$400K NZCT Grant Helps Build Huge New Training Facility For Canterbury Softball

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded the Canterbury Softball Association (CSA) a major grant of $400,000 towards the cost of building an indoor training facility at Cuthberts Green in Christchurch, designed to give softball players of all levels a year-round dedicated space to train, play, and connect.

General Manager Anthea Stringer says, “Partnering with NZCT will enable us to provide a high-performance training environment that empowers athletes to achieve success at local, national and international levels, while establishing Canterbury as a training hub and boosting the visibility of our sport and region."

The training centre will feature three dedicated hitting/pitching lanes, complete with mobile nets that can be transformed into a versatile 35m x 15m space. State-of-the-art Trakman cameras will provide comprehensive analysis for both pitching and hitting, catering to those seeking a high-performance training experience. However, this space will be available for various activities and accessible to everyone.

Clubs, schools, and community groups will have access to the space, transforming it into a centre for engagement, activity, and connection not only reinforcing the future of the sport in the region, but also creating many opportunities within the wider regional community.

Jason Harper, Canterbury U17 Boys Head Coach says, “To finally have a facility that will enable our athletes to train all year around and thus be more competitive on the international stage is amazing. It will give the coaches and players an opportunity to personalise a programme to suit all our young athletes’ needs.”

Karen Calder, Papanui Softball Club Secretary adds, “We’re really stoked about the opportunities the new training facility at Dynasty Ballpark Softball HQ will offer to the community and will certainly be encouraging our membership to make full use of it.”

NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges adds, “We love backing projects that get people active and connected. It’s great to see a facility that will not only help athletes reach their potential but also give the wider community a space to come together and get involved. This grant would not have been possible without the responsible gambling partnerships we have with our Christchurch venues.”

The Canterbury Softball Association is the governing body for softball in the region, promoting the growth of the sport from grassroots efforts to high-performance levels. Managing sixty-six softball diamonds across Canterbury, offering competitions, development programmes, and pathways for representatives enabling players of all ages and skill levels to enjoy and excel in the game.

The region has consistently produced athletes who have proudly represented New Zealand on the international stage and remain committed to investing in programmes that encourage community involvement and the development of future elite players.

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) is one of the largest gaming societies in New Zealand. In 23/24, NZCT awarded over $40 million in grants for a wide range of community services, including sports, rescue services, youth development, the Arts, and cultural activities.

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