THE IMPORTANCE OF CELEBRATING SUCCESS

During the off season, Softball New Zealand will be promoting some of the positive initiatives and programmes that have been rolled out around the country. Driven by the hard work of our associations (and their volunteers), we will be highlighting some of the incredible work that has seen softball adapt and grow within the regions! When we speak of success, we are not referring only to results, wins and championships. We are celebrating the process and development, the motivations and positive outcomes in our sport.

This week, we shine a spotlight on the impressive growth of Marlborough Softball Association, and some of the initiatives which contributed to their success this season.

With a new committee leading the way; there has been a driving force in Marlborough to rebuild Softball throughout the Region, with focus on visions for the association in the future. The new committee are an amazing group of individuals, who are keeping the association accountable and on track with their goals.

A positive relationship with the Marlborough District Council has seen $40,000 invested in infrastructure, including four mobile backstops across Lansdowne Park and Endeavour Park. Adding a further relationship with Sport Tasman has seen Marlborough lift the profile of the game, with inclusion in the "Kohine Maia" programme this past summer. The programme empowers young women to become socially connected, enjoy new experiences and work with others, while promoting leadership, collaboration and growing confidence. Through their involvement. Marlborough Softball Association exposed over 200 young female athletes from around the region to a modified version of softball along with a number of skills stations (including an innovative TikTok session).

By building partnerships and using initiative, MSA has seen a growth in numbers; with a 380% boost in teams the past three years that saw teams increase from 5 in 2022 to 19 in 2024. Their competition model for young athletes is ensuring a happy, safe learning environment where players are introduced to the basic fundamentals and mechanics of the game has proven successful; with the Association wanting to impart fond memories of softball on its Junior base. They now host their own Junior competitions for Under 7 and Under 9 Tee Ball Grades, as well as Under 11 and Under 13 Little League Grades. Mike the owner of "Meater’s Butchery" came onboard as a sponsor for the Marlborough Junior programme, where he has donated 150 free sausages every weekend throughout the season for young players to enjoy after games.

When it came to their senior competition, MSA wanted to focus on inclusion and growth to allow young players with building blocks as they grew into the senior competition. To cater for as many within the local community as possible, their growth model also included targeting mothers of young players – adopting a fortnightly double-header competition to provide weekends away from the ball park and enjoying family time without being away from the ballpark. They have established their own Senior Women's Competition, while their Senior Men compete in the Nelson Premier Grade (and two (2) social teams playing locally). There are now four (4) clubs providing teams in the Marlborough region; Wairau, Saints, Central and Waitohi (Picton). The association also started a relationship with the Woodbourne Airforce Base, which saw involvement with weekly competition as well as two female athletes making the NZDF team that travelled to Australia.

Joining forces with the Nelson Softball Association, the associations teamed up to restart the "Seddon Shield" – a one-day competition involving Under 13s, Under 15 Boys and Girls, Men's and Women's, with Adult’s playing double headers. They shield was awarded to the association who won the most from 7 matches; with Marlborough taking it out 6-1. Marlborough Softball Association president, Lawrence Allen, says the successful Seddon Shield weekend underlines the fact ‘a lot is being done to secure the solid future for softball in the province’. Together with Nelson, the associations will work to build the level of softball in the Tasman Region going forward.

Heading into the off season, the Marlborough Softball Association will be hosting Scoring, Umpiring, Coach and Player Development Clinics. Kerry Eager has come onboard as Chief Umpire to nurture fledgling umpires to attain the Level 1 Softball New Zealand umpiring certificate in the coming season, with Wiremu Tamaki and Rikki Thompson (RDU - Te Waipounamu) offering guidance, and Life Member Ian Didfort overseeing scoring clinics.

When it comes to coaching and player development, the association will have a huge focus on learning and teaching the mechanics, as well as a big focus on the “mental game”. Their skills sessions will also call on Black Sox legends coming to host specialised pitching clinics.

Next season, the Marlborough Softball Association will hold a grassroots youth Tournament to further invest in their Junior Programme, while generating momentum around the area. The tournament will have the focus of offering tournament experience ahead of the association sending players to the Mainland Tournament. Providing opportunities to umpires will also be on the books, with ‘Orange Shirts’ given the chance to be involved with the Waitohi annual Premier 2 tournament over Labour weekend. This will build their official stocks looking towards the Women’s Evergreens Tournament in 2025/26.

Well done Marlborough on the fantastic initiatives and growth!

Article added: Wednesday 23rd May 2024