Februray Newsletter 2026
Happy February Softball Families,
SASL has been buzzing with energy behind the scenes, putting in the work to create the best season yet! From refreshing programs and fine-tuning schedules to investing in player development, coaching support, and game-day experiences, every detail has been thoughtfully planned. Some of those things include Jerseys, dryland fitness, equipment swap and our very own tournament. All of this effort is driven by one goal: delivering a memorable, high-quality season where everyone can play hard, grow, and enjoy the game.
We can't wait to share all those exciting things with you very soon!
Surge Team Formation
It has been brought to our attention that there are many questions being asked about how our teams will be formed. We want to set the record straight.
Our association is proud to be home to an impressive group of talented athletes in each age group. This depth of talent not only strengthens our competitiveness but also reflects the hard work, coaching, and commitment that defines our association. So please don't be worried! We have enough athletes for each position and we will be making as many teams as we can for each age group.
If your athlete is one of them it is important if you want to try out that you register your athletes ASAP. (Feb15th deadline)
Following the team evaluation, our outside evaluators will have scored the athletes based on how they perform. Those scores will be added up and our evaluator will be selecting the top 8. Once we have our coaches selected ( please see coach selection detail below) they will choose the next 4 players.
Our outside evaluators are there to help us properly tier our athletes' talent. Our dream is to one day be able to play at an A level, for now that may look like B,C and D level.
Big dreams give you direction, courage, and the motivation to keep going!
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to our President- Dallas Olsen or Vice President -Ben James
Coach Selection
The SASL coach selection interview process, led by the Coach Selection Committee (CSC), is designed to ensure the strongest possible leadership for the upcoming season. Through thoughtful interviews and evaluations, the committee carefully reviews each candidate’s experience, coaching philosophy, communication style, and commitment to player development and sportsmanship. This collaborative process helps match teams with coaches who align with SASL’s values and vision, creating a positive, competitive, and supportive environment for players throughout the season.
- All potential coaches must have their coaching application in Feb10th by 10:00pm to ensure we can have time to review and set up an interview.
- All potential coaches must have a criminal record check with a vulnerable sector check. (We have a letter to show the RCMP department if needed)
- All potential coaches must have Respect In Sport
- All potential coaches must have Make Ethical Decisions
- All potential coaches must have Foundations of Coaching Part 1
- All potential coaches must have Community Trained Clinic Complete
* Please make sure to email a copy of all certificates and criminal record checks to:
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to our President- Dallas Olsen or Vice President- Ben James
Surge Team Evaluations
We are beyond excited as SASL's provincial qualifying evaluations are set to begin. This is an important and inspiring step in our season, giving athletes the opportunity to showcase their hard work, growth and passion for the game while striving for the next level of competition. Our SASL selected evaluators are eager to see all the talent on the field and SASL is so proud to support every player as they participate in this milestone experience.
To ensure a fair, transparent, and positive experience, all evaluations will be conducted by outside, unbiased evaluators.
This means:
Objective assessments
Equal opportunity for every athlete
No pre-selection or favoritism
Placement based on skill, effort, and potential
SASL evaluations are a required part of team placement for U13, U15, and U17 and help ensure a fair and balanced experience for all players. To be considered for team selections, athletes must attend at least 2 of the 3 evaluation dates. Attendance is mandatory and ONLY special exceptions will be made as evaluators are only available these dates to properly assess skills, efforts and development. Thank you for understanding the importance of this process and for your commitment to a successful SASL season.
- Special Exceptions- All SASL tryout exception requests must be submitted in writing prior to the February 15th deadline for consideration. This deadline is firm and allows adequate time for review and decision-making. Any exception requests received after February 15th will not be accepted, and all late submissions will be automatically denied. Families are encouraged to plan accordingly and ensure all required information is provided before the deadline to avoid disappointment.
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Player Transfers – Important Notice
To ensure fairness, transparency, and appropriate team formation, the Softball Association of Sylvan Lake (SASL) has established the following transfer policy for the upcoming season:
SASL will not sign player transfer requests to another association after SASL tryouts have concluded, except in the following circumstance:
An athlete must participate in SASL tryouts and not be selected to a SASL team in order to be eligible for a signed transfer to another association offering a higher level of competition, where the athlete has been selected to a team.
Tryouts are a critical part of roster planning, coach selection, and league alignment. This policy helps protect team balance while ensuring athletes still have an opportunity to compete at an appropriate level.
We appreciate the cooperation of our families as we work to provide a fair, consistent, and athlete-focused experience for all participants.
Softball evaluations are about more than just assessing skill level—they represent a commitment to the team and the possibility of competing at the provincial level. By attending evaluations, athletes are showing their dedication, work ethic, and willingness to put in the time required for a higher level of play. This process helps ensure that teams are formed with players who are ready to train hard, support their teammates, and embrace the responsibilities that come with potentially advancing to provincials.
Bring your glove, your effort, and a great attitude
Come be part of a supportive softball community
We can’t wait to see our athletes on the field!
We want to encourage ALL potential coaches to come and silently observe our players as they work hard to earn their spot.
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to our President- Dallas Olsen or Vice President- Ben James
Surge Evaluations for U13,U15 and U17 will be held in the Dome.
Surge Evaluations for U11 will be held at the Sylvan Lake Community Centre
SASL Winter Camps
SASL 1st annual winter camps started in January with a huge success. We are looking forward to completing these camps that will help in supporting our Surge youth to be the best prepared to compete in evaluations for their spots in Surge selected teams. We want to send out a special thank you to our guest coaches, Owen Coumont and Mikalyn Wallace. Coaches like this make a huge difference in our youth development. We appreciate you in making our camps a success.
Please check out our FB, IG and website for all the pictures and videos of our athletes.
SASL Equipment Swap
Kids growing out of cleats after every season? Someone needs a new (to them) bat? Grown out of that worn in glove? Bring everything down to the community center at the above noted dates, we’ll help you price things out! Then swing by on the shopping dates listed to buy anything your girls need for our upcoming season. Finally, stop by February 8th between 8 and 830 to collect your cash from sales and/or unsold gear. Any gear or cash unclaimed by 8:30pm that evening will be considered a donation to SASL. Please spread the word!
Seeking Host Families in Sylvan Lake!
Each summer, the Gulls welcome players from numerous countries, and behind every great season is an incredible group of billet families who make it all possible!
Opening your home to a Gulls player means providing a safe, welcoming place for them to live while they chase their baseball dreams. Host families play an invaluable role in our program, offering support, stability, and a sense of home away from home. The relationships formed often last well beyond the season and become one of the most meaningful parts of the Gulls experience- for players and families alike.
If you or someone you know may be interested in becoming a host family for the upcoming season, we would love to hear from you. More information and details on how to get involved can be found through the link.
The countdown is on for our season to begin and we couldn't be more excited
SASL
April 2026
Happy April Softball Families,
Indoor Practice Schedule
We are incredibly excited to kick off our indoor practices and get back together as a team. This is a great opportunity for athletes to build skills, improve conditioning, and reconnect with teammates in a fun and focused environment. The energy and enthusiasm this time of year always sets the tone for a strong and successful season ahead. Please make sure to have clean indoor shoes, a healthy snack and lots of water.
SASL is still looking for volunteers to help with the indoor practice. Please send us a message to let us know if you can help.
2026 Sylvan Lake Surge Indoor Practice Schedule
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Team
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April 5th
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April 12th
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April 19th
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April 26th
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See below
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U9
U11Dev.
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8:00am-9:45am
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8:00am-9:45am
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8:00am-9:45am
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8:00am-9:45am
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Monday April 27th
@4:45pm-6:30pm
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U11Adv.
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9:45am-11:30am
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9:45am-11:30am
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9:45am-11:30am
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9:45am-11:30am
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Tuesday April 28th
@4:45pm-6:45pm
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U13D
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11:30am-1:00pm
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11:30am-1:00pm
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11:30am-1:00pm
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11:30am-1:00pm
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Wednesday April 29th
@ 4:45pm-6:30pm
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U13C
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1:00pm-2:45pm
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1:00pm-2:45pm
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1:00pm-2:45pm
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1:00pm-2:45pm
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Thursday April 30th
@ 4:45-6:45pm
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U15D
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2:45pm-4:15pm
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2:45pm-4:15pm
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2:45pm-4:15pm
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2:45pm-4:15pm
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Monday April 27th
@ 6:30pm-8:15pm
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U15C- Campbell
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4:15pm-6:00pm
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4:15pm-6:00pm
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4:15pm-6:00pm
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4:15pm-6:00pm
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Tuesday April 28th
@ 6:45pm-8:45pm
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|
U15C- Armstrong
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6:00-7:45pm
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6:00-7:45pm
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6:00-7:45pm
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6:00-7:45pm
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Wednesday April 29th
@ 6:30pm-8:15pm
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U17C
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7:45-9:30pm
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7:45-9:30pm
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7:45-9:30pm
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7:45-9:30pm
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Thursday April 30th
@ 6:4pm-8:45pm
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Coaches Needed
U13D and U15 D
We are currently looking for dedicated and enthusiastic coaches to lead our D level teams this season. These teams are all about development, confidence-building, and fostering a love for the game, and strong leadership is key to that experience. If you’re passionate about helping young athletes grow in a positive and supportive environment, we would love to have you involved.
Please fill out a coaching application, provide your criminal record check with the vulnerable sector and safe sport training. Managers should also be providing these as well.
Criminal record check letter- Attached to the email
Sylvan Lake Jersey Reveal
SASL is excited to begin a new chapter with a fresh rebrand, featuring a new name and brand-new jerseys for our teams. This change marks the start of a new era for our association—one that reflects our growth, energy, and commitment to our athletes. With new teams, a bold new look, and the same passion for the game, SASL is ready to step into the season stronger than ever. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see our players proudly wearing their new colors on the field.
Powered by Pink- Driven by the Surge
Surge Team Announcements
We are incredibly proud to officially announce our U13C and U17C teams! This group of athletes represents extreme dedication, hard work and true love for the game. We couldn't be more excited to see them come together as a team this season.
We want to recognize the coaches and families who support these athletes every step of the way. Building a team takes a community, and the encouragement behind these players helps make moments like this possible. Congratulations to our U13C and U17C team- we are extremely proud of you and can't wait to cheer you on this season!
Does SASL have the outdoor diamond schedule completed?
Almost complete just waiting on the town to give the final approval.
SASL has live pictures of the apparel. If you are wanting to see a picture of it or see it in person please let us know.
We Need You – Join the SASL Board!
The Softball Association of Sylvan Lake (SASL) is looking for passionate, dedicated volunteers to help shape an incredible season for our athletes!
We have several board positions available and are seeking individuals who are eager to give back, share ideas, and be part of a positive, growing softball community. No experience is necessary—just a willingness to contribute your time and energy.
Being part of the SASL board means:
Supporting local athletes
Connecting with an amazing community
Helping grow and improve our programs
Making a real impact behind the scenes
Whether you have a little time or a lot, your involvement matters and makes a difference.
Step up to the plate and get involved today!
For more information or to express interest, please reach out—we’d love to have you on our team!
Competition Coordinator
Development Coordinator
Seedlings Coordinator
Diamond Coordinator
President
We are very excited about the next steps to creating our jersey for our inaugural 2026
Silent auction donations play a vital role in supporting our youth softball helping programs provide equipment, safe facilities and meaningful opportunities for our young ladies. Each donation item big or small creates excitement, draws community involvement and directly contributes to young programs.
SASL is also currently seeking sponsorship for many different things. Please reach out if you or someone you know who would be interested in becoming a sponsor. You can find the current sponsor outline on the website as there are many different types of commitment levels.
Happy New Year Softball Families,
