Yes, it doesn’t have to be Little League, but I think Little League does it pretty well. My daughter’s USYVL (volleyball) experience was also wonderful, with generous parents who loved working with the kids. It is harder to form a USYVL identity, though, because their nets are temporary, and there is no physical premises that is truly theirs, with a PA system and a snack shack and business sponsors.
LL is great, please do not mistake me.
In my town its lacrosse and football. The youth lacrosse program for the girls is simply a machine. They are organized, they have money, and the “community” is wonderful. In my town, the girls are literally walking around with lacrosse sticks in first grade.
The youth football program is integrated with the high school program. So, from the time you can put on pads you are working the same program. From sixth grade on you are running the same plays (pretty much.) It is amazing to watch.
Of course, the cliques and BS that come with any program are there. But it seems there is much an emphasis on “teamwork”and “contributing” so that even the kids who do not play at the higher levels remain involved.
It is unique to my experience. When I got involved when my kids were little, it was actually a little unsettling. But over the years it gives you a warm and fuzzy.
Plus, in high school the kids win. Which is nice too.