Masters Softball – both fastpitch and slowpitch -- is becoming more and more popular, and there are an increasing number of opportunities around the world, some of them in exotic locations.
Below are three tournaments coming up over the next couple of years that British softball teams or players might want to think about entering.
Any British teams that enter any of the tournaments described below should inform BSF President Stella Ackrell (stella.ackrell@britishsoftball.org), so the BSF knows that the Federation is being represented in these events.
European Softball Masters Tournament: June 2016
The European Softball Federation will be running its first-ever Masters Championship for male and female fastpitch teams in June 2016. The exact date and venue are still to be determined.
Teams will need to be made up players over 35 years of age.
Watch for more details on the BSF website or on the ESF website: www.europeansoftball.org.
Golden Oldies World Softball Festival: September 2016
The first Golden Oldies World Softball Festival will take place on the stunning island of Oahu, Hawaii from 18-25 September 2016.
Golden Oldies Softball is graded by age and ability and will include men’s and women’s fastpitch and slowpitch competitions plus a co-ed slowpitch section. The only requirement is that players are over 35.
Festival social functions are just as important as the games, and with food, drink and entertainment provided at both opening and closing functions, a week of fun, friendship and fraternity is guaranteed.
All packages include seven nights’ accommodation, opening and closing events at Germaine’s Luau, transfers to and from the games, Festival functions, and eight games of softball guaranteed.
For more information, email Aimee Preest on: softball@govsl.com, or visit: http://govsl.com/goldenoldies/softball/overview/, where you can access an entry form.
Any teams that mention BaseballSoftballUK will receive a round of cocktails for the team on arrival, and during the month of October a half price team entry is being offered, which would reduce the team entry fee to US$100.
World Masters Games: April 2017
The World Masters Games, featuring men’s and women’s fastpitch competition, will take place in Auckland, New Zealand from 21-30 April 2017.
During the Games, more than 25,000 athletes will take part in 28 sports at 45 venues, and over 2,500 softball players are expected.
Teams or individuals can enter in the following categories:
- A Grade (Competitive) -- Men and Women: 35+ and 45+
- B Grade (Recreational) -- Men and Women: 35+ and 45+
- Open -- Men and Women: 55+
There is no qualifying criteria except age.
The softball competition will be played at Rosedale Park, North Shore, where the 2013 Men’s World Championships took place, with an Opening Ceremony in Eden Park.
Registration will open in February 2016.
Registration packages are still to be announced, but the Gold package, including player entry, free city transportation, entry to social events etc, will be about £345 per person. Cheaper packages will be available.
For more information, go to: www.worldmastersgames.co.uk.