Within Softball Manitoba’s player pathway, AA softball represents a competitive stream designed for athletes who want to challenge themselves beyond community (A/house league) play. It provides players with more advanced development opportunities, stronger competition, and exposure to provincial and national level play.
The Strikers are the official AA program of Softball Manitoba. Each year, we form teams at various age divisions (U13, U15, U17, and U19, depending on interest and tryout results).
Strikers players wear our association’s colours proudly and compete against other AA programs across Manitoba. The program emphasizes skill development, teamwork, commitment, and fun — all while preparing athletes for higher levels of softball, including AAA, college, or Team Manitoba.
Tryouts Required:
Players must attend tryouts to be selected for a Strikers team.
Athletes are evaluated on pitching, hitting, fielding, game sense, and coachability.
Dual Team Commitment:
The AA season runs in parallel with the community “A” season.
All AA players must also play on a community (A) team — meaning they are part of two teams at the same time.
Participation in A ball is required to remain eligible for AA play.
Season Format:
AA teams play exhibition games arranged within their age division.
Teams participate in two tournaments:
A Showcase Tournament (typically mid-June)
AA Provincials (end of July)
This format allows athletes to gain additional development and competition opportunities without replacing their A season.
Practice Schedule:
To ensure AA does not interfere with community league play, Strikers practices are only held:
Friday evenings
Sundays after 6:00 PM
A ball games and practices always take priority.
Coaching & Development:
Led by certified coaches with a focus on skill progression, game strategy, and player growth.
Access to development clinics and specialized training opportunities.
Player Pathway:
Many Strikers athletes continue to play softball at the AAA level, college/university level, or advance to represent Manitoba in provincial/national events.
Opportunity to play at a higher competitive level.
Emphasis on development and growth for athletes who want more than recreational play.
Build lasting friendships and teamwork in a supportive, challenging environment.
Represent WSWYSA proudly on the provincial stage.
Announcements about tryouts are posted each year on the WSWYSA website and shared with our member associations.