Stratford, PE – The Town of Stratford is working to return the sport of softball to its fields for the 2018 season. A Stratford Softball Association has been created after a resident, and parent, brought the idea forward to Town staff earlier this year. Currently a group of eight residents are working with Town staff to bring softball back to our fields in time for the 2018 season.
“It has been 10 years since softball was last played in the Town,” commented Stratford Mayor David Dunphy, “and a lot has changed in Stratford since then. This group is motivated, excited and ready to get to work quickly to see softball back on our fields this summer and we look forward to supporting them in doing so.”
Softball was last played in Stratford in 2007 out of the former Glen Stewart Field. Teams are anticipated to primarily use the Bunbury Field for the 2018 season. The newly formed association is hoping to have teams in each of the following divisions:
- Learn to play 4-6 years (Born: 2012-2014)
- U8 (Born: 2010/2011)
- U10 ____ (Born: 2008/2009)
- U12 Squirts (Born: 2006/2007)
- U14 Peewee (Born: 2004/2005)
- U16 Bantam (Born: 2002/2003)
- U19 Midget (Born: 1999-2001)
“The next piece of the puzzle is to find people interested in coaching,” Councillor and Recreation, Culture and Events Chair Gail MacDonald said. “Coaches are an important part of this coming together in time and we ask those with an interest in helping out to please come forward to learn more and, most importantly, get signed up.”
Coaching applications are now being accepted by the Town of Stratford with coaches required to provide a police background check and to complete two coaching courses required for the division coaching. Softball PEI is offering the following required courses, “Making Ethical Decisions” and “Community Sport: Ongoing Participation”, later this spring. There is a fee associated with both courses however approved coaches will be reimbursed by the association. Anyone interested can email Rachel Arsenault at rarsenault@townofstratford.ca for more information.
“We look forward to the upcoming softball season,” added Councillor MacDonald. “With a new sport being offered in the Town comes the opportunity to name the team as well, and we will be releasing details on a contest in the near future to do just that.”
Registration is scheduled to open on April 1st online as well as in-person at Stratford Town Centre during regular office hours. On Saturday, April 21st the association is offering a “Come Try Softball Day” from 10am-12 noon. This takes place in the gymnasium at Stratford Town Centre and registration will also be offered onsite from 10am–12 noon during this event.
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For more information please contact:
Wendy Watts, Community Engagement Coordinator
Town of Stratford
T: (902) 569-6921
E: wwatts@townofstratford.ca