Royal Park Pandas Softball Club

The Royal Park Softball Club inclusive community Softball program was a development to increase Softball membership through satellite competitions within the local community.

Initially the Club started an inclusive program in the community.  An inclusive satellite Softball competition in communities where Softball doesn't have a presence was established. The satellite teams and Clubs were linked to established Associations for competition, whilst the satellite competition was developed.

This Club was developed to improve membership growth by moving away from established competitions and infrastructure to areas where potential new participants would be encouraged to participate in their local community. This prevented those travelling vast distances.

Initially, the Club offered free come and try days and activities to specifically target schools within a 5km radius of the venue. They conduct come and try days over a 4 week period prior to Christmas.  A post Christmas mini competition of 4 weeks is offered, enabling regular participants to form a team, The Royal Park Pandas. The Club includes children who have low vision.

The team was entered into the Melbourne Softball Association competition at Fawkner Park, South Yarra to encourage participants to continue with Softball. Currently, with support of Melbourne Softball Association, the Pandas are participating in the Melbourne Metro League using modified game rules as the players gain experience and knowledge.