South Surrey White Rock Softball Teams Bring Home Medals
The South Surrey White Rock Minor Softball Association (SSWRMSA) had an exciting weekend at the Cloverdale jamboree on June 14-15. With 14 teams competing from across Surrey, three U11C teams from SSWRMSA stood out by winning medals. The Purple Bashers clinched gold in a nail-biting 7-6 win over Cloverdale Lightning. Meanwhile, the Bandits earned bronze in the gold bracket, and the Teal Tornadoes took bronze in the silver bracket.
A Season Marked by Progress and Passion
Thomas Bell, SSWRMSA president, expressed pride not only in the medals but in the players’ growth. “The results are exciting, but what we value most is the progress and heart our athletes show,” Bell shared. The Purple Bashers have been on a roll this season, previously winning bronze at the U11C Softball BC Regional Championship and silver at the May Madness Tournament, a key event for first-time tournament players, coaches, and umpires.
Rep Teams Keep the Momentum Going
Another highlight is the U11 Rep Thunder 2014 team, coached by Jon Bosnick. Their consistent performance includes silver at the SSWRMSA U11 Rep Tournament, gold at the May Mayhem Tournament, and gold again at the Langley Rep Tournament. These successes reflect the association’s focus on long-term player development and fostering a love for the game.
Player Development: The Heart of SSWRMSA’s Success
Much of the season’s success is credited to SSWRMSA’s dedication to skill-building. The U11 Thunder Renegades Softball Skills Academy, launched last winter in partnership with White Rock Renegades Fastpitch Club, offered a 16-week off-season training program. “We had 50 players in our first-ever academy,” Bell said. “It’s been a fantastic chance for young athletes to build confidence and sharpen skills. We plan to expand it next year.”
Beyond the academy, SSWRMSA runs Thunder Rep and Select Development programs, plus pitching, batting, and skills clinics. These initiatives support about 100 U11 players and extend to athletes aged U9 through U19 in both rep and community divisions.
Strong Performances Beyond U11
Success has also been seen at other age levels. The U15C Stealers earned silver at their district championship, narrowly missing gold by one run in a thrilling final. Meanwhile, the U13B Thunder 2012 team secured bronze in Port Coquitlam after six intense games, finishing strong with a win over West Kelowna.
Overcoming Challenges with Community Support
Despite major renovations at Sunnyside Park limiting field availability and capping registrations, SSWRMSA ran a full season with nine rep teams and 31 house teams, from Learn to Play through U19. Thanks to the City of Surrey’s support in providing extra field space, games and practices continued without disruption. Bell expressed gratitude: “We’re thankful to the city for stepping in. With Sunnyside Park reopening next season, we look forward to welcoming more families.”
Looking Ahead: Summer Camp and Upcoming Tournaments
The SSWRMSA Diamond Academy Summer Camp, focused on skill-building and confidence in a fun environment, is already sold out for August. As the season progresses with district, regional, and provincial tournaments, including the Canada Cup, SSWRMSA remains committed to creating a positive, competitive space for young athletes to thrive.
Final Thoughts: Growth, Enjoyment, and Lasting Memories
Bell summed it up perfectly: “Whether celebrating a medal or a milestone, our goal is to help every player grow, enjoy the game, and build memories that last a lifetime.” With a season full of encouraging moments, South Surrey White Rock softball is clearly on the rise!
