Besides helping children develop fundamental movement skills such as throwing, catching, and running, softball helps in the improvement of agility, balance, coordination and speed.

In an effort to continue to increase the popularity of the sport in Gozo, the Ghajnsielem Redcoats launched a Talent Identification Program. As part of this initiative members of the Redcoats coaching staff will be holding baseball and softball sessions at  primary and secondary schools over the coming months.

The first of the series of sessions was held at the training ground of the Ninu Cremona Lyceum Complex, in Victoria, for Year 7 students of the Agius de Soldanis Secondary School, Gozo College on Tuesday, December 9. Two classes of about 45 students attended this first session. Joseph Scicluna of the Redcoats was assisted by PE teachers Gin Eve Refalo and Melissa Farrugia along with Ruben Mercieca, the representative of the Sports Promotion Unit of Kunsill Malti Ghall-iSport.

During the introduction, Joseph Scicluna explained why the growth of softball is important for sports in Gozo. Besides helping children develop fundamental movement skills such as throwing, catching, and running, this sport also helps in the improvement of the all important ABCs of agility, balance, coordination and speed. Softball is also one of the few sports that can be played co-ed at all age levels with the possibility of having both parents and their children on the same team.

Another session was held on Tuesday, December 16, this time for three Year 7 classes for approximately 70 students from the Agius de Soldanis Secondary School, Gozo College. Three stations were set up and each class moved from one station to the next. The first station involved batting and was under the supervision of former Redcoats softball player, Marlene Saliba. Gin Eve Refalo was responsible for the base running station. The fielding station was split into two minor stations. Ruben Mercieca instructed students how to field ground balls fired by the pitching machine, whereas Melissa Farrugia demonstrated how to throw a softball and catch it using a glove to  the girls and boys.

Both sessions were highly productive as the students showed a particular interest in learning how to play the game. There were several girls and boys who exhibited great potential and were encouraged to join the club. A bookmark with the contact details of the Gozo Baseball & Softball League and the Ghajnsielem Redcoats was handed to all participants at the end of each session.

Further sessions are planned for the other four classes of the Agius de Soldanis, Secondary School, Gozo College.