Softball NSW is pleased to announce a growth in Softball participation in NSW during the 2022-23 seasons which is a positive outcome and indicates we have taken the first steps towards reaching the target of 10,000 registered NSW members by 2027.

Across the 2022-23 season, Softball NSW reported a membership growth of 7.2% the first growth achieved in 4 years. As with all sports, the COVID-19 era was a difficult time for Softball, but the growth achieved is a testament to the hard work, determination and passion from our local associations and club volunteers to drive participation and retention in Softball across NSW.

Buoyed by the result, Chief Executive Officer Stuart Clark thanked all the volunteers around NSW. “An increase of 7.2 % is an outstanding result for Softball in NSW. The hard work and commitment from our club and association volunteers to achieve this result must be acknowledged. I thank them for their continued commitment, and I look forward to working with them to build on this year’s result as we aim towards 10,000 members.”

Softball NSW is committed to increasing participation in NSW and is keen to work with our associations to create bespoke opportunities for our participants to play Softball. Softball is a game that can be played by participants from 5 years of age to 80 years of age as seen in one of our associations.

Retiring President Chris Hall thanked all Softball volunteers for their commitment to Softball. “A positive result like this does not happen without the volunteers on the ground in their local associations committing time and effort into growing our game. In my time as President, I don’t think I have seen a more committed volunteer base looking at opportunities to grow participation in Softball. Whilst I am stepping away from the Presidency, I will continue to monitor the growth in our game and provide assistance wherever possible”.

Facilities continue to be a major concern for Softball in NSW, especially at Blacktown International Sportspark, the Home of the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Blacktown City Council have made it clear they are looking to commercialise the current Softball NSW infrastructure by removing playing facilities for a predominately female-based sport. Clark said, “Council’s continued attempt to remove Softball facilities whether publicly or by stealth is disappointing. Councils in NSW and around Australia are investing in female sporting facilities following the success of the Matildas, yet Blacktown City Council are considering doing the opposite.”

Softball registrations for season 2023-24 have started extremely positively as we lead into the start of the summer season.