Hi everyone,

With only a few weeks left before our Premier Men, Premier Reserve Men, and Women kick off their competitions, it’s a great reminder that all those players started by giving softball a try and falling in love with it.

That’s why we’re excited for this year’s Have-a-Go Day, happening this Saturday, 6th September 1pm - 3.30pm, at Freyberg Park, Browns Bay. If you have any friends or family who you’d like to introduce to softball, be sure to send them along!  A big thank you to Stu at Aussie Butcher Henderson for generously donating 100 sausages, so those kids who attend can enjoy a free sausage (while stocks last)!

In this newsletter you'll find:

  • Presidents Update
  • Opening Day Competition 
  • Weekly Pre-Season training starts Sat 13 Sep 
  • Scorers Clinics - Thu 11 Sep and Thu 25 Sep @ Rosedale Scorers Room
  • Pre-Order Merchandise (shop now open)
  • Updates
  • Important Dates

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT 

Although our regular season officially kicks off on Sat 1 Nov, we’re excited to get an early taste of the action on Sat, 27 Sep, when our ECB Prem Men, Prem Reserve Men, and Women play their first games of their season.  This year, we’ve planned something extra fun for our juniors!

🎉 Opening Day “Best Sign” Competition 

Bring your creativity and team spirit to Opening Day! Design a banner or sign to cheer on our teams, and you could win. We’ve got two Easton gear bags packed with goodies up for grabs, along with plenty of great spot prizes on the day. So grab your paints, markers, and big ideas—we can’t wait to see your creations on Sat, 27 Sep (game times TBC).  

🥎 Pre-Season Training at Freyberg Park

A huge thank you to our Club Captains, Bron and Tracey, who have been working hard to secure training spaces while the council keeps Rosedale diamonds closed until the season officially begins. Thanks to their efforts, they’ll be running pre-season training at Freyberg Park, Browns Bay, starting Sat 13 Sep, and continuing every Saturday until the season starts. 

Training schedule:
1:00–2:30 pm → Juniors (up to U13 inclusive)
2:30–4:00 pm → U15 to Seniors

These sessions will run in a clinic-style format, with coaches working across age grades to support skill development and teamwork. It’s a great opportunity to get a head start before the season kicks off.

👉 If you haven’t registered yet, please do so—this ensures you can take part in the pre-season trainings.

Note: Any cancellations will be posted on the ECB Softball Facebook group.

Let the season begin - Richard (Club President)

MERCHANDISE STORE NOW OPEN

Our Merchandise Store is now open.  Order any New Balance items before 24 October for delivery before Christmas. 

We have Caps, Visors, Belts, Socks in stock. 
Pre-order for collection at a pre-season training afternoon or purchase at uniform pick up prior to the season start date. 

if you have any questions regarding merchandise please contact merchandise@ecbsoftball.org.nz   

UPDATES: 

👉 REGISTER NOW  

So far, over 180 people have registered, and our club captains are starting to form teams. If you haven't re-registered yet, be sure to do so to make sure your name is on the list! If you have any questions about your team or grade, reach out to your club captains.

Bron – clubcaptain@ecbsoftball.org.nz (15 years - senior grades)
Tracey – jnrclubcaptain@ecbsoftball.org.nz (3 - 14 years)

FEE OPTIONS
We have multple payment options or contact Suzette (treasurer@ecbsoftball.org.nz) to set up a payment plan. Please note: all fees must be paid in full by the first Saturday of play (unless a payment plan is arranged). 

ECB WEBSITE TIPS 
Our ECB Softball website is your go-to hub for everything you need — from the weekly draw and merchandise shop to the calendar, latest updates, past emails, rules, and much more. Visit us at www.ecbsoftball.org.nz

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES!!
Do you want your logo featured on team shirts? Be one of the first sponsors to have your logo on our newly redesigned East Coast Bays Softball player shirts! This is a fantastic opportunity for exposure, with your logo appearing on the sleeve of up to 4 teams (e.g., Under 11s, Under 13s).

Partner with us and New Balance, and become a key part of our growing ECB community. Interested? Get in touch at secretary@ecbsoftball.org.nz—we’d love to have you on the sleeve!

IMPORTANT DATES:
Sat 06 Sep 2025 - Have a Go Day @ Freyberg Park
Thu 11 Sep 2025 - Scorers Clinics @ Rosedale Scorers Room
Sat 13 Sep 2025 - Pre-Season Training starts 1pm - 4pm (weekly)
Thu 25 Sep 2025 - Scorers Clinics @ Rosedale Scorers Room
Sat 27 Sep 2025 - Premier and Prem Reserve Grades Start Best Sign Competition
Sun 19 Oct 2025 - Muster/Uniform Collection @ Stadium Rosedale Park
Fri 31 Oct 2025 - U15/17 Girls and U17/19 Boys Grades Starts 
Sat 01 Nov 2025 - All Saturday Junior and Senior grades start.   
Sat 08 Nov 2025 - Club Duty Day (TBC)
Sun 07 Dec 2025 - Brad Rona Fast 45 Tournament U13 and U15
Fri 12 Dec 2025 - Pre-Christmas Finish – U15/17 Girls & U17/19 Boys
Sat 13 Dec 2025 - Pre-Christmas Finish – All Grades
Post-Christmas Restart (TBC)

If you have any questions at all please contact secretary@ecbsoftball.org.nz

 ECB Softball Committee 
#ecbproud
www.ecbsoftball.org.nz