Building Community and Confidence: Girls At Bat in Cumberland, Nova Scotia
In the spring of 2024, the Municipality of Cumberland, Nova Scotia, launched the Girls At Bat program—a venture that has proven to be a game changer for the community's young girls. Over the eight-week session, the program brought 30 girls together to learn softball skills, build friendships, and gain confidence that only comes from being part of a supportive team. Under the leadership of Supervisor Nicholas Leopold and a dedicated coaching staff, the girls experienced the joy of sport in a nurturing and inclusive environment, leaving a lasting impact on both the participants and their families.
An Inclusive Space for Rural Communities
Cumberland is a rural community, and opportunities for girls to participate in sports just for them are rare. Nicholas noted that this made Girls At Bat particularly special: "The appeal here is significant—we're in a rural area, and programs like this are a rare opportunity, especially just for girls." Girls aged 5 to 12 joined each Monday evening, finding an inclusive space to try something new, free of the intimidation that sometimes accompanies co-ed programs. Many girls had never been part of an organized sports team, so the experience was especially transformative.
The program provided all the necessary equipment, ensuring every child had the tools to succeed—regardless of their family's resources. Having the right equipment made a huge difference in leveling the playing field and allowing the girls to focus on learning and having fun. Whether racing around the bases or practicing throws, the girls experienced many moments that fostered a spirit of fun and camaraderie that made them excited to return.
From Participants to Teammates
One of the most profound impacts of Girls At Bat in Cumberland was how the girls transformed from a group of individuals into a cohesive team. Nicholas noted that the girls quickly developed friendships and began supporting one another on and off the field. "The friendships formed here were one of the biggest successes," he said. "You could see the girls cheering each other on, and by the end, many of them were interested in continuing with organized sports."
The program's emphasis on inclusivity extended beyond just the participants. "We had several parents express interest in volunteering next year, which is typically a struggle for us," Nicholas noted. The interest from parents, combined with the participants' enthusiasm is a testament to the success of the program in creating a supportive community environment. "The fact that parents wanted to get involved was huge," Nicholas said. "It's usually quite tough to get that level of engagement, but this program genuinely excited people."
Inspiring Future Opportunities
The success of Girls At Bat in Cumberland has led to plans to expand the program. Nicholas shared that, based on parent feedback, they are considering running sessions twice a week next year. There is also an effort to transition some girls from the spring program into summer T-ball, providing them with more opportunities to continue playing. "The response has been so positive that we want to build on this momentum," he said.
In a rural area where opportunities for girls are often limited, Girls At Bat offered an important outlet. The program was about more than learning softball; It was about giving these young athletes a sense of belonging and the confidence to pursue further sports opportunities.
A Call to Action for Other Communities
For communities considering implementing Girls At Bat, Cumberland's experience is a testament to the transformative power of inclusive, well-supported sports programs. By providing the right equipment and creating a positive and encouraging environment, Girls At Bat turned a group of young girls into a close-knit team. The skills they learned and the friendships they formed have laid the foundation for a lifelong love of sport and community. Cumberland's success shows that, with a little planning and a lot of heart, any community can create opportunities for its young people to grow, thrive, and belong.
