Sooke Minor Fastball Association (SMFA) is proud to announce that they have been awarded to host the 2015 Provincial fastball Championships for boys in age categories U12 and U16, to be held July 10-12 at both Art Morris Park and Stan Jones Field.
“Our successful bid for this championship continues the rich heritage of fastball that Sooke has enjoyed for over 60 years now.” says Chris Bryant, SMFA President. “I am reminded of how valuable fastball is to the many families who have had their kids grow up in our park, and are looking to come back as volunteers for the Provincial’s weekend. All that support will be well put to use by our parent organizer Sheryl Friesen.”
Teams from all over BC will attend the three-day Softball BC sanctioned tournament, which requires host parks to highlight their local community through activities both on and off the field. The SMFA tournament committee is well into building the framework required from local business and service groups needed to host the estimated 12-16 teams and their families. Additionally,
Head Coach Dean Haldane will be overseeing the U12 and U16 team coaches as the begin their season on the diamond this spring. As host park, Sooke will be able to provide families with championship level ball this summer in their own back yard.
“Every year Sooke produces boys and girls teams that earn trips to provincial championships – wherever they may be held – as a result of their medal position in District playoffs. Our club has logged many miles on B.C. roads over the years, so hosting the boys will be a wonderful gift to families of these U12 and U16 boys,” says Haldane, who grew up playing ball in Sooke and, along with fellow coach and wife Lindsey, consider Art Morris Park their second home.
SMFA provides fastball training and league play for over 250 local youth age 5-18.
“Producing teams and players that are successful is not just about the scorebook,”, says Bryant, “I would point out that creating recreational opportunities for kids to become behaviorally competent as they grow into tomorrow’s adults is far, far more important that winning a ball game. We want to teach kids to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.”
For information about Sooke Minor Fastball, visit www.sookefastball.com or contact Chris Bryant if you would like to support kids fastball in Sooke.
