Pitch for under-17 softballers

The Sunbury Softball Association is looking to add more under-17 players to its growing organisation.

While increasing numbers in other age groups has seen the formation of a fourth club in the association, numbers in the under-17 competition are dwindling.

New association president Mark Nicholls said the search was on for more players to fill three under-17 sides, and perhaps even a fourth.

“Last year we had three solid [under-17] teams in the competition,” he said. “[But] currently we have about 25 players, which is equal to two and half teams.

“It we can fill a third side we will have a more even competition like last year. We would dearly love a fourth side – that would mean there is no bye.”

The under-17 competition is mixed and for players of all abilities.

“Experienced or inexperienced it doesn’t matter,” Nicholls said. “We have a good coaching set-up. A lot of people haven’t played softball when they come down here.”

Nicholls said the rest of the association was thriving.

“We have 70 children in tee ball and the under-13 age group and there’s six under-13 teams,” he said.

“With the growth of the three clubs and to assist with fixtures it was decided to have a fourth club.

“There’s five teams in the women’s competition and it’s flying. The men’s competition has four teams.”

He said the next goal was to get another diamond so the association could start expanding.