It's going to be a massive month for the Red Deer Ladies Fastball Association.
Over the next four weeks, they will host the 2024 Alberta Women's and Intermediate Fastball Provincials and the 2024 Women's Canadian Fast Pitch Championships.
Up first will be provincials this weekend from July 26-28 at the Sterling Industries Sports Park in Blackfalds followed by Canadian nationals from August 7-11 at the same place.
Trudy Haraldson, president of the Red Deer Ladies Fastball Association said it's very exciting for everyone involved.
"Little ol' Red Deer we're going to be known throughout Canada for women's fast pitch so it's very exciting but it's been a lot of hard work and dedication," she said.
"I've put many hours in and I'm tired but the outcome will be great."
This weekend they're set to host Women's and Intermediate A, B, and C Ladies provincials. Round Robin play begins Friday at 9 am through Saturday. In addition, the semifinals and finals will run all day Sunday.
"Most of the girls that are on these teams have played collegiate ball in the U.S. or still do play down there with scholarships. You're seeing the best of Alberta for over 19," she added.
In total, there will be 27 teams from all over Alberta competing for the provincial title. Haraldson explained the A, B, and C categories are meant to separate the different levels of competition.
"That will be great for Blackfalds and Red Deer for the tourism there. It's always been great having it in a central area like Blackfalds... They can meet in the middle so teams don't have to drive hours one way," she said.
"That's why Softball Alberta always accepts our bids to host provincials because we've gotten great feedback."
For those who would like to attend provincials, Haraldson explained it'll be $20 for a three-day pass or $10 a day.
In partnership with the Town of Blackfalds, Red Deer Tourism, and Softball Canada, Blackfalds will make history as the first Alberta community in 25 years to host the Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championships.
At the sports park, they'll feature seven teams from six provinces.
The N. Jensen's Bandits from Red Deer and the Calgary Rogues will represent Alberta along with teams from Manitoba, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and Ontario.
Haraldson, who manages the Bandits, said they worked hard this year.
"There hasn't been an Alberta team for a couple of years now in Canadians so we're excited to take the challenge," she said.
"I urge all the young female athletes just to keep at it and one day they'll be at that position when they're 19 and they have to decide whether they want to continue still play or stop. I just want to urge them to keep playing as an adult... It's just different when you're an adult playing competitive ball from when you're a minor."
They will compete over the five-day tournament for the gold medal and are scheduled to begin with their first game on August 7 at 10 a.m.
Haraldson explained it was the Town of Blackfalds, Sean Barnes, and Trevor Thomas from Central Sport that approached her in the fall about submitting a bid to host nationals.
"Working with both of them we got our bid accepted from Softball Canada so we're quite excited for the Red Deer Ladies Fastball to work with Blackfalds to put on a great event," she added.
"We're also excited for teams from across Canada to come and show them what Alberta has to offer not just in ball but our beautiful scenery and everything. I'm hoping that everyone takes a few days just to explore Alberta."
