National Championship Campaign – Queensland Patriots

Congratulations to the Queensland Patriots team on their strong National Championship campaign, finishing in fourth place overall at the recent 2014 Australian Open Men’s Championships, held in Mirrabooka, WA on the 4^th to the 8^th of March. 

The team played with impressive form throughout the tournament and made it to the elimination final against NSW, however despite jumping to an early 3 – 0 lead in the first two innings of the nail-biting match, the Queensland Patriots were defeated 6 – 5 by their NSW opponents.

Congratulations to following players for being named in the All Tournament Team:

• 1st Base: Josh Davison
• 2nd Base: Jason Nathan
• 3rd Base: William Bailey
• Outfield: Ryan Merriman

Click here for a full wrap up of the tournament scores and to relive the Play by Plays.

Congratulations to all of the players and coaching staff on a fantastic Nationals campaign.

Heat members selected in 2014 Aussie Spirit Team

Congratulations to the following Queensland Heat members for their selection in the 2014 Aussie Spirit team, selected to compete at the ISF XIV Women's World Championship in Haarlem, Netherlands from 15-24 August.
• Jodie Bowering 
• Brenda De Blaes 
• Jocelyn McCallum 
• Jade Wall 
• Melinda Weaver

Non Travelling Reserves
• Sandra Holden
• Kate Sternes
• Erin Thras
• Stacey Webber

QLD Heat in Nail-biting Grand Final of Gilley`s Shield

The Queensland Heat Women’s Team have finished 2nd in the Gilley’s Shield held in Blacktown, NSW from the 3rd to the 11th of January 2014. The Heat met with the NSW Firestars in the Grand Final and despite a 2 – 1 lead at the top of the 7th innings were narrowly defeated 3 – 2.

Congratulations to Jocelyn McCallum for winning the Lorraine Woolley Best Pitcher Award and congratulations to the following players for being named in the All Tournament Team: Pitcher – Jocelyn McCallum Outfield – Erin Thras

Click here for a full wrap up of the tournament Congratulations to all of the players and coaching staff on a fantastic Nationals campaign.

Grand Final on Fox Sports

In a first for softball, the grand final of the 2014 National Championship between the NSW Firestars and Queensland Heat will be shown on Fox Sports in January. The coverage features a 90-minute highlights package on January 23 at 3pm on Fox Sports 1, followed by a further showing on January 25 at 3pm on Fox Sports 1, and again on January 29 at 2.30pm on Fox Sports 2 (check Fox Sports schedule for any changes to timeslots). Hopefully it is the start of bigger things to come.” The grand final will feature a number of Australia’s leading players, including national captain, Stacey Porter, who also leads the NSW Firestars, while her vice-captain, Jodie Bowering, will feature heavily for the Queensland Heat as the team’s captain and catcher.

QLD Heat Win Back to Back Edebone-Weber Shields'

Congratulations to Queensland Heat for claiming the Edebone-Weber Shield for the second year in a row. The Heat won the title after defeating the NSW Firestars in the Grand Final 6 runs to 2.

The Heat will now focus their attention on the final round of Gilley’s Shield from 3 – 11 January 2014 in Blacktown where they will be vying for the title of 2014 Gilley’s Shield Champions.

For full results, standings, and play by plays of Round 1 Gilley’s Shield and the Edebone-Weber Shield, click here

2013/2014 Heat Team, Date and Locations Announcement

Softball Queensland is proud to announce the 2013/14 Queensland Heat Team

Stacey Webber

Sandra Holden

Melinda Weaver

Brooke McNamara

Tara Speakman

Erin Thras

Jodie Bowering

Brenda De Blaes

Jade Wall

Kate Sternes

Carmelle Sorensen

Jocelyn McCallum

Also selected are the first six squad members.

Danielle Opperman

Sheridan Darroch

Stephanie Harm

Jessica Donnelly

Brittney Flint

Rebecca Chapman

The remaining four squad positions will be announced after the conclusion of the U19 Women's State Championship. All players who have nominated and who play in the Open Women's and/or the U19 Women's State Championship will be considered for the final positions in the Heat Squad. Players selected for endorsement to participate in the draft will be advised once the Heat Squad has been finalised.

The Dates for the Edebone-Weber Shield are the 12th of December to the 15th of December, at Rosedale Park, Auckland, New Zealand.

The Dates for the Gilley's Shield are the 3rd of January to the 11th of January 2014, at Blacktown International Sports Park

QLD Heat in Nailbiting Grandfinal of Gilley`s Shield

The Queensland Heat Women’s Team were narrowly defeated in the Grand Final of the Gilley’s Shield in Waverley, Victoria on the weekend.

The Heat were defeated 5-3 by the Western Australia Flames in a close tussle for the national women’s softball title. 
Although the Queenslanders had defeated WA 3-2 on the previous day, the Flames started strong in the Grand Final, with two runs in the 3^rd innings and one run in the 4^th to lead 3-0. At the top of the 6^th innings the Flames moved to a commanding 4-0 lead before the Queenslanders’ fighting spirit came to the fore at the bottom of the 6th innings, when a home run by Jade Wall scored three runs.
The 7^th innings saw the Flames score their fifth run. Queensland Heat threatened with loaded bases but unfortunately despite a valiant team effort could not convert.

Congratulations to Queensland’s Jodie Bowering who won the Best Batter and Most Valuable Player awards for her outstanding performance right throughout the four month tournament.
Congratulations to all of the players and coaching staff on a fantastic Nationals.

Edebone-Weber Shield Results & Aussie Squad Announcement

Congratulations to Queensland Heat on their strong Edebone-Weber Shield campaign. The Heat won their first Edebone-Weber Shield after defeating WA Flames in an extremely close Grand Final 2 runs to 1.

Jodie Bowering has been rewarded for her efforts by being awarded the Most Valuable Player Award for the Edebone-Weber Shield. This accolade was voted on by opposing coaches over the three rounds of competition.

Heat will now focus their attention on the final round of Gilley’s Shield from 30 January – 2 February where they will be vying for the title of 2013 Gilley’s Shield Champions.

Click here for a full wrap up of the Round 3 Gilley’s Shield and the Edebone-Weber Shield Finals.

Congratulations to Jodie Bowering, Stephanie Harm, Sandra Holden, Tara Speakman, Kate Sternes, Erin Thras, Melinda Weaver and Stacey Webber who have been selected in the Australian Open Women’s Squad for the 2013 international representative season.

After Round 4 Gilley’s Shield the squad will meet in Melbourne for a selection camp. After this camp, teams will be selected for the international season.

To see who else made the squad, please click here.

Wrap Up of the QLD Patriots - John Reid Shield

The QLD Patriots got off to a great start in their bid to bring home the John Reid Shield however, as in the game of softball, it seemed that elusive one run stood between them and the opportunity to challenge for the title. The boys played with great spirit, pride and conviction and are already looking towards the next National Championships in 2014 to do our state proud. Congratulations to all of the players and coaching staff. Check out the team at www.qldheatandpatriots.com

Full Results:
Day 1
NSW (1) V QLD (2)
QLD (3) V VIC (0)
QLD (0) V ACT (12)

Day 2
QLD (9) V WA (2)
QLD (7) V SA (0)

Day 3
WA (3) V QLD (2)
SA (5) V QLD (15)
VIC (1) V QLD (5)

Day 4
ACT (11) V QLD (2)
QLD (1) V NSW (4)

Finals
QLD (0) V NSW (1)
QLD finished 4th Overall
John Reid Shield Winner - ACT

Australian Open Men`s Team Announced

Softball Australia is pleased to announce the 17 member Australian Open Men’s team, the Aussie Steelers, who will represent Australia at the ISF XIII Men’s World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand from 1-10 March 2013. This selection process commenced four years ago at the completion of the ISF XII Men’s Championship, when the Aussie Steelers completed an historic win over the New Zealand Black Sox in 2009.
Congratulations to Queenslander Nick Shailes on his selction in the team and Shaun Goffer selection as a reserve player.
To view the full time list click here

Perfect Start to Gilley`s & Edebone Weber Shields'

The Queensland Heat team is off to a perfect start in the 2012/13 national Gilley`s & Edebone Weber Shields` tournament held over the weekend in Perth. The team won all five of their Round 1 matches of the tournament.

They defeated the Victorian Titans 3-1, the New South Wales Firestars 7-0, the South Australian Starz 4-2, the Australian Capital Territory Diamonds 4-1, and the visiting New Zealand side 12-0. The outcome of their 6^th game against the Western Australia Flames is still to be determined. The score is tied at 3-3 after 9 completed innings.

The Queensland Heat’s undefeated start to the 2012/13 national tournament sets them up well for the remaining rounds of competition to be played in Adelaide from November 23-25 and Sydney from January 2-6, before Round 4 matches and finals are then played in Melbourne between January 31 and February 2.

Click here for all the results and play by plays of the first round.

Queensland Heat Team Announced 2012/13

Softball Queensland is proud to announce the Queensland Heat Team to compete in the 2012-13 Gilley’s Shield.

Manager:                            Debbie Clark
Head Coach:                       Fabian Barlow
Assistant Coach:                Joyce Lester
Assistant Coach:                Kim Cooper
Statistician:                        Chris Bailey

Team:
Jodie Bowering                    Brisbane
Sheridan Darroch                 Redlands
Stephanie Harm                   Brisbane
Sandra Holden                     Redcliffe
Jocelyn McCallum               Brisbane
Kate Sternes                       Brisbane
Erin Thras                           Caboolture
Jade Wall                            Redlands
Melinda Weaver                  Brisbane
Stacey Webber                    Redlands

Squad:
Megan Blake                        Redlands
Eva Carless                          Brisbane
Rebecca Chapman               Wynnum
Paige Delacour                     Redcliffe
Patricia Dougan                    Rockhampton
Alison Fleming                      Brisbane
Brittney Flint                         Brisbane
Rachel Higgins                      Brisbane
Olivia MacGinley                  Brisbane
Brooke McNamara              Brisbane
Tara Speakman                     Redlands
Hailey Wiginton                     Brisbane

The 16 person team to compete in each round of the Gilley’s Shield will be selected from both the Queensland Heat Team and Squad members.
Gilley’s Shield Round 1:                 26 – 28 October 2012 (Mirrabooka, WA)
Gilley’s Shield Round 2:                 23 – 25 November 2012 (West Beach, SA)
Gilley’s Shield Round 3:                 2 – 6 January 2013 (Blacktown, NSW)
Gilley’s Shield Round 4/Finals:      31 January – 2 February 2013 (Waverley, VIC)

Congratulations Girls.

Open Women’s State Championship Wrap Up

After three days of play and lots of great softball, the 2012 Open Women’s State Championship has come to an end.

Redlands, Redcliffe, Brisbane White and Toowoomba made up the top four teams in Pool A, while Wynnum, Brisbane Red, Cairns and Rockhampton Black made up the top four in Pool B after the round robin games. Following are the Grand Final scores:

GRAND FINAL – QLD CUP

Redlands defeated Wynnum 7 – 0

GRAND FINAL – OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Redcliffe defeated Brisbane White 9 – 2

GRAND FINAL – PRESIDENT’S CUP

Rockhampton Black defeated Gladstone 10 – 3

Congratulations to the following teams:
 

QUEENSLAND CUP

Winner:                                Mack Gilley Memorial Trophy                        Redlands

Runner Up:                          Townsville Trophy                                          Wynnum

Best Defensive Team:          City of Cairns Trophy                                      Brisbane Red

COUNTRY CHAMPIONS   

Winner:                               City of Toowoomba Trophy                            Cairns

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Winner:                              T. McDonald Trophy                                       Redcliffe

Runner Up:                         Ipswich Trophy                                               Brisbane White

PRESIDENT'S CUP

Winner:                               SQI Trophy                                                   Rockhampton Black

Final Positions:
 

1. Redlands
2. Wynnum
3. Brisbane Red
4. Redcliffe
5. Brisbane White
6. Cairns
7. Rockhampton Black
8. Gladstone
9. Toowoomba
10. Rockhampton Gold
11. Ipswich

To view the results newsletter for the Open Women, please click here

AIS Squad Announced

Congratulations to the following Queensland athletes have been selected in the 2012/2013 Australian Open Women's AIS Squad (1 September 2012 - 31 July 2013).

• Jodie Bowering
• Sandra Holden
• Jade Wall
• Melinda Weaver
• Stacey Webber

For the full list click here.

Queensland Patriots Team Announced

Softball Queensland is proud to announce the Queensland Patriots Team to compete in the John Reid Shield to be held in Hawker, ACT on 4 – 8 December 2012.

Head Coach:                      Wayne Saunders
Statistician:                        Sean Francis

Athletes:
Thomas Bailey                    Redlands
William Bailey                     Redlands
Andrew Blackshaw             Redlands
Guy Covacin                        Redlands
Shaun Goffer                       Redlands
Julian Jemmott                    Redlands
Marshall Kronk                    Redlands
Hamish Monkman              Toowoomba
Damien Nairn                     Bundaberg
Jason Nathan                      Redlands
Adam Pearce                     Redlands
Jacob Rooke                      Caboolture
Nick Shailes                       Caboolture
Luke Van de Griendt         Redlands
Josh Wagner                       Redcliffe
Aaron Whitefield                 Redlands

Open Men’s State Championship Wrap Up

From Friday the 24^th till Sunday 26^th of August, the Open Men’s State Championships were held at Redlands. Over the three days, 14 men's teams from across the State showcased their talent against some of the best male softballers in Australia.

Toowoomba 1, Redlands Green, Ipswich and Redlands Red made up the top four teams in the Queensland Cup with Mackay, Logan City, Redcliffe and Gladstone the top four in the Open Championship after the round robin games.

Redlands Green took out the Queensland Cup once again after a close grand final win against Ipswich, with the final score 1 runs to 0. In the Open State Championship Logan City narrowly defeated Redcliffe 5 runs to 4.

Congratulations to the following teams:

QUEENSLAND CUP

Winner:                                      Fourex Trophy                                             Redlands Green

Runner Up:                                South Brisbane Trophy                                 Ipswich

Best Defensive Team:                National Taxation Trophy                              Redlands Green

MVP of the Grand Final            Lester Nathan Memorial Trophy                   Andrew Blackshaw

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Winner:                                    City of Hervey Bay Trophy                            Logan City

Runner Up:                               Mount Isa Trophy                                         Redcliffe

Final Positions:

     1. Redlands Green
     2. Ipswich
     3. Toowoomba 1
     4. Redlands Red
     5. Wynnum
     6. South Brisbane
     7. Brisbane Red
     8. Logan City
     9. Redcliffe
   10. Mackay
   11. Gladstone
   12. Mount Isa
   13. Toowoomba 2
   14. Brisbane White

To view the results newsletter for the Open Men, please click here

New look website launched

We are pleased to inform the launch of our new look website for the Queensland Heat and Patriots. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears but we personally love the finished product. It is still at the same web address http://qldheatandpatriots.com/ so please visit, and comment on what you think below. We also have two other blogs that will help the website and hopefully keep everything nice and neat.

http://qldsoftballphotos.blogspot.com.au/ has all our heat and patriots photos and http://hapmerchandise.blogspot.com.au/ has our mechandise that is for sale.

And if you havent already, please like our Facebook Heat Page and our Facebook Patriots Page.

John Reid Shield Campaign & Aussie Squad Announcement

Congratulations to the Queensland Patriots team on their strong National Championship campaign. After finishing the round games in 4^th position, the Patriots defeated Victoria in the minor semi-final advancing to the Preliminary Final against WA where they were defeated 6 – 1.  

Click here for a full wrap up of the tournament. 

Congratulations to Patriots members Bill Bailey, Andrew Blackshaw, Guy Covacin (subject to fitness), Shaun Goffer and Julian Jemmott on their selection in the Australian Open Men’s Squad March – December 2012. 

The final team for the 2013 ISF XIII World Championship will be announced following the 2013 John Reid Shield being held 4 – 8 December 2012.

To see who else made the squad, please click here.

Gilley’s Shield Campaign & Aussie Squad Announcement

Congratulations to the Queensland Heat on their strong Gilley’s Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield campaign. Heat finished 4^th in the Edebone-Weber Shield and 3^rd in the Gilley’s Shield. Heat started the finals series in 4^thposition after the completion of the round games and defeated defending champions WA Flames in the minor semi-final. They went on to fight out a tough preliminary final before being narrowly defeated 4 – 3 by NSW Firestars.

Sandra Holden was rewarded for her achievements winning the Lorraine Woolley Medal for the Best Pitcher.

Click here for a full wrap up of the Finals.

Congratulations to Danielle Bowman, Jodie Bowering, Sandra Holden, Jocelyn McCullum, Jade Wall and Melinda Weaver who have been selected in the Australian Open Women's Squad to compete against Japan in a 7 Test Series to be played at Hawker International Softball Centre (ACT) from 21-24 March 2012.

The Aussie Spirit team will be selected following this event to play in the 2012 ISF XIII Women's World Championships to be held in Whitehorse, Canada from 13-22 July 2012.

To see who else made the squad, please click here.

Queensland Patriots Video

Check out the Softball Queensland YouTube Channel for an insight into the Queensland Patriots preparation for 2012 John Reid Shield in Blacktown, NSW.

Patriots Fundraiser Tournament

Nominations are now open for A and B grade men's teams, as well as men's and women's masters teams, to participate at the Patriots Tournament to be held at Redlands over the weekend of Saturday January 28 and Sunday January 29. 
The tournament is designed to help the Patriots fundraise for their journey to the Nationals in February and also the Southern Cross Challenge in Christchurch in April as well as give the Patriots players some extra game time ahead of Nationals.

A feature of the tournament will be an exhibition match between the Patriots and an All Stars Men's team on Saturday night.

Don't miss out! Contact Patriots Manager Lisa Anderson on 0410 632 062 to register or seek further information.

2011/2012 AIS Open Women’s Squad

Softball Queensland would like to congratulate Jodie Bowering, Jocelyn McCallum, Carmelle Sorensen, Kate Sternes, Jade Wall and Melinda Weaver on their selection in the Australian Open Women's AIS Squad for 2011/12 (1 December 2011-31 July 2012).

To find out who else received scholarships click here.

Queenslanders Selected for NZ Test Series

 Congratulations to the following players who have been selected to represent Australia in the Aussie Spirit.

• Jodie Bowering, Co-Captain
• Sandra Holden
• Danielle Stewart
• Melinda Weaver

Aussie Spirit will play the New Zealand White Sox in a 3 game Test series following the Gilley’s Shield Round 3 & Edebone-Weber Shield Finals. The series will be played at Hawker International Softball Centre, ACT from 7- 8 January 2012.

Queensland Heat Still In Contention

Queensland Heat remain in contention for the 2011/2012 Gilley’s Shield and Edebone-Weber Shields following Round 2 held at Brisbane’s Downey Park last weekend.

The Queensland Heat commenced round two in equal third position on the competition ladder and, following competitive results in Brisbane, are positioned fourth leading into Round 3 when it the combined tournament resumes in January in Canberra.

With no more than three runs between the teams in all of Queensland’s matches, the Heat defeated ACT Diamonds 6-5 followed by a 2-0 defeat of the SA Starz and 1-0 defeat of the VIC Titans from seven matches played on home soil.

Queensland Heat finished third in both the Gilley’s Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield last season, and this year are seeking their first national title since the 2008/2009 season.

All players have added incentive to present their best form in the current tournament ahead of selections to be made for next year’s Women’s World Softball Championship in Canada.

The Gilley’s Shield, Australia’s premier open women’s softball tournament, is played over four rounds and four months in four different states.

The winning team of trans-Tasman Edebone-Weber Shield is determined following the completion of three of those rounds, after which the New Zealand White Sox then return home.

The Gilley’s Shield Finals Series is contested by Australian state teams only.

Round four and the Finals Series of the 2011/2012 Gilley’s Shield will be played in Sydney in February.

Gilley’s Shield & Edebone – Weber Shield Round 2

On home ground in Brisbane for round two of the combined Gilley’s Shield & Edebone – Weber Shield, Queensland Heat will aim to close the gap on competition leaders, NSW Firestars and WA Flames, who are respectively four and six points ahead of the rest of the field led by Queensland and South Australia.

As a result of inclement weather during round 1 in Victoria, Queensland Heat will have an additional 2 games to play with the first being on Thursday 24 November at 7pm. This will be followed on Friday 25^th at 11am (vs VIC Titans), 1pm (vs SA Starz) and 7pm (vs NZ Whitesox).

Saturday 26^th sees Heat take on WA Flames at 12pm and VIC Titans at 4pm and on Sunday 27^th at 1pm and 3pm where they will finish the 8 game stretch against ACT Diamonds and NSW Firestars respectively.

Check out the full draw for the Brisbane leg of the series here. Look forward to seeing you all on the park for a fantastic weekend of premier softball.

Queensland Patriots Team Announcement

Softball Queensland is proud to announce the Queensland Patriots Team to compete in the 2012 National Championship – John Reid Shield to be held in Blacktown, New South Wales 14 – 18 February 2012.

Manager:                            Lisa Anderson

Head Coach:                       Murray Rivers

Assistant Coach:                 Maurice Paraha

Assistant Coach:                 Loran Algar

Statistician:                        Ngaire Huston

Athletes:

William Bailey                     Redlands

Andrew Blackshaw              Redlands

Guy Covacin                       Redlands

Josh Davison                       Ipswich

Shaun Goffer                       Redlands

Jim Grego                           Wynnum

Julian Jemmott                    Redlands

Corey Matakatea                 Ipswich

David Metekingi                  Wynnum

Hamish Monkman               Toowoomba

Jason Nathan                     Redlands

Adam Pearce                     Redlands

Wade Prouten                    Toowoomba

Darren Pyke                       Redlands

Jacob Rooke                      Caboolture

Luke Van de Griendt           Redlands

Queensland Heat on Totally Wild

Check out our Queensland Heat members on Totally Wild (episode 144, 1 – 3) which aired on Channel 10 on September 2, 2011. The girls’ are showing their skills and teaching viewers a little about Softball.

http://ten.com.au/video-player.htm?movideo_p=41457&movideo_m=127034

Queenslanders head to Argentina

Shaun Goffer and Josh Davison have been called into the Aussie Steelers team for the tour to Argentina 18 September to 5 October 2011. They join Andrew Blackshaw in the Steelers who are touring with the Aussie Colts U19 Team which has eight young Queenslanders Sam Daff (Captain), Mitchell Daly, Jeremy Jemmott, Marshall Kronk, Ryan Merriman, Jayson Morgan, Josh Wagner, Jono Wall.

Good luck to the Aussie Steelers and Aussie Colts for a successful tour.

Softball Queensland on YouTube

Softball Queensland has launched its own YouTube Channel. Follow us athttp://www.youtube.com/user/SoftballQLD?feature=mhee.

If would like something added to the channel, please email events@softballqld.asn.au .

Aussie Spirit at the Canada Cup and World Cup

Queenslanders, Jodie Bowering, Jocelyn McCallum, Carmelle Sorenson, Jade Wall helped Aussie Spirit to a third place finish at the 2011 Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship. Aussie Spirit competed against national teams from Canada, Japan, the USA and Venezuela at the tournament played in Surrey earlier this month. The team then went on to participate in the USA World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma where they were aiming to build on their performance at the Canadian Open. 

Finishing in 4^th place at the World Cup, Australia played the USA, Japan, Canada, Great Britain and the Czech Republic. They got off to a great start with a convincing 11-0 win over Czech Republic, followed by a 7-1 win over Great Britain later in the day. Unfortunately Aussie Spirit went down to both Japan (3-0) and the USA (5-2) but bounced back to defeat Canada 8-3. Australia then played Canada again for the bronze medal leaving Japan to take on the USA for the gold medal. 

Congratulations to Jade Wall and Stacey Porter on being named in the Canada Cup All Star Team at the conclusion of that event.

The combined results from the Canadian Open and USA World Cup will help the Aussie Spirit gauge how much work they have ahead of them if they are to match the best teams at the 2012 International Softball Federation Women’s World Championship.

2012 QLD Patriots Assistant Coach

Softball Queensland Inc is advertising the position of Assistant Coach for the Patriots for 2012. Application close on Monday the 25th of July. For further information please contact Nigel Hooper on 07 3391 2447 or admin@softballqld.asn.au .

If you would like to apply please complete the application form and return it to SQI.

20th South Brisbane Club Classic

Some of Australia’s best softball players from around the country will be strutting their stuff over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend as the South Brisbane Club Classic take place for the 20th time.

The event brings together the country’s best men’s softball clubs to the South Brisbane Softball Association Grounds, Preston Road, Carina, who will be in show and looking to impress the Aussie Steelers selectors.

The standard will be high as 26 of the 36 players in the reigning World Champion Aussie Steelers squad will be competing over the weekend.

Games will be played from 8:00am through to 8:00pm on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th of June, with the final of the Club Classic being played at lunchtime on Monday 13th June.

The South Brisbane Softball Association Masters Classic will run across the weekend also with five women’s masters teams from Queensland participating.

Canteen and bar facilities will be open over the weekend and we encourage any softball fans to come along and watch some top quality softball.

For more information please contact:
Jenny Covill
Tournament Convenor
South Brisbane Softball Association Inc
M 0412 910 813
E  southbrisbanesoftball@yahoo.com.au

Heat and Patriots Raise Funds for Charity

Queensland Heat and Patriots team members have helped raise almost $1 500 for abused and neglected children at the Doomben Cup in Brisbane on Saturday, May 21 by selling pins for ACT for Kids. Child abuse and neglect is a huge social issue that largely goes unheard.  Sharing similar values, Softball Queensland and ACT for Kids are proud to be partners and are grateful for the support from the Heat and Patriots team members who have become ACT for Kids ambassadors.

2011 AIS Women’s Scholarships

Softball Queensland would like to congratulate Jodie Bowering, Jocelyn McCallum, Carmelle Sorensen, Kate Sternes, Jade Wall, Melinda Weaver and Stacey Webber for being selected to receive an AIS Scholarship. The scholarship period is for 6 months from June-November 2011. To find out who else received the scholarships click here.

4 Queenslanders make the 2011 Aussie Spirit Team

Congratulations to Jodie Bowering, Jocelyn McCallum, Carmelle Sorensen and Jade Wall for their selection in the 2011 Aussie Spirit team to compete in the 2011 Canadian Open Fastpitch International Women’s Championships from the 9-17^th July in Surrey, British Columbia and the 2011 USA World Cup VI in Oklahoma from the 20^th-25^th July.

To see who else made the team, please click here.

Queensland Heat and Patriots head to Winter Racing Carnival

This Saturday, the 21^st of May the Queensland Heat and Patriots will spend a day at the races as ACT for Kids ambassadors. 

This year, ACT for Kids is the chosen charity for the entire Brisbane Winter Racing carnival. 

On Saturday at the Kirks Doomben Cup Day, the quintessential family raceday, our Queensland Heat and Patriots will be selling a souvenir lapel pin which will raise much needed funds ACT for Kids.  

Please come along to support ACT for Kids and our Queensland Heat and Patriots, if you are interested in attending, please click here to view ticket prices.  

Sorensen debuts in Italian League

Queensland Heat's own Carmelle Sorensen will make her debut this weekend in the Italian Softball League playing for Macerata.

Macerata has a proud history picking up Queensland Heat players, last year Kym Tollenare, Melinda Weaver and Jocelyn McCallum all played for the team.

The Italian season runs parallel to the Australian summer softball season.

Minister to launch new partnership between child safety and sport

The Hon. Phil Reeves MP, Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport will launch a unique partnership between ACT for Kids and Softball Queensland at Downey Park before the Brisbane Softball junior grand final hits off this Saturday.

Originally known as the Abused Child Trust, ACT for Kids is an Australian charity which has worked to treat and prevent child abuse for over 20 years.

ACT for Kids provides free professional therapy for children who have experienced the trauma of abuse and neglect and work with vulnerable families to help them develop the skills, care and support networks to prevent abuse and neglect.

Softball Queensland General Manager Sue Nisbet said there are meaningful synergies between the values of Softball Queensland and ACT for Kids which the organisations look forward to promoting through their newly formed union.

“Softball is a family orientated sport which values the participation and nurturing of children,” Nisbet said.

“As a key component of our partnership with ACT for Kids, we are proud to be putting forward our elite athletes as ambassadors for the charity’s very worthwhile cause,” she said.

ACT for Kids CEO, Dr Neil Carrington, said they are pleased to announce the new partnership and are keen to work together with Softball Queensland.

“ACT for Kids has been supporting Queensland kids for over 20 years; one of our goals is to provide kids who have suffered abuse and neglect with the skills and confidence to overcome their experiences. Many of our kids find a release through sport and develop new friendships, purpose and self-esteem.

“We look forward to working Softball Queensland and talented players to further our goals and raise funds to support our free programs,” Dr Carrington said.

Media photograph and interview opportunity:

Who: The Hon. Phil Reeves MP, Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport; Sue Nisbet, Softball Queensland General Manager; Karyn Lambert, ACT For Kids Executive Manager; and the Queensland Heat and Queensland Patriots elite women’s and men’s softball teams.

What: The official Launch of the partnership between ACT For Kids and Softball Queensland at the Brisbane Softball grand finals.

When: This Saturday 12^th March at 10.00am.

Where: Brisbane Softball Association, Downey Park, 90 Green Tce Windsor 4030