Registration is open for the 24th season of Butler County Challenger Baseball, a support group for families and children faced with disabilities.

The baseball league is open to children and young adults, ages 5 to 22, who are physically or developmentally challenged and have an individualized education plan, said Alan Lakamp of Fairfield Twp., the president of the league.

“Once your child hits our baseball field, they are a ball player,” Lakamp said. “We don’t keep score because everyone is a winner in our league.”

The 2013 season’s first game is scheduled for Sunday, May 5. The roster usually comes in around 145 players — with about 10 teams across two divisions based on skill and age.

Registration forms and a fee of $40 are due this month, with full information online at www.bcchallenger.org.

Cathy Hester of Trenton said her 15-year-old daughter has played on the Butler County Challenger League for six years. Hester said Challenger Baseball was the perfect fit for her daughter, who wanted to play baseball but “typical teams were not an option.”

Over the six years, Hester said her daughter’s skills on the field — playing as short stop — have improved and she’s become more independent.

“Regardless of the child’s aptitude, they can go out alone or with a buddy,” Hester said. “The coaches actually coach and work with players to help them develop to be baseball players.”

Lakamp said the coaches teach each player how to play, catch and hit — either by pitch or tee.

Weekday games are played through mid-July at Crawford Woods in Hamilton. Lakamp said private donations have enabled the league to build two fields, which has increased capacity to four games a night.

For the network of parents and children, Hester said the Challenger League has been become a great support group and social gathering. Families have joined the league from as far as Beavercreek and Cincinnati, she said.

“The children are not looked down upon and are accepted,” Hester said. “For some it’s their first time to win something,” as each child receives a trophy.

A highlight of the season for the children has been traveling as a team to the state tournament. In recent years the tournament has been in Columbus and Williamsport, Pa., Lakamp said.

For the first time in seven years, the Butler County league will host to the 2013 tournament on July 19-21 at Water Works Park in Fairfield.

“It brings awareness to children with disabilities and revenue to the city,” Hester said. “The dedication of Alan (Lakamp) and the coaches, the acceptance we have felt; it has helped her tremendously.”