Panthers Softball Club Invercargill

🐾 Panthers Past - Last Season Memories 🐾

The new season is fast approaching and we’re getting excited!

Here's some of our favourite photos from the last few seasons.

What was your favourite Panthers memory from last few years? 👇

Got nothing on today pop down to Invercargill Central and check out the Southland Sports Expo.
Panthers are located outside JB Hi-Fi. Come see if you can get the ball into the net.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2490917334754170

🥎 Thinking About Playing? 🥎

Never played before? That's okay.

New to Panthers? That's okay too.

We welcome players of all ages and experience levels.

We will be down at the Southland Sports Club Expo this Sunday at the mall, come see us!
https://m.facebook.com/events/2490917334754170/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Got questions? Send us a message, we'd love to help!

👉 Register here: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/358496

🐾 Panthers People - Travis Bruce 🐾

Next up in our Panthers People series is Travis Bruce, U15 player and Panther for the past three seasons.

Travis started playing softball in 2024 and has found plenty to enjoy about the game, particularly playing catcher and being part of the Panthers community.

One of his favourite softball memories came with the bases loaded, when he managed to bring everyone home… except himself! 😂

When asked what he enjoys most about his team, Travis said:
"They're funny and helpful. Good friends and good coach. They're just a fun team to play with."

His favourite part of training? The little game exercises.

And his goal for next season?
🥎 Hit a home run!

Good luck for the season ahead, Travis! 🐾💛

❄️ Winter Training ❄️

Great energy at training the last few weeks!

Plenty of smiles, hard work and lots of softball.

Want to come along? We’re down here every Tuesday and Thursday until the start of the season.

🥎 Open to U15 players and above
📅 Every Tuesday & Thursday until the start of the season
📍 133 Bain Street (Old Clarendon School Gym)
⏰ 6:00pm – 8:00pm

See you there!

🏉 Volunteers Needed 🏉

A reminder that we're still looking for volunteers to help across the following games:
📅 Sun 16 Aug vs Waikato • 2:05pm
📅 Thu 27 Aug vs Hawke's Bay • 7:10pm
📅 Sun 13 Sept vs Bay of Plenty • 5:05pm
📅 Fri 2 Oct vs Northland • 7:10pm

A range of roles are available, including ticket scanning, car parking, corporate areas and access control.

All volunteers receive $10 club credit for every game attended.

If you can help at one or more games, please get in touch.

🌟 Sponsor Spotlight – Slide MVP 🌟

This week we're shining the spotlight on another one of our valued sponsors, Slide MVP.

Founded in December 2024, Slide MVP was created with one goal in mind, helping softball and baseball players build confidence and improve their sliding safely.

Their innovative sliding mat provides a safe, reusable surface that allows players to practise over and over again. Lightweight and easy to transport, it's a fantastic training tool for players, coaches and clubs alike.

But for Slide MVP, it's about more than just the product.

When asked what they enjoy most about being involved in the softball community, they shared:

💛 "It is where the magic happens. Volunteers giving their time to help these players fall in love with the game, give them belief, and build their skills and character. This is where it starts for everyone who plays the sport."

That passion for growing the game is something we really value here at Panthers. Support from businesses like Slide MVP helps clubs continue developing players and creating opportunities for the next generation.

If you're looking for a safer way to practise sliding or want to take your training to the next level, be sure to check out Slide MVP.

🌐 www.slidemvp.com
📧 [email protected]
Facebook: Slide MVP
Instagram:

Thank you, Slide MVP, for supporting Panthers Softball Club and helping grow the game we all love! 🥎🐾

🐾 Panthers Have a Go Day 🐾

Curious about softball or tball? Come and have a go!

Whether you've never picked up a softball before, haven't played since you were a kid, or you're just looking for something new to try, come along and give it a go!

Our Have a Go Day is a chance to get out there, try some softball, meet the Panthers and see what the club is all about, no experience needed.

🥎 Learn the basics
🤝 Meet the Panthers whānau
😄 Have some fun

📅 Sunday 30th August
📍 Stadium Southland, Velodrome Court 9
⏰ 2pm - 4pm

Bring a friend, bring the family, or just bring yourself, everyone's welcome!

Come along, have a laugh and see what Panthers is all about. 🐾🥎

🥎 Registration Reminder 🥎

Have you registered for the upcoming softball season yet?

Whether you're returning to Panthers, trying softball for the first time, or coming back after a few seasons away, we'd love to have you join our Panthers whānau this summer.

We have grades for all ages and skill levels, so there's a place for everyone.

👉 Register here: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/358496

If you're not quite sure which grade is right for you or have any questions, send us a message, we're always happy to help.

🐾 Panthers People - Rachel Newton 🐾

This week we're celebrating a Panthers Life Member whose Panthers journey spans more than four decades, Rachel Newton.

Rach first joined Panthers at just 7 years old and has been part of the club ever since as a player, coach and lifelong supporter.

During her playing career she proudly represented Southland for more than 15 years, before achieving one of New Zealand softballs highest honours by being selected for the 1999/2000 White Sox. As a pitcher, she helped New Zealand qualify for the Sydney Olympic Games.

When asked what motivated her throughout her career, Rach shared:
"I was told you couldn't make a New Zealand team by staying in Southland. With the support of some amazing players and coaches, I proved that statement wrong."

Some of her favourite memories are representing Panthers at Club Nationals alongside lifelong friends, competing against the best teams in the country and creating memories that have lasted a lifetime.

Today, what makes Rach most proud is seeing the next generation stepping into playing, coaching and committee roles to keep Panthers thriving.

Her advice to young players?
💛 "Enjoy everything the club has to offer. Train hard to achieve your goals, and remember that even if you're not the best player, everyone has a role to play in a successful team."

Thank you for everything you've given to Panthers over the years, Rach. Once a Panther, always a Panther. 🐾