

View Alumni

Dear Little League Volunteers, Happy National Volunteer Week! As we kick off this annual weeklong celebration, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the individuals — coaches, umpires, field crews, concession stand teams, league officers, district leadership — and everyone else who make the Little League experience possible every season. Your time and commitment create meaningful and fun experiences for young children across the world, building their confidence, teaching teamwork, and fostering a love for the game that will go beyond their days as a Little Leaguer.

Because of volunteers like you, Little League is more than a program, it’s a community. As we celebrate each one of you this week, you too have the chance to celebrate your fellow volunteers by nominating them as a Little League Community Hero, Presented by New York Life. Since 2020, the Little League Community Heroes recognition program has highlighted those dedicated individuals who not only volunteer their time at their local Little League program but also contribute in other ways to make the community better – from serving as teachers and first responders, to creating programs to support people in need, and everything in between.

We are incredibly grateful for the countless hours you have given season after season and the positive impact you make on the lives of the youth athletes and communities that you serve. Your leadership continues to shape these athletes into one day being the next generation of volunteers. To stay up to date on Little League’s National Volunteer Week celebration, check out our socials @LittleLeague. If you would like to join the celebration, make sure to tag us (@LittleLeague) and use #NationalVolunteerWeek. Thank you for everything you do! Little League

Official PB&J of the Little League World Series. Smucker's Uncrustables. Shop Now.

Child behind a fence staring out at a baseball field

Protecting our Little Leaguers^®

In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, learn more about the Little League^® Child Protection Program and how you can keep your player safe on the baseball and softball diamond this season.

Learn More Child Protection Abuse Awareness

Danielle Lawrie with daughter on softball field

“Little League^® is Where the Journey Begins” by Danielle Lawrie, ESPN Analyst

“When you’re first starting, enjoy that moment when they grab their gear, put on their caps, and walk out the door with light and excitement in their eyes.” Two-time Olympian and ESPN analyst Danielle Lawrie shares what it means to be a proud Little League^® parent for her daughters.

Read Her Journey

ESPN Take Back Sports. Powered by Disney x Positive Coaching Alliance

Take the Pledge to Keep Sports Fun!

Launched by ESPN, in coordination with Disney and the Positive Coaching Alliance, the Take Back Sports Initiative is asking parents, coaches, and volunteers to “Take the Pledge” to gain access to practical tools to support your Little Leaguer^® on and off the field. Learn how you can join and keep the play on the diamond positive and fun this season!

Take the Pledge

BEEF It's Whats For Dinner. Steak Saltado.

Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Recipe of the Month

Nothing brings the family together after a night on the diamond like a delicious beef meal. This month, Chef and Little League^® mom, Stephanie Izard, recreates a traditional Peruvian dish – Steak Saltado. Check out the recipe and find more inspiration for your perfect home plate.

View Recipe

“The Basics,” Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods

Looking for ways to help your Little Leaguer^® practice hitting, fielding, and throwing? Take advantage of “The Basics,” Presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods, for quick tips on drills you can practice with your player, plus advice on equipment, apparel, and more to make this a great spring!

Watch The Basics

Get IHOP Catering for Your Team! Order Catering Now. IHOP.

With millions of dedicated volunteers across more than 80 countries stepping up to the plate to make every season the best experience possible, Little League^® recognizes its role as the largest and most trusted youth sports organization to emphasize the importance of the safety and well-being of our Little Leaguers^®. As we recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, Little League is spotlighting several resources available to both parents and volunteers that promote safety, including the new Little League SAFE and SAFE to Play initiatives, launched at the start of 2026.

Read Story

spacer

NEW FOR 2026: Little League SAFE and SAFE to Play

Launched in 2026, Little League SAFE supports leagues in building a strong, informed approach to safety at every level of the game. Organized around four core safety pillars — Child Protection, Physical Safety, Mental Well-Being, and Local League Risk Management — Little League SAFE offers practical guidance, training, best practices, and resources that help leagues prepare volunteers, support players, and foster a safe environment that promotes fun and growth.

To support these four pillars, several new tools and training have been developed to make safety planning for leagues easier and more effective, including the SAFE Summary Builder, a free Safety Awareness Training, a free First Aid Awareness Training, and an updated Annual Facility Survey.

Watch Little League SAFE Video

spacer

SAFE to Play is Little League's new annual compliance and recognition program, setting the standard for how leagues demonstrate safety readiness each season, communicate expectations within their community, and qualify for the AIG Accident Insurance Credit, Supported by AIG, and the Musco-Funded SAFE to Play Grant Program.

Through May 15, local Little League programs have the opportunity to apply for two grants as part of the new Little League SAFE to Play Grant Program, providing financial support to help leagues strengthen safety and reduce injury risk within their local programs. Funding for these grants is made possible through Musco Lighting’s ongoing commitment to safety, preparedness, and player well-being across Little League.

Learn More About SAFE to Play

spacer

Child Protection Program

The Little League Child Protection Program offers local leagues a comprehensive approach to educating, preventing, and responding to abuse. From defining key terms and outlining local league requirements to providing the important steps for the mandatory reporting of child abuse, the Little League Child Protection Program provides the necessary tools for local leagues to create an environment as safe as possible for their players.

Every local Little League program must adhere to the requirements of the Child Protection Program and utilize the additional resources provided to customize its own program to protect its participants which meets the unique needs of the league. To help educate parents, Little League also has the Parents’ Guide to the Child Protection Program, providing a snapshot of the program along with tips on how to report suspected abuse.

Learn More Download

spacer

Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation

In an effort to provide additional education and support, Little League has also proudly partnered with the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation to help end the cycle of domestic violence and to empower victims to live healthy lives. Check out this inspiring video featuring Joe Torre himself and learn what you can do to help by visiting JoeTorre.org.

Watch Safe at Home Foundation Message

spacer

Abuse Awareness Training

Launched in 2024 as a replacement for the programs previously available through third-party organizations like USA Baseball, the Little League Abuse Awareness Training Course provides local league volunteers a customized training course at no cost to satisfy the annual training requirement necessary in order to be a Little League volunteer. Learn more, and take the training today, by visiting LittleLeague.org/AbuseAwareness.

spacer

Mental Well-Being Resources

As part of the Little League program, all our leagues are focused on providing high-impact learning and developmental activities that shape the most formative years of a child’s life. One of the most important aspects that we must always consider is the mental health and well-being of the Little Leaguers in our leagues and communities, and what we can do to support them. To assist our leagues, LittleLeague.org/MentalWellBeing has a variety of resources, guidance, and tools to help support the mental health and well-being of parents, volunteers, and most importantly, our players, including the "Six Innings Interview: Mental Well-Being Support with MLB and Crisis Text Line."

Watch Six Innings Video

spacer

ESPN Public Service Announcement

In addition to all the resources above, Little League also teamed up with ESPN to put together a public service announcement (PSA) that aired throughout the course of the summer in 2024, showcasing the importance of the Little League Child Protection Program throughout the tournament season with more than 340 games broadcast across the ESPN Platforms.

Watch PSA Video

spacer

To learn more about the Little League Child Protection Program, including additional resources such as State-by-State Laws regarding Background Checks, Child Abuse, Concussions, and Sudden Cardiac Arrest, visit LittleLeague.org/SAFE.