Nationals next for flying Sparkz

Fresh from their first gold medal, Sparkz are now preparing to fly south and take on Australia’s softball Masters.

The team, drawn from Redcliffe Softball Association, as entered the 2025 Australian Masters Games, for over 35s, on October 18-25.

Sparkz will travel to Canberra after a confidence-boosting victory at the Softball Queensland Masters, held in Caboolture and Redcliffe this month.

They won six of seven games over the three-day competition, including a friendly grand final against Base Invaders 11-7.

However, manager Lyndy Melville said the team plays for enjoyment, friendship and support … as well as a love of the sport.

“Our team came together to enjoy the game of softball while also prioritising well being, connection, and adventure,” she said.

More pictures - click through

“We participate not only for the love of sport but to support each other through positive mental health breaks, physical activity, and the joy of exploring new regions together.

“Personally, while going through cancer treatment, having a group of friends to spend time with, on and off the diamond, was a great distraction from the rigours of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.”

Sparkz played its first competition in 2023 at the Australian Masters in Adelaide and has since competed at the Queensland Masters twice and Suncoast Masters once.

“We would like to compete at some other tournaments like Alice Springs or Great Barrier Reef games but having to self-fund these trips is a costly venture,” Lyndy said.

“We do as much fundraising as we can - and we would love to find sponsorship to help us get to more events.”