A unique blend of local tradition and international connection was on full display this week as the Rosebud Royals hosted the International Softball Academy from Auckland, New Zealand at the North Shore diamond near Fishing Lake. The event marked the third time the Royals have welcomed the academy, reflecting the deepening ties between the two softball communities.
Darin Faubert, a key organizer and coach with the Royals, shared the backstory behind the longstanding partnership.
“It really started when New Zealand came over here a few years back,” Faubert explained. “I took a boys team down to Auckland and Sydney to play some games, and ever since then, Craig and Di Waterhouse from the academy make sure they stop in Wadena when they’re in Canada. They’ve found incredible support here.”
The exchange is about more than just softball. For Faubert and many involved, it’s a cultural experience rooted in camaraderie and mutual respect.
“It’s not only cool in terms of the competition, but also what happens after the doubleheader,” said Faubert. “These guys get to sit down and trade stories about everyday life, whether it’s ball life or just life back home. It’s been a fantastic thing for us.”
The Rosebud Royals, a staple in Saskatchewan’s softball scene since 1970, are among the province’s most consistent teams. Their name is derived from the community, anchored now only by a hall, north of Fishing Lake. Their legacy is not only defined by longevity but also by success and inclusiveness.
“We’re one of the few places in Saskatchewan to run a team every year for over 50 years,” Faubert noted. “Softball Saskatchewan is even considering a new Recognition Award for communities like ours that have kept the sport alive for decades.”
Since 2013, the Royals' youth program, the Rosebud Junior Royals, has amassed 19 provincial gold medals, an achievement Faubert calls “unprecedented.”
Even in the competitive men’s league, the Royals stay committed to development. “We’re willing to give up the odd win, so younger players get a chance,” he said. “It’s about paying it forward. When you're older, the expectation is that you give back and help these guys grow into great ballplayers.”
The jewel of the event was the North Shore ball diamond, a community-built facility that has quickly become a central hub for recreation.
“Five years ago, this was just a pasture,” Faubert recalled. “Now, it’s got a pristine infield and outfield, basketball and pickleball courts, beach volleyball—it’s incredible. The North Shore and Kuroki Recreation Boards have done amazing work to give youth in this area a place to play.”
Standing on the field, with the sound of bats cracking and accents blending across the dugouts, Faubert reflected on what it all means.
“When they first started talking about building this diamond, it was that old saying: ‘If you build it, they will come,’” he said. “And they were right. Tonight, we’ve got a team here from the other side of the world.”
As the haka echoed across the outfield and the sun dipped below the horizon, it was clear this was more than just a game; it was a celebration of community, history, and the global spirit of softball.
“We’re just really thankful,” Faubert said. “Support like this in rural communities means everything. It shows that if you build something special, people will show up. And they’ll keep coming back.”
No less impressive was the display of softball on the field with the Royals basking in a pair of hard-earned wins. The Royals edged the Academy 10-9 in the opener. In the second game, a homerun sent in 3 Royals runs on their way to a 7-3 victory.
Enjoy a video of the Haka, a photo gallery of the action, and the full conversation with organizer Darin Faubert.