Ahead of the Softball Ulster's Start of Season Tournament at Mallusk Playing Fields in April 2026, Jocelyn Horton, NICVA's Fundraising Advice Officer and fellow softball player (different club) met up with Will Gilpin, Chair of North Down Softball Club (NSDC) for a chat.
What is your goal?
The growth & development of Softball as a sport in Northern Ireland.
How have you been working towards it?
As a club we have been growing our membership across 3 teams and developing Softball infrastructure at our home ground of Ward park in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council. 
We've also been expanding the game beyond the league* which includes a club level charity Grand Aggregate tournament which spans 3 events across the playing season and hosting Ulster’s first outdoor** Women’s Irish Open tournament.
What motivated you to join NICVA?
Recognition that for the club and sport to develop we need investment for training, equipment, professional certifications, and all the other costs a niche sport needs to overcome. Our club council is composed of volunteers who give up their free time to keep the club running; it's incredibly time consuming to seek out grants and sponsorship, membership with NICVA will ease this burden considerably.
Any success stories to share?
Lots!
In 2025, NDSC was successful in securing Ireland's first purpose built Softball diamond, including a 40ft backstop, anchored home and pitchers plates, and brick foundations to prevent excessive field wear. This success was the culmination of a 2-year long sports development project approved by Ards and North Down Borough Council who recognised the health and wellbeing benefits NDSC brings to the local area.
The club is indebted to Dr. Chris Stange, Consul General for Saint Vincent & the Grenadines in Northern Ireland for his tireless efforts in pushing stage 1 of this project through to completion and for his determination in pushing forward the next infrastructure development plans.
We were able to host the Softball Ireland National Club Championship on our new diamond in 2025 with the regional champions battling it out for the Irish title. An honour we hope to repeat when the competition returns to Ulster - perhaps with an NDSC team winning!
Our success with grant funding has enabled us to keep our members' costs low (£85 per member in 2026, approx. £10 per month). Securing grants to cover operating costs such as pitch hire, league registration, insurance, and affiliations, we have be able to minimise socioeconomic barriers to participating in sports for our members and finance club kit expenses.
How have you benefited from NICVA membership?
At this early stage mainly from the networking potential, it puts NDSC out there into a larger arena where we can be more visible, grow our brand, and potential.
How can people support you?
We’re currently looking for team & club sponsors as part of our kit refresh program. Additionally we’re always seeking new members with a particular focus on our female recruitment campaign “women in sport”. Even if individuals aren't sporty there are numerous support roles available including umpires, scorers, admin etc.
To get in touch and lend your support, visit North Down Softball Club.
*The Softball Ulster league consists of 15 teams in the Ulster region. Visit to find a team near you.
** The first Women's Tournament in Ulster, an annual indoor event taking place in or around International Women's Day, is organised by Belfast Softball Club. Contact for more information.
