HBC – Helping Build Champions
At HBC Softball, we never want money to be the reason a child misses out. If fees or basic gear are a barrier for your family, please reach out. We have practical ways to help, and we will treat every conversation with care and confidentiality.
How HBC Softball Can Help
HBC Softball has set up a small hardship/support fund and a working group focused on keeping kids in the game when things are tight at home.
This initiative is run by the HBC Club. Depending on the situation, we may be able to help with part or full season fees.
Support is considered case by case and depends on available funds, but the goal is simple:
if a young person wants to play softball, we will do our best to help them stay on the diamond.
Who This Support Is For
Please get in touch if any of these sound like you:
- You’re worried you can’t afford season fees
- You have multiple children playing and the costs are adding up
- You’re new to softball and the set-up costs feel out of reach
- Your family has had a recent change (illness, job loss, separation, etc.)
- You simply need a little help to keep your child active and involved
There is no judgement and no impact on selection or how your child is treated in the team.
We are simply here to help.
How to Ask for Help
You can contact us in whichever way feels most comfortable:
- Email (confidential): [email protected]
- Speak with your Coach or team Manager. Let them know you’d like a quiet chat about fees. They will connect you with the Life Member support group.
What happens next:
1- We’ll have a private conversation to understand what’s going on
2- We’ll explore available support options
3- We’ll come back to you with what we can offer and how it will work
Our aim is to keep the process simple, respectful, and quick.
Extra Help: iSPORT Foundation – SPORTME TOO
Alongside our own support, some families may also qualify for help from the iSPORT Foundation through their SPORTME TOO initiative, which helps young people who are missing out on sport due to financial hardship.
Key points:
- iSPORT supports individuals directly, not clubs
- They may assist with fees or essential gear
- Funding is limited and based on genuine need
- Families must apply themselves
- Support isn’t guaranteed, but they do their best to help
If you feel your child may qualify, you can contact them here:
- iSPORT Foundation – SPORTME TOO, www.isport.org.nz
- [email protected]
HBC Softball can also share with you the National Manager's email address so you can apply directly.
We can also provide supporting information for your application if needed.
Please Don’t Let Cost Be the Reason
If your child loves softball — or wants to give it a try — but money is getting in the way, talk to us. A confidential chat may be all it takes to keep them playing, learning, staying active and being part of something positive.