September 2026
Kia ora Clubs, Teams, Players, and Supporters,
Welcome to the 2026/2027 softball season with the Nelson Softball Association! We are thrilled to kick off another action-packed summer of softball across our wonderful region. As we step onto the diamonds at Saxton Field.
Senior Softball Forum
Thanks to all those that attended the first pre-season forum. The next is scheduled for Saturday 3rd October, 3pm (After the NSA Open Day). All teams are to send along their Coach,Manager or Captain.
Key Competition Handbook Reminders
As we get underway, please ensure your clubs and teams are familiar with the core guidelines outlined in our Competition Handbook to keep our games running smoothly, fairly, and safely.
Positive Vibes Only
Nelson Softball Association is proud to announce that they are in the process of adopting this initiative. Keep an eye out for more information on how we will be supporting this kaupapa this summer at the softball park.
A Massive Summer of Tournaments – We Need You!
This season, Nelson Softball is proud to be hosting a range of tournaments right here at home, spanning local, provincial, and national levels.
Hosting events of this scale is a phenomenal showcase for our region, but it takes an entire community to pull it off successfully. Whether you can lend a hand with field setup, canteen duties, umpiring, scoring, or simply cheering from the sidelines as part of our vocal supporter base, please get involved and support where you can. We need our whole community on board to make this summer an unforgettable success!
Key Dates: NSA Events Schedule
Date | Event | Category |
Sat 3 Oct | NSA Open Day | All |
Sat 10 – Sun 11 Oct | Swing into Spring Tournament (Nelson & Marlborough) | Men & Women |
Sun 15 Nov | Seddon Shield Tournament Day (Nelson & Marlborough) | Men, Women, Youth (B & G) |
Sat 28 Nov | NSA U15 Little League Tournament (Open) | Youth (B & G) |
Sat 19 Dec | USC Mixed Slo-Pitch Tournament (Open) | Men & Women |
Thu 21 – Sun 24 Jan | Southern Zone U15 Championship Tournament | Youth (B & G) |
Sat 6 Feb | Summer Slam Tournament (Nelson & Marlborough) | Men & Women |
Fri 26 – Sat 27 Mar | NZ United Tournament (Open) | Men & Women |
Weekly Softball Schedule & Start Dates
- Monday: USC Night Youth Programme (Tee Sox T-ball, Rookie Sox Softball, U13/U15 trainings & workshops) — Starts 19th Oct 2026
- Tuesday: Senior Club/Team Training Night
- Wednesday: Mixed Social Slo-Pitch League — Starts 4th Nov 2026
- Thursday: Super 7-a-Side League, additional Senior/Youth team trainings and deferred games — Starts 8th Oct 2026
- Friday: GROUNDS CLOSED for essential weekly maintenance
- Saturday: Game Day (Senior Men, Senior Women, Te Tau Ihu Nelson & Marlborough, U13 & U15 Leagues) — Senior & Youth Leagues start 17th Oct 2026
- Sunday: Representative team trainings & specialized workshop sessions
Thank you for your ongoing passion, dedication, and commitment to softball in Nelson. Let’s make the 2026/2027 season our best one yet! Play hard, play fair, and see you at the ballpark.
Ngā mihi
The Nelson Softball Association Board
Don Glenie (President), Nicky Mason (Secretary), Kathryn Dowdle (Treasurer), Chris Vercoe, Malcolm Keene, and Adrian Malcolmson (Board Members)