The love of the game is strong again in Killarney, especially in the U11 age group and they can't wait to get their season underway.
Brett Skeoch says even though she's been coaching for a while, there's always a certain level of excitement when starting a new year. "We're feeling really good," she says with a big smile. "We had our first practice this week. With our U11 group, we like to do a theory practice, so that's inside and we go over the adjustments from the U9 ball last year to the change of what they will have this year in U11. Like, three outs ends an inning now, not everyone gets to bat, they're getting pitched to by a pitcher, it's not a coach tossing or they are not hitting off a tee. They can also steal bases, so we like to go over all of that and gauge where they are at while also getting the excitement level ramp up for the season."
When the kids hit new milestones, Skeoch says there's nothing quite like their reaction and how proud of themselves they are. "It's so awesome. Honestly, it takes a little time, the girls that are in their second year of U11, it'll come quicker for them, things will come back to them. But, we have some new to ball kids that are just joining, so it's all brand new. We had some of that last year and there's nothing better then seeing them make that first play or get that first hit, getting on base for the first time. They're so excited and it's special to be a part of."
Building friendship through sport is also very important for Skeoch. "We really foster a positive team attitude with our group. One of the assistant coaches who's been with me all along, she's so awesome with that. She's always working with the kids and keeping them engaged in the game. They're all learning together and building those relationships. We want to make sure they're learning how to not just be good ball players but good teammates and good support for the rest of their team."
A big project that Skeoch and others are working on is improving the diamonds in Killarney. "We have what we consider a really great facility in Killarney, it's enclosed in an area where we can keep things all in once place. There's been a lot of work that was put in by past board and community members. They did upgrades on the dugouts, putting cement and concrete down in the dugouts, putting roofs over them, doing new screens and backstops in the past and now we're trying to carry on that hard work. We want to keep that facility at a top level. We're in the process of applying for grants to help get this project completed. Basically, what we want to do is put new diamond sand or shale on the seven remaining diamonds that we need that done on. We can then really showcase our facility and hopefully host big events like provincials. We want to make it the best we can."
Skeoch says the community support for that project has been uplifting and very meaningful. "Killarney really cares, it's a special place to be. We received a grant from the Killarney Foundation and we're so grateful for that, it means a lot. Also, we will be doing a lot of the work ourselves. Tyler Shiels is heading up most of the project, so if people wanted to put in some sweat equity work with our group, they can reach out to Tyler or anyone on the minor ball board. If there was maybe by chance someone who wanted to contribute financially, that would be really amazing, they again can reach out to anyone on the board."
With all the great programs available in Killarney, it allows the kids to grow up playing the sport they love with friends and Skeoch says it's great to have those options for all ages and a bright future. "It's so cool, we've had some members from our community move on to top levels in sports like ball, golf and hockey, it's amazing to be a part of a community that has really great role models and to have girls in sport, it's huge and it's so important. I'm a big supporter of girls in sport and its more than that, it's about teaching kids about life and being good people. The data is there, it's important to keep girls in the sport and it's great for them long term. Killarney has worked hard to make those roads available and we're proud to keep it going."