ECB United Softball Club eNewsletter - 16 April | Prizegiving dates and more....

Welcome to our newsletter!

As some of us are now enjoying Saturdays off, others are now in the thick of winter sports codes. We have a quick reminder that our Junior and Senior Prizegivings are happening next weekend—we hope you can all join us to celebrate the successes, efforts, and achievements across the club. While the season may be over, it’s certainly not quiet behind the scenes. The committee is already hard at work organising prizegivings, planning winter training clinics, sorting uniforms, and reviewing processes as we prepare for next season—because what happens in the off season plays a big role in shaping what’s to come.

Looking ahead, our AGM will be held in July (date TBA), and we’d love to hear from anyone interested in getting involved. Whether it’s helping out on Saturdays with photos, supporting social media, assisting our junior or senior club captains, or joining the committee, every bit of help makes a difference in building a stronger club.

We’re also keen to hear your feedback, so please take a few minutes to complete our End of Season Survey and help us improve.

In this newsletter you’ll also find details on:

End of Season Survey
Junior and Senior Prizegiving Details
Senior Prizegiving tickets (on sale until 28 April)
Champagne on the Shore (5 more helpers needed)

END OF SEASON SURVEY

JUNIOR PRIZEGIVING - SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2026

When: Sunday 26 April 2026
Where: North Harbour Softball Stadium (Jack Hinton Drive - best access off Paul Matthew)
Time: 1pm - we would expect it to finish around 3pm

A full prizegiving programme will be available online shortly.
Kids will receive pizza and a token to exchange for a Mr Whippy

SENIOR PRIZEGIVING – SATURDAY 2 MAY 2026

Join us as we celebrate the season for all senior teams. This event is open to all members, senior players, coaches, and management staff across every grade.

When: Saturday 2 May 2026
Where: Browns Bay Bowling Club, 784 Beach Road, Browns Bay
Time: From 4:00pm (Option One) or 7:15pm (Option Two)

OPTION ONE: Lawn Bowls, Dinner and Prizegiving

Enjoy a fun-filled evening with our ECB Lawn Bowling competition, followed by dinner, drinks, and prizegiving celebrations. All equipment is provided—just bring your team spirit!

Schedule:

4:00–6:00pm: Lawn Bowling (up to 10 games running at once)*
6:00–7:15pm: Dinner
7:30pm: Prizegiving begins (Team Awards followed by Club Awards)
Dessert grazing platters served during club awards
11:00pm: Event concludes

$50 per person or $25 per person for those coaches, assistant coaches, managers or scorers for either a junior or senior ECB Team.

OPTION TWO: Prizegiving only

Perfect for if you can’t attend the full event but still want to be part of the celebrations. This option includes entry to the prizegiving and a dessert grazing platter for your table.

Arrival from 7:15pm for a 7.30pm start

$10 per person including a grazing dessert platter.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
This is a private function—please respect the venue
Stay off the grass bowling greens
Drink responsibly
No BYO alcohol permitted
Tickets must be purchased no later than Tuesday 28 April.
*Lawn bowling is weather dependent. If weather conditions prevent play, indoor team games will be provided instead. Please note that pricing remains the same regardless of weather conditions.

BUY SENIOR PRIZEGIVING TICKETS

ECB HELPERS NEEDED - CHAMPAGNE ON THE SHORE - 07 MAY 2026

We still need about 6 volunteers (18+ years old) to help and the Champagne on the Shore is an annual fundraising event on Auckland’s North Shore, raising vital funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC New Zealand). Every dollar raised goes directly toward supporting families with seriously ill children—keeping them close when it matters most.

This year’s event will be held on Thursday, 7 May 2026 at Archibald & Shorter North Shore. Volunteer roles may include welcoming guests with drinks, assisting with beverage service, helping during dinner, supporting the auction, and providing car yard support.

The event is being coordinated by Kylie Sims, who will assign roles on the night.

If you’re able to lend a hand, we’d love your support, it's a chance to show what a truly amazing club we have. Please register your interest if you’re keen to be involved.

SPONSORS 2026/27 SEASON

We are currently seeking sponsors for our Prem Men Squad who will be representing ECB at the Men’s Club Nationals in Wellington in March 2027.

Sponsorship will help cover travel costs and support branded team travel shirts, naming rights, and a new Prem Reserve Men player shirts. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of our club’s journey and show your support for local softball at the highest level.

For more information or to discuss sponsorship options, please contact treasurer@ecbsoftball.org.nz.

Learn more about other opportunities that might suit your business at: www.ecbsoftball.org.nz/sponsorship