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Work is underway to try and rebuild a regional competitive softball program (Dreamstime)
resurrection effort

Coach hopes to resurrect competitive youth softball on mid Island

Nov 20, 2023 | 2:10 PM

PARKSVILLE — A local coach is determined to open competitive softball options for girls in the mid Island region.

Shannon Mah is hoping to re-establish a U13B team as part of Oceanside Minor Softball, which she said has been non-existent for the past several seasons.

Three open tryout sessions are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Arbutus Meadows in Nanoose Bay.

“There hadn’t been a U13B team in the central island since before the pandemic and we at Oceanside Minor Softball have been working hard to make that happen,” Mah told NanaimoNewsNOW. “We’ve been running clinics essentially year round to try to engage girls in the sport while developing their skill set and fostering friendship.”

Mah said a lack of a local competitive team has been difficult for girls hoping to create further opportunities in the game and in life.

“We are looking to form a team that develops more than just strong players. We want to promote skills, friendships, self-esteem and sense of self. We really want a team of strong young women who are thriving both on and off the field.”

Should the necessary number of players show interest, training will be indoors twice a week until the weather improves.

In-season training will comprise of two sessions a week, in addition to weekend double-headers with travel likely once a month to the south Island.

Tryout registration can be found here, with the tryout fee set at $30 open to girls born in 2011 and 2012 in the central Island region.

Further questions can be directed to Mah at: OceansideU13B@gmail.com.

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