Michaela Meade
Northern Districts Softball Association has experienced a bittersweet few weeks, having been named association of the year for 2020-21 by Softball Australia, but also having the under-14’s state championships cancelled.
Northern Districts were set to host the state championships this weekend, however metro Melbourne’s lockdown put a stop to their plans.
President Chaminda Fernando said having the championship cancelled was disappointing.
“It’s really affecting the associations, clubs, players and parents,” Fernando said.
“We are trying to keep the enthusiasm levels up with our younger players to keep playing the sport.
“Lots of planning goes in to [organising] these events too.
“[These] championships are really important to the younger players who like to experience the next level [above] being just a club player, to play in a state championship.
“[The championship] leads to potentially play at nationals representing Victoria, and one day perhaps play for Australia.
“It’s a shame they got cancelled.”
Fernando said prior to the sixth lockdown, which has stopped all community sport, Northern Districts were faring well in their competitions.
“We actually managed really well [in] the 2020-21 season,” he said.
“We didn’t miss much at all [prior to the sixth lockdown].
“An important thing was working closely with Whittlesea council and Softball Victoria [to follow restrictions].
“It is very difficult to plan things ahead and keep the players’ skill levels up at the same time.
“We want the players to keep improving to the next level and it’s a difficult task when things are put on hold or cancelled.
“We manage to communicate through social media, [and gave] lots of training videos to do from home, and provided as much information as we [could] to keep the players’ spirits up.”
While the lockdowns were disruptive, Northern Districts still ranked number one in the Softball Club and Association Recognition Program’s homeplate ladder.
The homeplate ladder is Softball Australia’s club and association recognition program, which was established to recognise clubs and associations for implementing best practice governance, management, and membership growth and retention. It recognises the top 20 clubs and associations nationally.
Northern Districts took out the top spot with 133 points. They were ahead of Keilor Park, by 12 points.
Fernando said it was great to be recognised as the association of the year, especially given the difficulties 2020-21 has presented.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be the number one when so many of our committee members put so much time and effort all the time,” he said.
“We do have a very strong committee, players and a great bunch of supportive families that helped us to get to number one.
“We will keep working hard to keep [Northern Districts] number one into the future and provide our community a chance to come and have fun and produce skillful softball players.”
