Youth Tournaments Draw Dozens of Teams to Alachua

ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua welcomed a packed weekend of youth sports competition as two major tournaments brought dozens of teams and hundreds of families to the area.

Santa Fe Babe Ruth Baseball, in partnership with the City of Alachua’s Recreation and Culture Department, hosted the District 5 Babe Ruth All-Star Tournament at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex. More than 50 teams competed across five age groups, representing communities from Archer, Chiefland, Williston, Keystone, Melrose, Gainesville, Newberry, Palatka, Bradford and Santa Fe.

The Santa Fe Babe Ruth Minors team clinched the district championship with an 11-6 victory over Bradford. With the win, the team advances to the Babe Ruth Florida State Minors (10U) Championship, which will be held June 18–22 in Live Oak. The state champion will move on to the Southeast Regional Tournament in Varina, Virginia, in mid-July.

Meanwhile, 399 Sports and Recreation hosted its end-of-season Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Basketball Tournament at the Legacy Multipurpose Center. The event drew 42 boys’ and girls’ teams from across Florida, as well as North and South Carolina, to close out their season with high-level play.

Organizers extended special thanks to the volunteers who supported both tournaments.

“From concessions and field prep to running the brackets, our volunteers are the backbone of Alachua’s recreation programs,” the city said in a statement. “Their tireless work and commitment are what make events like these possible.”

Local officials also expressed appreciation to the families and fans who came out to cheer on the athletes and support the city's youth programs.

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