Excitement is building among local softball players as they gear up for another season.
Registration is now open for the Altona Angels 2025 season and word is getting out as registrations trickle in.
"We've sent out advertising in the community, both online and we've connected with area schools just to share with students that the upcoming season is approaching," said President Derek Sawatzky.
The club offers seven divisions; U7 Learn to Play, U9 Learn to Play, U11, U13, U15, U17 and U19.
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After a strong 2024, Sawatzky is optimistic for another strong season in 2025.
"Last year was quite excellent. At U11, we had two teams, and we were really close having enough girls for a third team at that point. U13 as well, we had two teams," he explained, noting those rosters were quite full at about 13 players each. Meantime, there was one team each in U17 and U19.
"I think having six teams was just an excellent way where the girls got to play against their friends sometimes, which has a double edge sometimes," said Sawatzky with a chuckle. "It can make you a little anxious how about things are going to go the next day at school, if you lose the game to your friends. Those games, it's okay if they tie those, or if the game's close."
He hopes to see more girls come out this year to try the game and, hopefully, fall in love with it.
"We'd love to see the numbers increase, but we know that we have a really good, strong base of players. We definitely saw that in U11 and U13 last year. That's great potential for growth from there."
While the club is based out of Altona, it isn't just open to players exclusively from the community, noted past president, Rachel Wahl.
"We've got quite a few registrants last year, and this year already, from St. Jean, Morris, Emerson, Dominion City. Anything east of us would come to our catchment area. Anyone that feels like driving the distance to come play here, they're welcome," she said.
Wahl encourages any interested players to sign up and ask questions about what the program is about.
You can find registration details here.