Canterbury Softball Association general manager Anthea Stringer said the New Zealand Community Trust grant will go towards the cost of building the centre, which will be designed to give softball players of all levels a dedicated space to train and play in.
"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 and 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.
Clubs, schools, and community groups will also be able to access the facility, "transforming it into a centre for engagement, activity, and connection", Stringer said.
"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."
Said Karen Calder, Papanui Softball Club secretary: "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 general manager of grants, marketing and communications Ben Hodges said the grant would not have been possible without the responsible gambling partnerships it has with Christchurch venues.
"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."
-Allied Media
