13U NATIONALS ~ UPDATE #1
The annual Baseball NZ National Club Championships is on the horizon and Wgtn City Pirates are looking forward to competing again in 2022.
This is an exciting and challenging tournament for 13U teams from across NZ to grow their game experience in a fun and competitive environment.
In 2021 our 13U Pirates competed for the very first time - it was an amazing learning experience and lots of fun! Of course, we're keen to go back in 2022, and planning is underway with Tour Managers confirmed and some funding already secured.
🏴☠ ⚾
Here's an update for our 13Us whānau, so you can start to plan ahead...
TOURNAMENT LOCATION
The 5-day tournament runs from 6 - 10 April 2022 and will be hosted by Te Tau Ihu Baseball at Saxton Park in Nelson. Once again our team will stay at Nelson College dorms, travelling by vehicle via the Bluebridge Ferry.
PIRATES 13U TEAM & OFFICIALS
A full team of 13 - 14 players will be named to attend the tournament, together with a group of officials and tour managers. Families and friends are welcome to join us!
| TEAM OFFICIAL | ROLE |
| Clayton Willocks | Head coach |
| Joe McGarry and Craig Le Quesne | Assistant coaches |
| Lee Graham | Scorer |
Jodi Willocks and Ros Doney | Tour Managers |
Note: We'll also need extra helpers during the tournament for support with meals, laundry, supervision etc. So please contact us if you can help.
KEY DATES
The tournament format typically includes an Opening and Closing ceremony and 1 - 2 games each day. Our tour management team will also arrange some fun activities for in between games and wet weather days. The Draw will be published closer to the time, but we have already booked travel and accommodation. High-level timings are outlined below:
| DATE | TIME | ACTIVITY |
| Tues 5 Apr | 7:15am | Check-in at Bluebridge Ferry, Wellington |
| 8:15 - 11:45am | Bluebridge Ferry ~ Wellington to Picton | |
| 12 - 3:30pm | Picnic lunch in Picton and drive to Nelson | |
| ~4pm | Check-in at Accommodation - Nelson College | |
| Wed 6 - Sat 9 Apr | TBC | Tournament days 1 ~ 4 |
| Sun 10 Apr | ~8am | Check-out of accommodation |
| TBC | Tournament Day 5 - Awards & Closing | |
| ~3pm | Depart Nelson ~ drive to Picton | |
| 6:15pm | Check-in at Bluebridge Ferry, Picton | |
| 7:15 - 11:00pm | Bluebridge Ferry ~ Picton to Wellington |
COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS
Under the new Covid-19 Protection Framework (Traffic Lights) Baseball NZ have mandated that Covid vaccinations are required at all tournaments. This means, any Pirates aged 12 yrs + (including Players, Officials, Supporters and whānau) must be vaccinated in order to attend the 13U National Club Championship tournament.
TOURNAMENT COST
In 2021 the cost for each player to attend the tournament was approx $300. This year we have funding applications underway to keep costs as low as possible. We've already secured funding for transport (including our Ferry costs), and are waiting to hear about funding for accommodation and meals. We'll also be running various fundraiser activities over summer. More information will be shared about costs as we go.
HELPERS NEEDED!
To make this a great experience for our young players we'll need your support. During the tournament, we'll need help with baking, meals, laundry, supervision and plenty more. If you plan to attend the tournament and can help in any way, please let us know - wgtncitypiratesbaseball@gmail.com
REGULAR UPDATES
Shortly we'll hold a 'Family Information Evening' Zoom call to discuss our plan and answer your questions. From there we'll share regular newsletter updates. You can also contact us any time at wgtncitypiratesbaseball@gmail.com.
LET'S GO PIRATES! 🏴☠️ 💛🖤
Article added: Monday 29 November 2021
