Softball Victoria and Softball Australia are pleased to announce that $150,000 in funding over three years has been secured as part of the VicHealth Big Connect program.

Big Connect supports initiatives that increase the opportunities for Victoria’s children and young people to build meaningful social connections, and this funding provides Softball Victoria with the means to support existing softball associations and clubs, and drive participation in certain regional areas where softball does not currently have a strong presence beyond the school system.

Softball Australia CEO Rosie Williams said, “This is clearly a big win for softball in Victoria, and a fantastic demonstration of what the One Softball management model is doing for the sport. I strongly believe without the collaboration between National and State bodies under One Softball we would not have been successful in securing this funding.”

Titled Regional Youth Communities Connection through Softball, the project aims to increase social connection, and will specifically engage with socially disengaged youth from indigenous backgrounds, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, females, and those with a disability.

The project will be rolled out over the next three years and is estimated to provide over 30,000 people with softball engagement opportunities.

Softball Victoria President Anthony Bradstreet also celebrated the announcement, and highlighted the efforts of those behind the grant application, saying “Justin Zelones, Tim Hatzi, and Dani Rigg deserve praise for doing the heavy lifting on this project. Their professional approach clearly made an impact. We now have the resources to confidently plan for how we can reach into areas where we once were part of the community but don't currently have a presence. What a fantastic opportunity for softball in Victoria.”

By removing the barriers to participating in softball, the project will improve social connection, mental health, and skills and fitness, and lead to less risky and anti-social behaviour, with some programs co-designed with target groups to promote immediate inclusion and ownership.

The project will also establish ongoing programs in softball associations beyond the initial funding period, providing young people with leadership and skill development opportunities.

Softball Victoria’s affiliation with Softball Australia through the One Softball agreement will support delivery of the initiative, as it provided access to shared national services including membership development and participation resources.