ACES Academy of Softball

What is the ACES Firecracker FastPitch?

Firecracker Fastpitch was the initial Program that led to the formation of the ACES Academy of Softball. Calgary’s entire softball season is normally just 8-10 weeks long. It is tough to excel at any sport if you only play 10 weeks a year!!

Firecracker added an additional 6 weeks to the season by playing softball in the fall. More importantly, Firecracker put the emphasis on learning the elements inside the game, playing the game at a competitive level and making the game fun for everyone involved. The kids earn points for performing skills and the team with the most points at the end of the game is the “winner”. The kids don’t even realize that they are learning new skills along the way.

When was it started?

The idea was formed in the fall of 2006 with the first event held in the fall of 2007. The success of the program was recognized immediately by everyone who attended. The response and the positive reviews were instant.

Why was it started?

Softball skills were deteriorating and it was affecting the entire sport in Alberta. Coaches didn’t want to coach anymore. Parents were taking their kids to other sports. The playing season was too short. Something had to be done. Firecracker would be played in the fall, which would extend the season, develop the skills and help to keep people in the sport. Firecracker was the first step and it was and still is a huge success.

How is it different?

Firecracker is different because the foundation of the entire program is educational. Educating the players to understand that they can excel at the game and have fun at the same time. Educating the coaches as to how to teach the skills to the younger kids who don’t understand some of the complicated concepts of the game. Educating the parents to understand that the focus can’t always just be on the scoreboard.

Firecracker is one of the most innovative and exciting programs ever introduced to the sport of softball. It is drawing the kids, the coaches and the parents back towards the game of softball.