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The Chichester Falcons Junior Fastpitch section has just completed a 10-week summer programme, and is now preparing to host the club’s inaugural fastpitch tournament on Sunday 21 August.
Coached by David Morris, Nick Harris and Vicki Cathie from the club’s senior team, a total of 26 children and young people aged 11 to 16 are now on the roster, as participation expanded rapidly before and during the programme.
Outside help
The group was also grateful to have two visits from BSUK Academy Softball Director Robbie Robison, who brought his expertise and experience to focus on mechanics and fundamentals. As a result, two players from the Chichester team competed in the Great Britain Fastpitch League season at Farnham Park, while two of the Falcons’ girls made their first appearances at a GB Academy Softball session.
David Morris said, “Having Robbie along was a massive boost for us. He knows how to get the best out of an athlete and his drills and workouts challenged the players in a way that brought out their character and ability. Both the players and coaches have learned from his visits and we look forward to working with Robbie again soon.”
Meanwhile, the Falcons’ coaches have been busy engaging with Aaron Hancock from Midhurst Rother College and Laurie Robertson from Chichester High School for Girls, both of whom organised softball sessions for pupils run by the Falcons. This has already resulted in further additions to the junior team as more young people find out about the game.
“Thanks to the enthusiasm and cooperation of Aaron and Laurie,” David Morris added, “70+ school kids have had a chance to play softball with us and discover that this is no longer a niche sport. We hope to return next year, and hopefully welcome other Chichester secondary schools on board with us too.”
Tournament
The Falcons’ juniors can now look forward to further softball clinics through the summer holidays, and to hosting the first co-ed Chichester Junior Fastpitch Tournament on Sunday 21 August.
The entry system is geared towards inclusion: any 13-16 year-old who wants to join in can play at the tournament, regardless of whether their regular team has enough players, or even if they don’t have a team. Players will be enrolled individually before being rostered into a tournament team for the day.
Enrolment is via club’s Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/953382644783515/.