Junior West Softball League announced as finalist for 2024 Victorian Sport Awards – VicHealth Sport and Active Recreation Initiative of the Year

For several years, the Werribee Softball Association and Geelong Softball Association have been without a Junior Competition due to not having the numbers to form enough junior teams for their own competition. The past two seasons, two teams from Werribee; the Hawks and Padres played each other each week, and the thirst for greater competition grew. 

This season, Softball Vicotria facilitated discussions between Werribee Softball Association, Hawks Softball Club, Padres Softball Club, newly established Point Cook Aviators Baseball & Softball Club and the Geelong Softball Association which led to the development of the Junior West Softball League, with 4 teams participating in an 8 week competition on Saturday morning involving four, 14 and under mixed gender teams, (2 Werribee teams Hawks and Padres), Point cook Aviators and Geelong. Each team played a double header each week and the host venue was rotated each week to allow each venue to host throughout the season.

The initiative increased participation as it offered a competitive format for junior boys and girls that has been lacking in the area for several years, which led to participants in the past, not pursuing the sport after an initial come and try, school program or Home Run Heroes program, as there wasn't a competition for them previously, but this initiative has bridged that gap.

The travel league, hub approach and partnership with multiple clubs and associations to form the league to ensure a sustainable competition with enough teams, players, coaches, scorers, umpires volunteers and adequate facilities, has been instrumental to the success of the league thus far.

The initiative has resulted in junior membership growth this season for the participating clubs and associations. The success of the 8-week competition also led to an additional 4 rounds that were played after Christmas. Next season the league hopes to grow to 6-8 teams with interest from other clubs in forming a junior team and joining the competition.

Congratulations to all involved, including the clubs, associations, dedicated and hard-working volunteers including the coaches, umpires, scorers, grounds people and canteen helpers for playing a key role in developing and ensuring the success of the League, and the players and parents for their key involvement in this brilliant initiative.

Click here for more information on the 2024 Victorian Sport Awards