Backyard Rule is a developmental Baseball and Softball program hosted at Valley Ridge Academy on Thursdays from 3:00 - 4:30 pm beginning August 21, 2025. Registration is open to boys and girls grades 1st - 6th. Kindergarteners can join if they have an older sibling enrolled in class. Register and find additional information below, or email Coach Nate with any further questions!
nate@backyardrule.com
Registration options:
$250 Quarter (8-weeks)
$450 Semester (16-weeks)
$35 Individual day
2025 - 26 Thursday programs @Valley Ridge Academy:
Q2: 10/23 - 12/18
Q3: 1/15 - 3/5
Q4: 4/2 - 5/21
Hello Valley Ridge Academy, we are so thrilled you are considering joining our program!
Our course objective is to teach fundamental skills for Baseball and Softball in a safe, fun, and inclusive atmosphere while also emphasizing sportsmanship, teamwork, and character. Enrollment is open to students grades 1st - 5th. Kindergarteners can join if they have an older sibling enrolled in class.
We provide the bats, balls, and other playing equipment, all of which is made of lightweight or soft material. Students don’t need any bats, gloves or other equipment of their own, but they should dress in weather appropriate athletic clothes, wear closed toed gym shoes, and bring a refillable water bottle.
Registration is available by the 8-week quarter for $250. Discounted registration is offered if:
1) You are registering for multiple quarters (10% off)
2) You are registering multiple students/siblings (20% off second student)
3) You are a SJCSD employee (20% off)
4) You are registering mid-session (prorated based on remaining classes at 31.25/class)
To obtain your discounted promo code or to answer any further questions please email Coach Nathan Fudala:
nate@backyardrule.com
Testimonials
See more of our google reviews or leave your own by clicking the link: https://g.page/r/CZtWYhjNz9s_EAE/review
Coaches Corner
Coach JJ Santos (Wards Creek, Durbin Creek, VRA)
Hello! My name is Gerald “JJ” Santos. I’ve played baseball for about 18 years. My high school playing days were spent at Crescent City High School and Palatka High School. I also on various travel ball and summer teams.
The positions I primarily played are pitcher and outfield. Currently I play in the Jacksonville MABL as a pitcher for the Mayport cruisers and also play for the Jacksonville hops men’s travel baseball team.
This is my second year coaching with Backyard Rule. I am excited to work with this years students and teach them a little more about the game I love!
Meet Coach Nate Fudala!
Hello! My name is Nate Fudala. After a childhood spent fielding ground balls and playing Wiffle ball in the backyard, I left Cincinnati, OH to play Baseball 800 miles away at Flagler College. Upon graduating, I launched Backyard Rule with the goal of sharing my love for the game and inspiring others to play.
I feel so lucky to have had great coaches when I was young. Very few of them had extensive Baseball backgrounds or pro-level credentials. They simply made it fun and cared for their players. Sure, I can remember winning a few games and making some great plays, but what led me to fall in love with the game is the pure joy I felt while playing.
I am truly thankful for the opportunity to share my love of the game with kids today and always remind myself of the impact my coaches had on me. Being entrusted with teaching and looking after your sons and daughters is an absolute honor and I hope you find value in our program!
At Backyard Rule we believe that elite level instruction and winning records are not necessarily what makes a coach great, especially at the youth level. Great coaches inspire players to work hard on their own when nobody is looking by fueling love and joy for the game. 100 swings or balls bounced off the wall every day will develop a players skills faster than a 1 hour “professional” lesson each week. We encourage our students to steal the games we play during class to play at home with friends and family!
Here’s a hard pill to swallow… About 7% of high school players go on to play in college, but less than 1% receive full-ride scholarships. Even less go on to play pro, and of those that do, even less are paid millions. Sure, your son or daughter may be the next big thing, but probably not. The good news is that 100% of those who play make friendships, core memories, overcome failure, and build character. You don’t have to be the next Bryce Harper or Shohei Ohtani. Just get out there and play!
Full transparency, as much as I wish I could be at every school and personally work with every one of our players, our program has outgrown the ability to be a one-man show. Our coaching staff are all equipped with the knowledge and recourses necessary to replicate the same atmosphere that this amazing community has shown so much support for.
Thank you so much for reading and for considering Backyard Rule. Feel free to reach out to me anytime with questions about our program!
nate@backyardrule.com