Softball is pitching a return to former glory in the next 12 months, with Softball Victoria (SV) and VicHealth announcing a new partnership in July.
Once thriving in the Goulburn Valley, the duo is looking to cover all the bases of a comeback, with school and social programs aiming to get the sport back swinging in regional areas.
Expected to begin this summer, the new partnership is not only looking to drive participation, but grow the sport to its former glory.
Softball Victoria participation co-ordinator Jo Schutt said she was incredibly proud and excited to be part of the project.
“Not only are we bringing softball back to regional Victoria, but we are also engaging with youth to get them involved in sport,” Schutt said.
“This is a rare opportunity to get involved with a history-making project on the ground level and I encourage anyone who wants to give something back to the community to get in touch and be involved in something special.”
The project will initially look to get children involved, with a ‘Home Run Heroes’ program set to engage participants in game-sense activities to spark a love for the sport.
Building on this initial phase, activities will be set up across the community for children and their families.
There will be a range of options for young and old; including tee ball for 10-12-year-olds, under-14 modified fast pitch, under-17 youth fast pitch and mixed social competitions.
Set to be community-led, one of the goals of the project is to help young leaders emerge from the bullpen and take ownership, ensuring it reflects what the community wants.
Along with the junior programs, SV and VicHealth will provide everything required to create successful and sustainable softball communities throughout regional Victoria.
This includes training and education for coaches, umpires, scorers and administrators, equipment and facilities, support resources and athlete pathways.
In order to help facilitate the growth of the sport support is needed from volunteers and local businesses along with community organisations.
If you are interested in helping softball reach first base or keen to have a go, head to the Goulburn Valley Softball Facebook page for more information.