Softball Victoria Launches Inclusive Play Well After-School Program in targeted Schools

In Term 2, Softball Australia successfully launched the Play Well After School Softball Program in selected metropolitan schools in Victoria, aiming to introduce T-ball and softball to children facing barriers to sport participation.

Funded by the Australian Sports Commission through its Play Well Participation grant, the program reached four schools in Melbourne’s North West: Tarneit Rise Primary (Tarneit), St Paul’s Primary (West Sunshine), Manorvale Primary (Werribee), and Aitken Hill Primary (Craigieburn). The initiative was delivered in partnership with local clubs and associations, including the Craigieburn Eagles, Padres Softball Club, Sunshine Softball Association, and Softball Victoria.

Over 50 students from Grades 3–6—many from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds—took part in 4–6 week programs run by experienced local coaches. Each weekly, hour-long session was held on school grounds directly after school, covering softball fundamentals such as throwing, catching, batting, and base running. Sessions concluded with friendly games of softball or T-ball, with all equipment provided.

Beyond skill development, the program fostered teamwork, leadership, encouragement, social connection, and fun.

Many students have shown enthusiasm to join their school teams or local clubs when the new season begins in Term 4.

Following the success of the Term 2 rollout, Softball Victoria plans to expand the program into Melbourne’s South East region in Term 3.