The Bandits girls pictured here with their provincial gold medals last year, capping an undefeated season. (Submitted photo/Darren Russell)

By Martin Martinson

Fundraising Begins

Bandits Canada Cup bound following year to remember

Apr 12, 2022 | 5:11 PM

Following a 2021 softball season for the ages, the Battlefords Bandits U17 team are headed west this spring to swing for the fences at the 2022 Canada Cup.

Taking place at Team Canada’s national team facility in Surrey, B.C., June 17–20, the Bandits’ tournament will feature top teams from across the country, and even some from the United States, in one of five tournaments going on over the two weeks of play.

The Bandits girls team that made waves last season will be reunited this year for a chance to contend for a Canada Cup. (Submitted photo/Darren Russell)

The Bandits girls posted a perfect 21-0 record last season in U16 play, taking provincial gold on their way to what would have been a Westerns appearance if not for the event cancellation due to the pandemic. Coach Darren Russell said the team is looking forward to the unique opportunity this year to reunite and compete at a high level.

“Our application had to go to a tournament committee to be accepted to take part, and we could be one of as few as two teams from Saskatchewan in the five tournaments going on at the event. So for the girls to be able to travel outside the province and compete at this event is awesome,” Russell said.

Freedom and Flexibility

How App-Based Work Creates Economic Opportunity

Dec 12, 2025

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

Dec 09, 2025

“There are some really quality ball players on our team and now they get to play at a world-class facility in front of a lot of people and it’s going to be a great experience.” – Bandits coach, Darren Russell.

Fundraising

The Bandits are currently putting together a sponsorship letter the players will then deliver to local businesses in the community, to ask for support towards travel and accommodation costs for the team on their trip. Sponsors will then be included on a banner on display at their games this year, as a way to thank the community for their hand in the team’s journey.

Additionally, the Bandits will also be holding a raffle featuring items donated to them by local businesses.

“Our girls are going to be selling tickets wherever they can this spring to try to raise some funds,” Russell said. “We’ll try to hit some events and maybe sit in the malls and try to sell some tickets that way too, or if there’s an event in town people can let us know and we could look to set up there as well.”

For more information, or to assist in the team’s fundraising efforts, visit the Bandits’ 2022 Facebook page, or email battlefordsminorsoftball@outlook.com.

—

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1