Oceanside Minor Softball Association (OMSA) is in need of more players.
The sports group is still recovering from COVID, which has severely impacted membership and their programs. It is now working on attracting more players for its rep, house and Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Learn to Play programs.
The OMSA wants to enlighten parents and players what the different programs are all about.
The rep program is for competitive female athletes looking to advance their skills, positional playing, travel on- and off-Island, fall and winter training sessions, as well as a focused spring season, with the end game making the provincial championships.
Although it is for serious fastball athletes, the association pointed out, the team environment is fun, rewarding and supportive with game play for all athletes making the team.
The program is led by Shannon Mah, a skilled and passionate player and a coach who is dedicated to the development of her athletes.
For anyone wishing to play in the rep teams, tryouts will be held on Nov. 21, Dec. 3 and Dec 10 at Arbutus Meadows.
The U13B rep team is a competitive program that strives to create opportunities for girls ages 13 and under to grow into strong, confident and resilient women. Open tryouts will be held at Arbutus Meadows Nov. 20, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 3, 4 p.m. to p.m. and Dec. 10, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tryout cost is $30. Information and team expectations, added rep costs and year outline will be handed out during tryouts.
Out-of-area athletes are welcome to register and do not need association permission. Registration is now open oceansidesoftball.ca For more info you can email presoceansideminorsoftall@gmail.com. Any athletes not able to make these dates, but want to try out, are recommended to get in touch with OMSA as soon as possible.
House programs U11, U13, U15/17 are based on the FUNdamentals of softball – team play, game play, proper skill development and fair play. OMSA runs grassroots programming in which practices are dynamic, quick moving, fun, skill based and inclusive of all skill level. Games take place in Parksville or within 40 minutes.
Fairplay is mandatory in all age groups. New players are encouraged to try all positions.
Katie Mason will run the U13 house team. She is dedicated to making the most of the spring season and offering skill-building opportunities throughout the season and in the off-season for players wanting a bit more.
“Oceanside minor softball house league is a great place for girls to learn a new sport and make friends,” said Mason. “Both my girls joined in 2022 at 10 years old and love it. Softball was brand new to them and watching all the girls have fun, while learning the game in a positive way made it a great experience. The season is a perfect length and those spring evening outside with friends is even better”
The OMSA’s youngest players are in the U7 and U9 programs, which were created in partnership with the RDN recreation department and Softball BC to run low cost, skill based early training for softball.
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The RDN rec guide hosts the youngest age group. The programs offer proper skill development, fun, and engaging athletes in softball’s long term athletic development system. Parents can assist certified coaches on the field and get involved in a low stress environment.
Parents can also have the opportunity for hands on learning and development in coaching opportunities while the practices and scrimmages are organized by RDN coaches. These programs are in Parksville in the spring and summer outdoors or indoor throughout the district in the off season. For more information go online at the RDN website https://www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation
OMSA has spring games for umpires of all skill level, competitive pay rate, full training and equipment provided. Anyone interested in umpiring please reach out for training and game booking at presoceansideminorsoftball@gmail.com.
OMSA and Central Vancouver Island Rage are looking for community members with coaching backgrounds to assist is giving these athletes the best experience they can have.
— NEWS Staff
