By Daniel Henderson  November 3, 2011

Mid Canterbury Softball has relocated to Argyle Park and a day is planned for the opening this Saturday with sausage sizzles and games throughout to mark the shift.

“Softball has been growing over the last nine years and we’re planning to send some teams to competitions further away,” said president of Mid-Canterbury Softball Rob Flanagan.
Pitching off at 8.30am there will be 13 tee-ball teams and nine soft-pitch teams on display. These are the grades for youngsters to learn the game and hopefully stick with it, Mr Flanagan said.
How can they fit so many teams on the park? They’ve got 10 softball diamonds on Argyle, so they’re ready to grow. “We can take more registrations on the day. We’re looking for adults for fast-pitch softball, and mixed and social summer grades.”
Increasing adult involvement is beneficial for up-and-coming young softballers.
“Softball is one of those games where old age and trickery make up for youth and enthusiasm. And we want the youngsters to learn those tricks too.”
Mid Canterbury’s growth is starting to show with two young pitchers nominated in the Aoraki Sports Awards held earlier this week: Dan Flanagan, 13, and Rose Coburn, 14.
With their new facility these successes look likely to continue.