I was first introduced to softball at the age of 6 and have played and been involved in this great game right through to my adult life. I live and breath softball!

I was a member of the RNZN (Navy) Softball Club for 20 years before moving to Browns Bay in 2011.  At that time I was approached to join ECB United Softball Club and coach the Division 1 Wildcats team and play Division 1 Mens. With four young boys of my own, I felt that ECB was a very family-oriented club and this appealed to me greatly.

Throughout my time with ECB I have been dedicated to the club whether it be playing, coaching or as a committee member.  As a player I have been priviledged to get to know many softballers on the diamond.  As a coach I have helped players tackle new challenges and been rewarded in watching their successes, as well as being a part of championship teams.  I have also been selected several times to coach North Harbour Softball representative age grade teams and most recently I was named co-manager for Softball New Zealand U18 Boys Developing Sox for their 2023 Queensland tour. 

I first joined the ECB Committee in 2012 when I wanted to be more hands on with the club, and was elected ECB Club Captain the following season. In this role I worked hard on a process to ensure our ECB gear was accountable and safely stored, and also helped secure grants for more equipment. I would be at the park all day, from morning juniors games to seniors games in the evening. I made sure I was visible to the players, parents and coaches. I wanted to ensure teams had everything they needed, their questions were answered and offer any help I could.  I would regularly help teams with umpiring,  resolve issues during and after games and was often approached by other clubs for advice. 

Having a strong understanding of the game I was invited to become a member of the the North Harbour Softball Games Advisory Committee which reviews the North Harbour competition, the rules and how they are enforced, reviewing player dispensations, and any discussions and disputes around our NHSA competitions.  This has enabled me to have a deep understanding of the game within the North Harbour context.   

I was elected to the role of ECB Club President in 2020, and during this time the club has gone from strength to strength.  The committee membership grew by 25% which enabled the team to have a broader range of skills and knowledge, to effectively and positively grow the club.  My proudest sporting moment was representing ECB Softball along side Suzette Taylor at the 2023 Softball New Zealand Awards, where ECB was named the 'Softball New Zealand Club of the Year’.  I recognise the many years of hard work leading up to this award and fully respect the highly engaged committee members and wider ECB whanau, whom without, we would not have had this great success.  

If re-elected, I want to see the ongoing success of the club. This would include future growth and a player and coach development plan to supports this path.  I want to ensure we create a clear pathway for our female players (as we have with our men) with emphasis on our U15/17 Girls into the women’s grades.   

We have achieved so much throughout the last few years and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve in the seasons to come. It would be an honor to be re-elected as your Club President.

Kia kaha,

Charnz