This weekend presents a golden opportunity for softball fans and those looking to encourage and support young athletes in the Heart of Virginia.

Some of the best youth softball teams in the state will be at our doorstep as the Prince Edward- Farmville Youth Association (PEFYA) hosts the Virginia Dixie Softball state double-elimination tournaments for four different age groups: the Debs, Belles, Darlings and Sweetees. In total there will be 27 teams playing in Farmville. The Debs age group is made up of 16- to 18-year-olds, Belles are 13- to 15-year-olds, Darlings are 7- to 8-year-olds and Sweetees are 4- to 6-year-olds.

The games for each state tourney will take place at the PEFYA Field of Dreams complex at 215 Industrial Park Road in Farmville.

For the Debs state tourney, the 11-team field includes allstar squads from Buckingham and PEFYA. On Friday at North Park, Buckingham faces the Halifax American All-Stars at 5 p.m., and PEFYA faces the Brookneal All-Stars at 7:30 p.m.

For the Belles state tourney, the seven-team field includes a PEFYA all-star squad. On Friday at West Park, PEFYA faces the Bedford All-Stars at 7:30 p.m. For the Darlings state tourney, the seven-team field includes all-star squads from PEFYA and Buckingham. On Friday at South Park, PEFYA faces the Crewe-Burkeville All-Stars at 5 p.m., and Buckingham faces the Halifax National All-Stars at 7:30 p.m.

For the Sweetees, the twoteam field includes a Buckingham all-star team. At East Park, Buckingham faces the Timberlake All-Stars at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a third game slated for a third day, if necessary.

So head to the ballfields and cheer on the Heart of Virginia talent!