Congratulations to Northern District Softball Association who have won the 2021 SV Association of the Year award.

The association finished on top of the Homeplate Ladder for associations nationally in 2020-21.

NDSA is very active in the community running Come and Try Days and Sporting Schools programs, which resulted in several new members.

NDSA President Chaminda Fernando said he was delighted to have the association’s achievements acknowledged with this award.

“It’s an amazing feeling, we put a lot of work into it especially to get the season up and going. We had so many challenges in the Covid environment, with QR codes, social distancing and ensuring everybody is informed of the plan,” he said.

“The award goes to everybody, the parents, volunteers, players… full credit to getting the season underway and then to start and finish the season on top.”

NDSA partnered with Sunshine Softball Association and Keilor Park Softball Association in developing the North West Softball League, in addition to various Softball Batter Up, Fully Loaded T-Ball and Sporting Schools programs.

“We created the North West Softball League, where we managed to build a competition environment. We had between four and seven teams across each age category, this improved the kids’ skill levels and also resulted in a Vicsport Award nomination for the Sport Initiative of the Year,” he said.

“A couple of volunteers went to local schools to promote softball, in addition to the Softball Batter Up and Fully Loaded T-Ball programs which were a success in attracting new participants.”

“Big thank you to our committee, parents and players. Softball is a small community sport, but the family connection is the key. We have families who come from far and wide to help run the day smoothly,” he added.

“Thank you also to the Whittlesea Council for helping with grounds maintenance, and Softball Victoria for their assistance.”

“Lastly, Ray Carter did an amazing job with the ever changing fixture. Special mention to mention Kerry Laird, John White, Cathy Ferraro and Craig Kneebone for their support in running the competition.”