A big turnout and a foam party marked the end of the season for the Canning Cougars Tee-ball Club at Thomas Moore Reserve in Wilson.
Club president Steve Klomp said the annual Trophy Day is an important moment for players, families and volunteers.
“Canning Cougars has a Trophy Day to end our season each year. It is a very important time for us when we acknowledge the work of our families and volunteers and of course the achievements of our players,” he said.
“It is also a fun way to end the season. The day reminds everyone to look forward to the following season too.”
The event was held away from the club’s usual home ground at Centenary Reserve after delays caused by Cyclone Narelle and the start of the softball season.
Community leaders, including MP Zaneta Mascarenhas and Mayor Patrick Hall of the City of Canning, attended the day, alongside Bikers Against Child Abuse, who shared information about their work supporting children and families.
Klomp said the club had a great season, with more than 160 players taking part across three levels.
“Our players improved so much over the season, and our two States teams can hold their heads up with their great work in the States competition and practice carnivals during the season,” he said.
The club also ran a three-club competition for older players with Forrestfield and Cloverdale Tee Ball clubs.
Participation is continuing to grow following a dip during COVID, with more families getting involved both on and off the field, according to the club president.
“We are gradually growing the club all the time,” Klomp said.
“We have also experienced a lift in family participation this season, which is fantastic. As a result, we are expecting to see a surge in player numbers next season.”
Volunteers remain at the heart of the club, which has been running for more than 50 years without paid roles.
“Our Club runs entirely on volunteers. There are no paid positions,” he said.
“The Mums and Dads – and some grandparents too – are our scorers, our managers, our coaches and they run the canteen.”
Some volunteers have longstanding ties to the club, including chief umpire Rod Della Vedova, who has been involved for more than 40 years, and families who once played for the Cougars themselves.
The club caters to children aged four to 12 and prides itself on being inclusive.
“We are an ‘all abilities’ club, meaning that any child, regardless of ability or age, can play with us,” Klomp said.
“We are in a low socio-economic area and our policy is that no child will be turned away, regardless of the financial ability of their family.”
The club also runs two teams for autistic children as part of its regular competition.
Klomp said the focus, moving forward, is on growing player numbers and expanding opportunities for representative teams.
“Next season we hope to have even more player numbers and to have at least two, possibly three, teams competing in the states competition,” he said.
“We are hoping to have new shelving, some new equipment and to gain some new sponsor businesses.”
