The U16A Western Canadian Softball Championships are coming to St. Albert this summer.
Fastball St. Albert will host the tournament from July 29 to Aug. 1 at the Meadowview Diamonds. Based on other years, it is likely to consist of approximately 10 girls' teams and six boys' teams. It will follow a round robin structure with eliminations in playoffs.
Fastball St. Albert is excited to host the tournament. The association recognizes that hosting westerns could benefit both the association and the city.
"It's an opportunity for our association to gain exposure, to showcase itself within our community," said Michael Kirk, president of Fastball St. Albert. "And also for us to showcase our city and to show people what St. Albert is all about and the quality of the community."
Organization of the tournament is in full swing within the association. Planning began soon after there was confirmation that Fastball St. Albert would be hosting.
"We put in the bid, then as soon as we were selected we had a committee meeting on various issues if not monthly in the fall, every six weeks or so," said Kirk.
Summer is drawing near and the association is placing a large amount of attention on the most pressing issues.
"As things are getting closer to the tournament, obviously it's going to focus on the issues that need to be dealt with. Fundraising is one of them, exposure is another and also getting our team properly trained so that they can compete," said Kirk.
Fastball St. Albert is a non-profit association that has grown to 250 players and 18 teams this year. They are approaching their 19th annual invitational tournament but Kirk says the Western Canadian Softball Championships is going to be the highest profile event the association has taken on so far. It is an important milestone in the progression of the association.
"This is going to be a tremendous opportunity for Fastball St. Albert to take our association sport in the city to the next level. We're quite excited about it. Obviously we want to represent our association in the city proudly, which we will do."
U16A Angels
The U16A Angels will represent Fastball St. Albert as the host team at the 2016 U16A Western Canadian Softball Championships. Mark Maxwell says their season has started well. They are currently undefeated in the Edmonton Youth Softball Association. The team is participating in the Girls Prairie League Softball kick-off this weekend. The league puts the Angels against all the A teams in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
As the host team, they automatically qualify for westerns but will still compete in the provincial championships. Maxwell says it is evident that the season is going to be different than other seasons.
"This year's team goals includes a Western Canadian Championship, so that's a little bit more excitement and little bit more challenge for everybody."
U18 Angels
The U18 Angels came home winners after last weekend's Strathmore Mother's Day Tournament.
They faced the Calgary Sliders in the final. The Angels suffered a tough loss against the Sliders in the round robin portion of the tournament. The game ended with a score of 11-8. They were able to find redemption when they battled their way to a 21-16 victory over the Sliders for the gold medal.
For more information about Fastball St. Albert visit www.fastballstalbert.ca.
