With his chosen sport competing with the likes of AFL, soccer, cricket and netball, Peter Wattke took it upon himself to do something about it.
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Having played and been involved in softball for over two decades, the Launceston Church Grammar School teacher saw an opportunity to develop the game and from there, the Eagles Academy was born.
It's the Eagles Academy and the copious hours of work Wattke has put into its development and growth that has seen the softball fanatic nominated for The Examiner's Ricky Ponting Service to Sport Shield.
Gaining assistance from under-23 Australian coach and close mate, David Shepherd, Wattke has been able to build a pathway from the ground up and develop junior softball players in a way that previously wouldn't have been possible.
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Enticing Shepherd to Tasmania to train academy members, the insight from two great softball minds created an invaluable experience for the participants as Wattke's other passion - instigating a women's development side - began to flourish.
Last season, the academy's head coach led the women's development side to a grand final berth, with his charges falling marginally short of premiership success - a huge achievement for the junior side.
Attaining state and community grants to provide ground hire and equipment for the progression of his dream, the head coach continually researches ways to improve both his coaching method and style of play.
As a part of this, members of the academy have been given the opportunity to travel to Adelaide in October in order to experience interstate competition, a chance that certainly wouldn't have been made available without Wattke's service to the sport.
How to nominate
To nominate someone for the Junior Sports Awards, visit HERE and fill out the submission form with as much detail as possible and please attach a photo.
Whether they are an accomplished junior athlete, rising star, a dominant team or even a coach, anyone can be nominated.
and fill out the submission form with as much detail as possible and please attach a photo.
Whether they are an accomplished junior athlete, rising star, a dominant team or even a coach, anyone can be nominated.
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