This may be more about learning than it is about softball.
That’s Bobby Martin’s take on the importance of traveling softball teams like his Roanoke Rapids Enforcers U-14s and others in the Roanoke Valley.
“This is a way to give the girls a chance to stay together and play the sport they love,” he said Saturday at Ledgerwood Field during a practice.
Martin sees leagues like this as an opportunity for girls. “It gives them an opportunity to do something. It keeps their minds occupied. It’s something healthy for them to do.”
These leagues, Martin said, help the girls when they return to school ball in the spring. “The importance is they see a different level of competition.”
Martin believes his group of seventh grade to ninth grade girls, who are also coached by Kevin Vincent and Stanley Allen, can already play against a high school team. “This is giving them skills when they come back to play at school.”
The practice is intense, now they are on the field two to three times a week and will be playing in tournaments through late November.
Martin also believes traveling teams like this help in other aspects of life. “It helps their social skills. They become a close knit family. They build bonds that last. They go to school together. We try to teach life skills.”
Both assistant coaches see the potential these girls have, Martin said.
Of course, sponsorship of these teams is important because it is $250 to enter each tournament and the girls play in some 12 to 15 tournaments a year.
“My daughter loves to play,” said Sondra Vann, who was at Saturday’s practice. “We’re hoping it will lead to some type of scholarship. Scouts come to watch these girls.”
On November 13 at Becker Village Mall, the Enforcers will have one of their biggest fundraisers, the Grand Slam Cornhole Tournament.
“Ellen Heaton (owner of the mall) has been tremendous to let use the facility there. We hope we can get plenty of teams that day.”
Not only is this event a chance to play cornhole, there will be 50-50 raffles and a chance to meet the girls who play softball. “Part of the fundraiser is for the equipment we use,” Martin said.
It also goes for the trips to tournaments and a chance to play in a World Series event in Florida which costs $700 to enter. “We’re trying to keep the sport alive in Roanoke Rapids,” Martin said. “We’ve got the potential to help these girls go somewhere.”
More information on the team, the cornhole tournament and sponsorhip opportunities can be obtained by contacting Martin at 252-535-1127, 252-308-5089 or
