Cape Town Softball Association’s junior season concluded on a high note this past weekend.
With a fun day filled with treats and jumping castles, the organising team hosted an awards ceremony at the Turfhall Softball Stadium.
Westridge Yankees won the under-9 League, Knockout and Grand Challenge trophies.
In the under-12 section, Tantasport won the Central Zone League trophy. Silvertree Titans won the Southern Zone League trophy and St Augustine, combined with Milnerton Mavericks, won the Northern Zone League trophy.
In the under-12 section, the Grand Challenge was split into two halves; with the top six teams competing for the Grand Challenge Cup and the bottom six teams competing for the Grand Challenge Plate.
Blackheath won the Grand Challenge Cup, while Strandfontein Mets won the Grand Challenge Plate.
Lavender Hill won the under-15 League and Grand Challenge trophies.
The Youth Director of Cape Town Softball Association, Paul Hendricks congratulated the winners of the under-9, under-12 and under-15 divisions, as well as all the clubs, participants, parents and organisers.
Hendricks said, despite minor setbacks, they’ve managed to get 17 of the 27 softball clubs to organise junior teams to participate in the 2024/2025 season.
“Recently, there seems to be a greater interest in youth softball and a number of clubs are really putting in the effort to get more youth participation. We’ve seen growth of the game and we’ve put various development programmes in place; from education and development of pitchers and catchers, to fielding and batting development at young ages, starting from the under-9s,” he said.
Vice-chairperson of the Cape Town Softball Association, Odelle Abrahams said together they were building a bright future for the sport in the country.
“Your contribution has made today possible. Your belief in our youth and your commitment to fostering their dream is immensely appreciated. As we wrap up this wonderful celebration, let us remember today is not about the awards given out but also the friendships that we forged, the lessons we have learnt and the memories we’ve created this season,” she said.
“We are building a bright future for our sport, one that is filled with promise and passion. Congratulations to all the award recipients, you are truly deserving of the honour. A round of applause for everybody,” said Abrahams.
