NATCHEZ — This week is the last chance for local softball players to be a part of the new and improved Natchez Girls Softball League as registration ends Saturday.

The softball league, which plays on the Riana Flynn Field at Natchez High School, is making big changes, and league secretary Bridget Wactor said she anticipates one of the biggest seasons they have had in a long time.

“We have changed organizations to Dixie Softball, which has all stars in every age group, they play at district then state and hopefully compete at the World Series,” Wactor said.

All-stars are picked toward the end of the season in each age division from 3 to 18 years old, and Wactor believes area softball players would look forward to an extended season to play against some of the best players in the nation.

Wactor said it is also a better deal for parents.

“In the past, we always had tournament teams, and I think the cost of traveling every weekend was hard,” Wactor said. “The traveling isn’t as harsh as it was before.”

With a more competitive league to sprout from the league change, fifth-year 9- and 10-year-old coach David Brown said he anticipates a tougher season.

“My practice will be more intense, they will have something to work toward to get better if you want to be competitive in the league,” Brown said. “You want to stay competitive and teach them to play hard no matter what.

“I’m very anxious to get it on the way and get the girls on the field and start working with them.”

Coaches like Brown are already thinking up a game plan, but what makes the league more competitive is the draft-style of picking players to a team.

“Everybody is up for grabs,” Brown said. “It’s first come, first served. That makes it interesting because you get to meet new people every year.”

Brian Fisher coaches in the 5- and 6-year-old division, and he said he likes the benefits and the challenges of the draft.

“I like doing the draft because I like getting different people and playing different people every year,” Fisher said. “It’s a competition side of it for the coaches, not just players. We’re scouting as well.”

Wactor is anxious to see the changes flourish this spring.

“This league has been around for 50-plus years and it’s the first time we’ve changed,” Wactor said. “We’re hoping for a big response from the girls so they can come out there and play and enjoy themselves. Hopefully, the league will grow from there.”

Registration can be done at Sports Center or by calling Wactor at 601-597-1419. First time players need a copy of their birth certificate.  The cost is $55 for the first player and $50 for the next player.