In January, the Mellieha Softball Tigers Club (Malta) celebrated their first anniversary since the Club was formed.

The team consists of 23 players divided in two teams, an u/16 team and a seniors team. These players are under the expert guidance of Sig. Roberto Andolfi, a member of the Italian Softball Coaches Federation.

The Mellieħa Softball Tigers Club organise regular fun activities for children of different ages not only connected to the sport itself but also as a means of sport education for the younger generation.. Lately, Tee Ball and swimming sessions have proved to be a great success for the club.
Tee Ball training was held at the Mellieħa Primary School on Sunday mornings for the past three months. Coach Maria Micallef was assisted by Charlene Caruana and Melivia Axisa. The players were taught the techniques of how to throw a ball; how to catch both grounders and fly balls; how to run from base to base around all four bases; sliding and diving for the ball; along with some practice on batting. All of these exercises are related to the afore mentioned discipline of Softball.

The young players excelled in the games played against their coaches and parents and many a time they were successful in overcoming the older opposition. All players were awarded certificates and medals for the commitment and determination shown during the games.

Furthermore swimming sessions were held at the Ta’ Qali Indoor Pool during the same period. Swimmers were divided into three groups: beginners, intermediate and advanced, with the groups being coached by Melivia Axisa, Charlene Caruana and Erica Xerri Mallan respectively.

The Beginners gained confidence in the water and also learnt how to swim without swimming aids. The others learnt the different strokes and diving techniques in an appropriate manner, while there were others who were coached to increase endurance in water. The different strokes covered during the courses are freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke. At the end of the courses, certificates and tokens were awarded to all participants. A big thank you to the MFA Pool management for their support.

The main idea behind the sporting activities is for participants to enjoy themselves, make new friends and try out new sport especially the sport of Softball which we feel can be so beneficial to the young and not so young who would like to embark on an interesting and healthy sport.

For more details send an email to mellieha_tigers@hotmail.com.