Softball set for summer season

Children, teenagers and adults are getting ready to “play ball” in the Noosa softball summer season which starts on Saturday 2 September – and new and past players are encouraged to join up.
Boys and girls from as young as four years of age can sign-on on Wednesday 30 August, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, to play softball, a non-contact sport, in teams from Little League to under-13, under-15, under-17 and adults.
Competition is held at the same time every Saturday morning at the Tewantin Sports Complex in Butler Street for beginner and experienced players.
Noosa District Softball Association president Richard Wakeham said new-comers could learn ball skills in a fun team atmosphere, while experienced players enjoy friendly competition.
“Softball’s a great sport for kids who want to learn skills and have fun, and with teams right through to under-17s, Seniors and Masters, it can be a life-long activity,” Richard said.
“Little League for ages 4-9 years is a great way for the kids to learn ball skills and have fun with their team-mates or to build on skills they already have.
“They can then go on to play in the older teams, become an umpire or be a mentor for the younger players.”
He said three clubs, Redsox, Dodgers and Slammers, field teams in the various age groups and provide playing shirts, bats, gloves and balls. Qualified training is available each week for beginner to advanced players.
“Any adults who played softball when they were younger or who would just like to have a go are also welcome to come along to social softball games on Saturday afternoons,” Richard said.
Several Noosa players were chosen for regional representative teams last year at State carnivals and five played in Queensland teams, including Luke Thomas and Shinai Gibbins who were also selected in Australian softball teams and played in the International Friendship Series.
“We’d love to see a Noosa player or two in the Australian softball team at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo,” Richard said.
Sign-on days for Noosa softball for all ages are at the Noosa District Sports Complex, off Noosa-Cooroy Road, Tewantin on Wednesday 30 August from 3.30-5pm. For information email noosasoftball@gmail.com or phone 0407 532 722.