SS Youth Sports and Recreation Assoc: A Growing Community Resource

San Saba Youth Sports and Recreation Association (SSYSRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing structured, organized sports programs for the youth of San Saba County. Often referred to as San Saba Youth Sports (SSYS), this community-driven initiative aims to foster teamwork, discipline, and physical activity among local children. Since its inception in 2011, SSYS has become a cornerstone of youth sports in the area, with a variety of athletic programs available to participants including baseball, softball, soccer, flag football, tackle football, basketball, and cheerleading. The organization relies on the dedication of local volunteers, including board members and sport-specific coordinators, who give their time to ensure the success of each season.

SSYS is proud to collaborate with the City of San Saba and San Saba ISD by sharing facilities to accommodate the growing number of sports participants. As demand for these sports has increased over the years, so too have the challenges of available facilities and scheduling. While SSYS is grateful to share the high school softball field with San Saba ISD, the organization relies on only one additional field to host practices and games for both baseball and softball. With the growing number of participants, the limited space has become a significant challenge for both organizers and athletes. For example, the 2024 season saw record high registrations with 198 athletes participating in baseball and softball. Eleven teams comprised of six baseball teams and five softball teams had only one youth field available for scheduling both practices and games. The trend has continued into the 2025 season as numbers remain high.

In addition to these difficulties, SSYS also faces logistical issues as they relate to soccer. Currently, there is not a dedicated area for our organization to host soccer games. As a result, our organization sends approximately 130 athletes and their families to Llano every weekend for soccer games. In addition to the time spent traveling to and from the games, this creates additional expenses for families in the community, spreading resources to surrounding communities rather than allowing them to be spent locally. As participation in youth sports continues to rise, SSYS is actively seeking solutions to address the current facility constraints.

In an exciting step toward expanding recreational opportunities for the youth of our community, SSYS has reached an agreement with the City of San Saba for the long-term lease of a little over 30 acres west of town to be utilized for the construction of a multi-sport complex. In addition to baseball and softball fields, the complex would provide game and practice space for our soccer, flag football, and tackle football teams. Local surveying firm, Craft Surveying and Mapping Co., generously donated the initial boundary survey of the property. Additionally, Luck Design Team, a landscape architecture team based in Austin, TX, has provided the initial design drawings for the potential sports complex. With these foundational contributions in place, the next phase of the project includes the completion of a topographical survey and a full site engineering plan. These two steps are crucial to the process and will allow the organization to actively pursue grants and other funding opportunities, ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of the project.

To aid in the fundraising process, the SSYS Board has elected a dedicated fundraising committee comprised of six individuals. Their goal will focus on fundraising efforts to help make the proposed sports complex a reality for the youth of San Saba County.

Although the Board has been obtaining outside bids to keep the project moving forward, if community members or local businesses are interested in partnering with SSYS to provide time or services, we would love the opportunity to speak with you. Working together with those in our local area is preferred, and any help provided is greatly appreciated!

Immediate needs (In Motion):

• Full Topographical Survey 

– Boundary Verification 

– Water Meter and Sewer Locations 

– Buried Utility Assessment, etc.

• Engineering Services

– Site Layout Evaluation and Proposals 

– Drainage Analysis and Design 

– Grading Design 

– Preparation of Final Construction Documents, etc.

Future needs:

• Dirt Work

• Fencing

• Construction of Dugouts

• Light Purchase and Installation 

• Scoreboard(s) Purchase and Installation

• Construction of Bathroom and Concession Infrastructure

• 40’ Sea Container for Equipment Storage 

San Saba Youth Sports and Recreation Association believes this multi-use facility is greatly needed within our community. Not only will a sports complex provide opportunities for our young athletes, but it will also have a direct and meaningful impact on our local economy. The ability to host league games and tournaments could bring numerous people to our area, often for multiple days at a time. With the continued support from the community, local businesses, and committed volunteers, the organization is optimistic about securing the necessary resources to bring this exciting project to life.

If you would like more information or to discuss the project, please reach out to one of the current board members. Current board members for the organization are: 

Aaron Johnson – President 

Margaret Henslee – Vice President 

Fantasia Hoyt – Secretary 

Rosie Huff – Co-Treasurer 

Amanda Rivera – Co-Treasurer