Softball Australia would like to congratulate Softball Victoria (SV) on winning the 2021 Vicsport Schools Initiative of the Year at the Victorian Sport Awards ceremony last night. 

The SV Softball Batter Up Schools Roadshow delivered free introductory clinics to more than 4,000 grade 3 & 4 students across 112 local schools, with an emphasis on fun and inclusion. 

More than 150 new participants subsequently registered for local Softball Batter Up and Fully Loaded T-Ball programs, and the award reflects the positive outcomes that can be achieved under the One Softball management structure. 

National Participation Manager Nick Frayne said, “The One Softball structure has provided the opportunity to employ expert Participation Coordinators, who support Associations and Clubs to recruit and retain members, and we are so proud of what our staff and our volunteers have been able to achieve. 

“The award also reflects the positive culture we have built in the Participation team. Delivering softball programs to more than 100 schools in a matter of weeks leading into the 2021/22 summer season and during the pandemic takes an incredible amount of drive and passion, which is difficult to achieve without a strong organisational culture,” Nick said. 

The Roadshow is just one initiative that has been implemented through One Softball aimed at driving membership growth, with a bold new participation product to be released in the coming weeks. 

“Using Sport Australia’s Design Approach, we have built an entry level product that meets the needs of junior participants and their parents, and has the flexibility to be delivered within schools and Clubs and Associations. It allows kids aged 4 to 10 to learn fundamental skills at their own pace, and progress through the sport to eventually play softball in a structured environment,” Nick said. 

“I don’t think there’s never been a more exciting time to be involved with softball at grass roots level.” 

Click here to read the Vicsport announcement on the 2021 Victorian Sport Awards winners.