Sports
Mark Cooney Hunts for Little League Sponsors
He said sponsors defray expenses and allow more children to play in North Branford Little League.
When spring arrives and the umpire calls out "Play ball," Little League players in North Branford will have plenty to thank Mark Cooney for.
Cooney is the North Branford Little League’s vice president for operations and doubles as its sponsor coordinator, which means it is his responsibility to make sure all the teams have sponsors.
He said the sponsors are very important as sponsorships offset the cost of uniforms, insurance and other expenses, which reduces the amount the league must charge children to participate.
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"It allows more kids to play," Cooney said.
Few people might be thinking about baseball in the middle of January, but Cooney said this is the time he must finalize the sponsors so on April 21 can go off without a hitch.
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Little League registration started Jan. 14. The season runs from the third week of April until mid-June, when the post-season playoffs begin.
Cooney said last year, the North Branford girls age won the state championship, and went as far as the .
With the bad economy, it has become harder to find sponsors, he said. "We’ll do what we can to keep the cost down, but the economy the way it is, it’s hard on everybody."
Cooney is originally from Berlin, Connecticut. He moved to North Haven after college, and to North Branford after he and his wife, Lisa, got married. He is employed as a regional pharmacy manager for .
He got involved in the Little League about 14 years ago when his son and daughter were players. His children have grown up, but he loves his role so much he kept doing it and doesn’t have plans to quit any time soon.
"I enjoy the other people who volunteer and everything we offer to the kids," he said. "It’s a wonderful organization. I really enjoy being part of it."
Cooney said he is still looking for more Little League sponsors. Any individual or business who wants to serve as a sponsor may contact him by email or any other Little League board member through the organization’s website.
Spring Registration Dates
Thursday, Jan. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at
Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. at
Saturday, Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at
Thursday, Feb. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at
