Neighbor sports

Tryouts and clinics for community sports groups, plus sporting events and tournaments, skate competitions, public appearances by sports stars in the area, autograph signings, sports conventions, etc. Send items to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com two weeks before event date.

Umpires wanted: Palatine Youth Baseball/Softball is looking for umpires, male or female, for the 2009 season. No past experience is needed. Training classes will be provided at the Palatine Park District starting Monday, Feb. 23. Visit pyb.com, click on the umpires tab and complete the preliminary questionnaire or pick up a form at the Community Center, 250 E. Wood St., during business hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Deadline for application is Monday, Feb. 16. (846) 705-5123, ext. 232.

Summer baseball leagues: The South Barrington Park District is currently accepting registration for summer baseball leagues. The park district offers in-house baseball leagues for children ages 5-10. Leagues will be formed for T-ball, ages 5-6; Coach Pitch, ages 7-8; and Kid Pitch, ages 9-10. Practices begin in mid-April and games will be scheduled starting in May. Games will be played on various weekday evenings at 6 p.m., with Saturday game times to be announced. Sibling discounts and coaching opportunities available. Call, (847) 381-7515 or ebpd.net.

Boys basketball: A limited number of spaces are available for the third and fourth grade boys basketball league sponsored by the Bartlett Park District. Season runs January through March with games on Friday and Saturday. The fee is $85-$105. For information on registration stop by the Bartlett Community Center registration desk, 700 S. Bartlett Road. (630) 540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.

Live Hitting League: Play Ball USA in Des Plaines offers its live hitting league starts again in January. Teams of four to six compete weekly. Pitchers face live hitters in a simulated game over the span of five weeks, with a single elimination tournament to wrap up the season. Open to ages 11-18. For fees and details, call (847) 375-0840 or e-mail matt@playballdirect.com.

Jan. 17

2009 Youth Baseball registration: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, RecPlex, 420 W. Dempster, Mount Prospect. For information, (847) 899-1619 or mppd.org/youthbaseball/softball.

Jan. 18

Youth basketball free-throw challenge: 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 18; Saint Viator High School, 1213 Oakton Ave., Arlington Heights. Open to boys and girls ages 10-14; local level competition sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Holy Rosary Council 4483. Participants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent. Call Ken Kudla, (847) 358-2862 or Randy Baker, (847) 255-6503.

Jan. 19

Open swim at Splash Central: 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Lap and leisure pools. (630) 540-4800.

Jan. 24

Youth Football and Cheerleading registration: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday Jan. 24; Rolling Meadows Community Center, 3905 Pheasant Drive. Visit rmmustangs.com

Lil'Girl Clinic: 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, East Leyden field house, 3400 Rose St., Franklin Park. The Leydenettes of Leyden High School District 212 will host a Lil'Girl Clinic for girls in grades 3-8. Participants will learn technique and dance routines during the day and perform during halftime of the boys' basketball game; the game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $30. For, information, contact Brenda Drehobl at bdrehoble@leyden212.org.

Jan 31

2009 Super Bowl Shootout: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, Lake Barrington Field House, Lake Barrington and Harper College, Palatine. For information, call Northwest Youth Sports Association, (847) 963-9600 or nwyouthsports@gmail.com.

Feb. 14

Salt Creek Park District's Hat Trick Hockey open house: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, Inline Hockey Arena, 647 Consumers Ave., Palatine. (847) 394-8806.

Feb. 26

Baseball skills and drills clinic: Thursdays, Feb. 26-March 19, South Barrington gymnasium, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Basics including fielding, hitting, throwing and pitching will be covered. Ages 5-7 from 6-7 p.m.; ages 8-10 from 7:15-8:15 p.m. $35-$40. Participants should being a mitt. Register at (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

March 23

Palatine Celtic Soccer winter indoor camp: March 23-27, Birchwood Gym, Palatine. For ages 6-13. Camp will concentrate on a foundation of footwork skills geared toward both beginning and experienced players with an emphasis on ball mastery. For times, fees and information, visit palatinecelticsc.com.

April 11

2009 Easter Celebration Shootout: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, April 11, Lake Barrington Field House, Lake Barrington and Harper College, Palatine. For information, call Northwest Youth Sports Association, (847) 963-9600 or nwyouthsports@gmail.com.

May 9

2009 Respect Mom Shootout: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, May 9, Lake Barrington Field House, Lake Barrington and Harper College, Palatine. For information, call Northwest Youth Sports Association, (847) 963-9600 or nwyouthsports@gmail.com.

The Athletic Barn: The Athletic Barn is now open to rent for local baseball/softball and basketball teams. Offers 10,000 square feet of gym space, two batting cages, two pitchers mounds and two basketball courts. Hosts team practices and training sessions. Rental space available. Call (847) 290-1330 or e-mail trevor@athleticbarnchicago.com

Kane County Phantoms 17U baseball: The Kane County Phantoms 17U baseball team is seeking a few additional players for the 2009 season. The Phantoms play in local, state and out of state tournaments on weekends after the high school spring season is completed. If you are interested in a tryout or information, call Ernie Colombe at (630) 664-2223 or e0mail e.colombe@mchsi.com.

World Class Basketball Association: The World Class Basketball Association is looking for players for the 2008-09 Winter AAU/travel basketball season. Players in fifth-eighth grade, who are serious about the game of basketball and have a desire to play high school basketball in the future, are being sought. For information visit worldclassbasketball.org or call Dan, (847) 529-9392 or coachkrauser@worldclassbasketball.org.

Substitute bowlers needed: The Wednesday Senior Men's Bowling League seeks seniors age 55 and older interested in bowling as a substitute when regular teams are missing bowlers. The league bowls at 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays at Elk Grove Bowl, Higgins and Arlington Heights roads. Cost is minimal. League luncheon and prize awards at the end of the season. Call Bill Piscitello, (847) 439-4386 or e-mail wpiscitello@aol.com.

FSC Aquatics teams open registration: Open registration is being held for the FSC Aquatics swim, diving and polo team. No tryouts required, all welcome. Must live within the District 211 high school boundaries. Practices are held at Palatine High School. Program fee is $300-$375. For information, call Ed at (815) 788-5156 or Mauro at (847) 345-8667.

SAA Travel Baseball: The 13U Schaumburg Flyers Blue is looking for several "A" level baseball players to complete its roster. Residency not required. Call Bill Grzelak for tryout information. (847) 584-4556.

Basketball tournaments: There is a new basketball tournament organization that has various tournaments for boys and girls teams fifth grade through senior high school. The tournament directors have over 60 years of tournament running experience between them and include a former college coach and current high school varsity coach. To obtain information including a complete tournament listing, visit worldclasstournaments.com or call (847) 594-4040.