In 2026, MLL is exploring a few different options for more competitive play for our Minor, Major, Junior, and Senior Divisions! We have several great options available, detailed below. For any of these programs to be successful, we need enough interest from our membership, including appropriately skilled players and coaches.
The options we are exploring for 2026 are Travel Ball Teams and Tournament Teams.
If your player is interested in one or both of the options below, please fill in this survey to help us determine the feasibility of offering these programs for each division: Travel Ball/Tournament Team Survey
So, what is Travel Ball?
It’s a Little League designation that allows us to form teams sooner, schedule games in areas like Kingston, Pembroke, and Montreal in addition to games on our home fields with visiting teams. It’s a great option for players looking for more baseball. This program reflects the growth of our league and responds to parent feedback asking for earlier team formation and more development opportunities. Travel Ball teams do not replace District Teams, and they are different from Tournament Teams. Instead, these teams give us a head start, creating strong, committed rosters.
For 2026, MLL is looking to determine interest in Travel Ball Teams for Minor, Major, Junior, and Senior divisions. If there is enough interest, tryouts will be held in late February or early March. Each team will have its own coach, practice together regularly, and include about 15 players.
So, what is a Tournament Team?
We experienced great success with MLL’s Tournament Teams, which ran for the first time in 2025! This is a chance for players to experience more competitive baseball while continuing to enjoy our Spring House League program and have the option to play Summer Interlock as well. Various Little League Associations throughout Ontario host tournaments throughout the spring and summer. Teams will be formed in early April to practice and play together through August. Teams will sign up for tournaments based on availability, distance, and team preference. Fundraising and sponsorship will be required to fund tournament participation. MLL is exploring Tournament Team opportunities for Minor, Major, Junior, and Senior divisions.
For 2026, MLL is looking to determine interest in continuing Tournament Teams for Minor, Major, Junior, and Senior divisions. Tryouts will be held in late March and early April. Each team will have its own coach, practice together regularly, and include about 15 players.
Note: Minor and Major Spring House League participants will also participate in MLL’s House League Tournament with their Spring Team. Tournament Team participation would be for other tournaments.
This is a co-ed team.
What are the similarities between Tournament and Travel Ball Teams?
Joining either a Tournament Team or a Travel Ball Team requires a successful tryout, as skill is a component of both. There is also a higher level of commitment, including additional practices and potential travel for games. Play time during games will not be equal and will have a competitive atmosphere. Families should consider these factors before deciding to participate.
Families should also consider the additional cost of either option. Parents are responsible for travel, accommodation, and meals related to competition.
How do Spring and Summer Ball factor into either option?
Here are the eligibility requirements for each option:
Spring: Players must participate in Spring House League play to participate on a Tournament Team. On a Travel Ball Team, Spring House League is optional.
Summer Interlock: To participate on a Canadian or National Summer Interlock team, players must have played Spring House League. Tournament Team players or Travel Team players can participate in Summer Interlock as well, but only if they have played in Spring House League.
Travel Ball Team: Participation in Spring MLL House League is not required, but encouraged (but players cannot play summer ball without also playing spring house league).
Tournament Team: Participation in Spring MLL House League is required.
Note: these are Little League requirements and regulations.
District Playdowns: Please note that if MLL decides to field teams for District Playdowns at any level, only players who play Spring House League are eligible.
Will MLL offer both Travel Ball and Tournament Teams in 2026?
No, we will offer one or the other. Ultimately MLL's goal is to provide a positive, fun and learning experience for all players. The formation of either type of team will be based on enough interest, volunteer coaches and appropriately skilled players. Based on survey response MLL will make the decision to offer one or the other based on membership interest. The decision will be taken by MLL's Board to ensure the best experience for as many players as possible.
Note: based on survey response the decision to offer a Travel Ball or a Tournament Team may vary based on Division.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions:
Major/Minor Divisions:
[email protected]
Junior/Senior Divisions:
[email protected]
And finally, for interest's sake, what are District Playdowns?
You’ve heard of the Little League World Series, held every year in Williamsport, Pennsylvania?
To get there, teams compete against local teams for the chance to represent their district at Provincials, then their province at Nationals, then on to the World Series to represent Canada. District Teams are made up of House League players registered with MLL, selected via tryout. This team represents Mississippi Little League in the worldwide Little League Tournament, which starts with the District 8 Playdowns. The winning team will move forward to Provincials, then Canadians, and ultimately the World Series competition in the USA.
This is a very competitive level of Little League baseball play.
In 2023, MLL competed in District 8 Playdowns at the Intermediate level.
In 2024, MLL competed in District 8 Playdowns at the Junior, Major, and Minor levels.
In 2025, MLL pivoted to explore Tournament Team play and did not participate in District 8 Playdowns.
2026 is still TBD.
Note: for District Play, participation in Spring House League is required.