Two southern Manitoba cities will welcome the country’s top young softball players this summer, as the Central Energy U15 AAA female team prepares to host the 2025 Canadian Fastpitch Championships.
From Aug. 13 to 17, Winkler and Morden will jointly host the Softball Canada 15U AAA Female and Male National Championships — marking the first time both tournaments will take place in the same location on the same dates.
“This is the first time in any fastpitch category the female and male national championships will be held at the same location on the same dates,” said Gilles LeBlanc, manager of operations with Softball Canada.
The combined event will see 31 teams from across the country compete at local diamonds, with up to 500 athletes and officials expected to attend. Organizers say the tournament will have a major economic impact and help grow the game regionally.
“Softball has given our families so many great experiences and we are thrilled to be able to give back to the sport and the region,” said national co-chairs Kristi Guilford and Tara Pettinger.
The host team — Central Energy U15 AAA female — is made up of 12 athletes and a coaching staff from the Central Manitoba region. Assistant coach and team manager Kevin Convery said the players are looking forward to competing in front of family, friends and the next generation of minor ball athletes.
“They are really looking forward to having minor ball players of all ages come cheer them on,” Convery said. “They hope to inspire a whole new generation of fastpitch athletes who will love the game as much as they do.”
Softball Canada and Softball Manitoba extended thanks to the host communities and the many volunteers and sponsors who are helping make the event possible. Organizers are still seeking local volunteers and sponsors, with more information available at www.softball.ca/u15womens.
