Goldfields T-ball fosters camaraderie between players young and old

This year’s Goldfields T-ball season is in full swing, with 11 teams battling it out to claim junior and senior titles. Goldfielders young and old enjoy the sport on Friday nights, with divisions ranging from Aussie T-ball for kindergarten and pre-primary aged players through to senior grades. Goldfields Tee Ball Association treasurer Emily Rothen said while player numbers had dropped off in recent years, the association still recorded strong registration numbers. Ms Rothen said the family friendly atmosphere helped to build camaraderie between players. “It’s great to watch the little kids run around and have a ball,” she said. “The parents come down and cheer on their kids, everyone gets really into it.” The Goldfields will be represented by two teams —under-11 and under-12 — at the State championships in March. T-ball is played every Friday evening at the Oasis Playing Fields. Ms Rothen said one factor hindering their play was the quality of the lighting at the facility. “One thing that has made it very hard for our season is the quality of lights (which impacts) safety for the kids,” she said. “The lighting is our big concern at the moment.” The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder published a tender for upgraded lighting at the Oasis Playing Fields and Usher Park in September. The 2024-25 T-ball season will conclude with a grand final in March. With positions still available, Ms Rothen encouraged those interested in playing to visit the Goldfields Tee Ball Association Facebook page.