Our Cub and 10U Winter Ball programme gives girls and boys a chance to experience baseball, learn new skills, have fun, and get active! Meanwhile, our Winter Ball programmes for older age groups focus on skill development and training for speed and fitness. All sessions are led by our team of experienced coaches. Both new and existing players are welcome, including members of other clubs!
Winter 2025 Dates and Location
- Two free-to-try Sunday sessions on 20-July and 27-July (open to everyone)
- Up to 10 sessions on Sundays from 3-August to 5-October (for registered participants)
- Unsworth Reserve, subject to weather
Winter 2025 Session Times
- 0930 – 1030: Cubs and Under 10s (coached by Yuuki and Matthew)
- 1030 – 1230 Group 1: Under 12s and Under 13s (coached by Yuuki and Matthew)
- 1030 – 1230 Group 2: Under 14s and Under 16s (coached by Toshiki and Dustin)
- 1230 – 1430: Under 19s and Premier Grades (coached by Yuuki and Toshiki)
Activities
- Cubs and 10U will focus on experiencing baseball, learning new skills, having fun, and being active.
- Older grades will have warm-ups including throwing (long toss) + skills development covering batting, pitching, base running, in-field and out-field + speed and fitness training
Gear
- Gloves: Cubs and 10U please bring your own glove if you have one (making sure it is clearly named) but if you do not have a glove, do not worry, we will have all baseball gear available to use; Older grades please bring your own glove or let us know if you cannot
- Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing for exercise and movement during each session; Older grades please wear baseball pants if you have them
- Shoes: Suitable shoes for turf e.g. any running, touch, or soccer boots with plastic or rubber soles; No metal studded soles allowed.
- Hydration: A full water bottle
Winter 2025 Fees
- Cub to 10U: $100 for ten 60-minute sessions
- 12U to 16U: $175 for ten 120-minute sessions
- 19U+: $175 for ten 120-minute sessions
Register Now! Choose your series ticket(s) and pay online via Stripe at our Winter Ball 2025 event page.
Coaches: Check out the bios below to get to know our Winter Ball coaches. Furthermore, all members planning to volunteer as coaches in the coming summer are invited to also participate – winter is a great time to work on coaching skills with other coaches, reinforcing our club coaching philosophy and values. Please email yuuki.takahashi@nscbaseball.co.nz for details.
Hey, I’m Yuuki — one of the founding members of North Shore City Baseball Club and someone who’s been around baseball for most of my life. I’ve played the game for over 18 years, including time with the New Zealand Diamond Blacks, a stint with the Auckland Tuatara, and four awesome years playing college baseball in the US.
Since coming back to New Zealand, I’ve been coaching the Under 12 and Under 13 teams at NSC over the past couple of seasons. I love working with young players and helping them build solid skills, confidence, and a genuine love for the game.
Outside the club, I’ve got a psychology degree, and I’m currently finishing my Master’s in Sport, Exercise and Health at AUT. I am also a strength and conditioning coach at Athlete Development at the Millennium Institute and work as a Playball Coach, helping kids grow through sport and movement.
Coaching is something I’m really passionate about — not just teaching the game but supporting players in becoming better athletes and better people.
Look forward to seeing you all at winter training!
- Yuuki
Hi, I’m Matt – a founding member of the club and a passionate player with over 15 seasons of experience on the field. Although I didn't go to college, I’ve had the honour of representing New Zealand internationally, competing in the US, Japan, and Australia with various national teams.
My coaching journey began in 2018, and over the past eight seasons, I’ve worked across multiple age groups within the club. I started by assisting with the Kiwiball programme (2018–2020), then moved into the role of assistant coach for the 16U team in 2021. I then took on the head coach position for that team in the following two seasons, before stepping up as head coach of the 19U team for the past two years.
In 2021, I also expanded my coaching into the community, working with primary schools across Auckland’s North Shore to introduce more young players to the sport and support the club’s grassroots development. Most recently, I had the privilege of serving as the pitching coach for the Auckland Senior League team that competed in the 2023 Senior League World Series.
I’m passionate about helping young athletes grow both on and off the field. I especially enjoy working with players who are eager to learn, committed to improving, and serious about their future in the game. My goal is always to support their development and help them reach their full potential.
- Matt