Students get serious with softball

More than 40 students from Yandeyarra Remote Community School and Strelley Community School enjoyed a fast-paced, action-packed softball clinic in South Hedland last Friday.

The visit to Hedland was the third visit the young softball enthusiasts have enjoyed in recent months.

The two previous visits saw Softball WA members travel to their respective communities.

Pitching, catching and batting were all on the agenda on Friday under the watchful eyes of Port Hedland Softball president Kylie Parker and coaches Chermai Clews, Tori Bolland and Aaron Cockman.

The trio have all represented WA and Cockman is the current State U19 coach.

Cockman said he was impressed by kids’ skill levels.

“Indigenous people have a natural ability for sport, whether it be footy, softball or whatever, and these kids have taken to softball really well,” Cockman said.

“They absorb everything really quickly.”

Parker said softball was a great game for everyone in communities and attracted a lot of attention from both the younger and older generations.

She said softball has different rule variations in communities and that members had a natural affinity for the game.

“The kids have fun playing the game and it draws older men and women also,” Parker said.

“They play with some unique rules but these clinics help to integrate traditional rules with players.”

“A number of these kids have had more exposure to softball than their metropolitan counterparts because of their participation in community carnivals and these clinics.”

Each of the age groups had the chance to take part in the various activities, before a tasty lunch supplied by the Department of Indigenous Affairs.

The serious business followed after lunch, when four teams squared off in two exhilarating games.