Cobourg Legion Minor Softball Association warns of canceled league unless new Board members join

Donegan Park. Credit Dan Jones Northumberland 89.7 FM Local Journalism Initiative 

By: Dan Jones Northumberland 89.7 FM Local Journalism Initiative 

The Cobourg Legion Minor Softball Organization is warning of dire consequences, if new volunteers do not join the Board of Directors.

A Facebook post from the group said four volunteers operate the entire league. This has become a full-time job for the executives.

“Without additional executives, we will be unable to continue to offer house league softball and will have no choice but to fold the organization,” said the post.

Board Chair Stephanie Johnston said the executive is burnt out. She adds the Board of Directors is seeking a succession plan. “What we need to look for is succession planning. Myself and my husband have been on the board for six-years. The other two (board members) have been on the board for four-years,” Johnston said. “We’re hoping by getting more people involved, we can create a level of interest that people are going to stay on for more than a year. And give the opportunity for this league to continue and grow.”

A last call for volunteers was issued in October. Johnston said this yielded eight people interested, with four people willing to meet the Board Tuesday night for more information.

With the old adage of “many hands make light work,” Johnston said there is much to do in the off-season to prepare for next summer.

“So, between the four of us, we run the league, we do indoor practices in the spring. We sign up all the players, we create the schedule with the town and other organizations. We host tournaments from an Ontario rep level and we run the summer league and then we run a wrap up. So it's just a lot of work for the four individuals, especially if there's any conflicts or, trying to find coaches, trying to find parent volunteers. It's become just too onerous for four individuals only,” explained Johnston.

Despite a meeting tomorrow night, anyone still interested in joining the Board of Directors can contact the Cobourg Legion Minor Softball Organization through their Facebook and Instagram pages or by email at registrar@playfastball.ca.