LAST week saw the conclusion of the second annual Gawler Winter Academy in which young softball, baseball and tee-ball players can get out and work on their skills during a time that is usually spent waiting for the next season to begin.
Program organisers Kerry Okeil and Kat Ingram said the academy is for kids of any skill level, with all welcome.
“The aim of the academy is to showcase the sports, and to grow a much loved sport within our community,” Okeil said.
“There were actually a lot of baseball players that didn’t do a lot of stuff during the winter, so it’s a way to keep them engaged and interested while improving their skills ready for the summer season.”
Ingram said the program has evolved in its second year, now merging the baseball and softball players for a more integrated experience.
“Last year we used STARplex’s indoor training facility, which is terrific, but we took a survey at the end and they said while it’s great, it was quite small for the amount of people we had,” she said.
“The kids love it out at Karbeethan Reserve, and with COVID it just made sense to be outdoors if possible, and it’s where both softball and baseball clubs are based so it’s a good way to get kids connected to whichever clubs they’d like to play for.
“We actually had 80 kids register last year – that number was down a bit this year with COVID and all the uncertainty, but we have kids showing up with their friends all the time so we’re encouraged by the amount of interest it generates.
“It’s great to see the kids having fun and developing their skills and confidence week after week.”
The softball and baseball seasons are getting started in the next few weeks, so for anyone interested in getting involved with baseball, contact Kerry Okeil on 0427 662 741 or for softball, contact Sally Green on 0400 943 249.