Softball in South Delta will be one big happy family for the coming 2012 season.
The Ladner Minor Fastpitch Association, Tsawwassen Minor Softball Association and South Delta Invaders Rep "B" program have agreed to merge to become the South Delta Fastpitch Association. The new organization was unanimously approved at all three groups' recent AGMs. That leaves soccer and boys baseball as the only two sports that continue to operate separately in the two communities.
This softball marriage was not about two bitter cross-town rivals putting their differences aside, but rather the consummation of an already solid relationship that has evolved over the past several months. The newly formed association addresses the same philosophy for all three parties and that's providing the absolute best experience for kids to play softball in South Delta.
Ladner Minor Fastpitch president Fred Wells suggests the move was necessary given the declining numbers of eligible players in the area and how softball is competing with so many other sports that now offer year-round programs.
Last season, Ladner and Tsawwassen came together to form another House level team when neither association had enough players to do it on its own. That started the ball rolling.
"There had to be a lot of pressure for people to wake up and smell the coffee with numbers shrinking," said Wells. "What really started to force (our) hands was the two associations were starting to get in situations where neither one of us had quite enough players to form two teams. It forced us to form blended teams and it led the way to good people getting involved.
"What also helped is having three relatively young executives with people who aren't carrying baggage from five years ago. I think we all realized this was the best way to go."
Tsawwassen Minor Softball president Scott Stoilen saw his association recently enjoy a minor bump in registration thanks to some hard work with its grassroots program. But he also realized long term there would be struggles continuing to operate on its own.
"The thing is with a combined association, there is a mass of people and there is just more of a presence in all of South Delta," said Stoilen. "Working with these guys the last few years, I have got to know them and really respect what Ladner does in the community with its many programs. That was a big draw for me too."
Those Ladner programs are mainly off the field that develops a player's character more than ball skills. They include volunteering at soup kitchens, providing coats for underprivileged children, working with Delta Special Olympics and various other community groups and projects.
The Invaders program was already working closely with both associations as its talent pipelines but now being under the same umbrella will mean an even smoother process.
"We were walking the tight rope before with the two organizations feeding us," said Invaders president Dave Rally. "If you're not on the same page it creates issues. This brings us home. Everyone is on the same page."
Rally also pointed out how greater flexibility in field options is another major benefit, especially for Ladner which typically deals with early season flooding issues at Hawthorne Park. Last year's Opening Day was cancelled.
The merger will provide a better calibre of play right down to the House level simply by having a broader talent base to draw from. Last year, longtime LMFA executive Scott Wheatley took his team to the Pee Wee "C" Provincials in Cranbrook where Ladner was in tough.
"Between the rep programs and house, our kids could be playing on seven or eight different teams. We're about the size of Cranbrook and they had just one Pee Wee team. It's pretty tough to compete against that."
A new association logo and colour scheme is expected to be determined in the following weeks. Also look for the organization to build on its existing programs.
"This allows the associations to make long term development programs and get more involved on the social sides of things. This will hopefully build a broader base, added Wells.
"We are all fighting for a smaller (population) base. It's a matter of making ours as attractive as we can."
