With the youth leagues of Selma being done, tournament time has begun for many of the local age groups.

For the first time, the city of Selma has fielded boys and girls 9 and 10-year-olds and girls 11 and 12-year-olds to go to the Dixie Youth and Dixie Softball tournaments.

“Tournament play is great for these players,” Selma Parks and Recreations director Elton Reece said.

“We’ve always had too many teams in the league to qualify, but this year we decided to split them up so they would have an opportunity. It gives the kids more experience, and they can really take that with them later on in their careers.”

The younger girls teams, who played last week in Pine Level, found success on the diamond despite this being the first time to play in a tournament setting.

They were able to garner a second place finish and a trip to the district tournament in Butler at 4 p.m. on Friday.

“I’m extremely pleased with the way these girls have started,” Reece said. “Since it’s their first year, they are behind on pitching, but they have set the standard that other girls can rise above and continue to have success.”

The 11 and 12-year-old girls were able to get some recognition of their own, after going 1-2 in the tournament; they were given the sportsmanship award for the sub-district tournament.

“That speaks well of our parents along with our players,” Reece said.

“The teams are representing Selma, and to come away with that type of honor looks good for the entire city.”

The parks and recreation department is now preparing to host tournaments of their own, including the 13-14 Dixie Boys tournament beginning Thursday at the Selma Softball Complex and the 11-12 Dixie Youth O-Zone tournament that will be held next week at the Selma Sportsplex.