South Surrey park hosts 1st-ever Softball BC regional U13 championship
Published 3:00 pm Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Diamonds are a girls’ best friend, and the newly renovated facilities at Sunnyside Park in South Surrey outshone even the rarest gems over the weekend, when the South Surrey White Rock Minor Softball Association hosted its first Softball BC championship June 26-28.
The U13 regional championship drew 17 teams and more than 220 softball players to the South Surrey park, all hailing from Softball BC’s Region 3 — one of the most diverse and competitive regions in the Lower Mainland, including teams from Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Mission, SSWRMSA president Thomas Bell shared in an email, adding the competition couldn’t have happened without “outstanding leadership and collaboration.”
Softball BC’s District 14 coordinator Diane MacPherson was instrumental in organizing and overseeing the event, Bell said, and extended thanks from the entire association to tournament director Angela Humphrey, field crew chief Jason Humphrey, volunteer co-ordinator Alicia Johnson, umpire-in-chief Kyle Dennedy, and the incredible team of volunteers, field crew members, scorekeepers, and umpires.
“Their long hours, dedication, and passion created a welcoming and professional environment that athletes and families deeply appreciated,” Bell said.
The championship was also a celebration of the City of Surrey’s investment in community sport, and Bell emphasized SSWRMSA is profoundly grateful to Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, city council, and the planning, development, and park operations staff for their commitment to renovating Sunnyside Park’s softball diamonds, noting their support made it possible to host such tournaments.
Locke attended the opening ceremonies, addressing the athletes and families before delivering a ceremonial first pitch that, according to the umpire Sarah Brown, was a legitimate strike right down the middle; SSWR Tsunami catcher Mackenzie Ferguson proudly received the pitch, marking a memorable start to the weekend.
South Surrey White Rock Minor Softball was represented by two teams: the Golden Girls, coached by James Yee with assistant coaches Tyler Crawford and Lee Duguid, and Tsunami, the official host team, coached by Paul Sheldrake with assistant coaches Miranda Morgan and Geoff Tessarolo.
Both teams showcased exceptional sportsmanship and skill, Bell continued, saying the Tsunami delivered a standout performance, earning the bronze medal in the Red Bracket — a well-deserved achievement after a demanding schedule that included an extra game due to the 17-team format.
Bell shared that softball continues to flourish in South Surrey and White Rock, with more families joining the sport each season, and hosting events like the U13C Regional Championship reflects SSWRMSA’s commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive, and high-quality softball community.
The weekend event showcased the association’s identity and home-field pride, he said.
“This championship embodied everything we value in softball — teamwork, resilience, community, and the joy of watching young athletes shine. Sunnyside Park isn’t just where we play; it’s the proud home of South Surrey White Rock Minor Softball,” Bell said. “Seeing our newly renovated diamonds filled with athletes and families reminds us why this place means so much to our association. We can’t wait to welcome even more players, families, and visitors to our home at Sunnyside in the years ahead.”