AA Softball Information - Strikers & Manitoba Reapers
What is “AA” Softball?
Within Softball Manitoba’s player pathway, AA softball represents a competitive stream designed for athletes who want to challenge themselves beyond community (A/house league) play. It provides players with more advanced development opportunities, stronger competition, and exposure to provincial and national level play.
Which AA Team Will You Play For?
AA players are split into two catchments based on where they live:
East of Charleswood Road: Players try out for and play on the Strikers (WSWYSA)
West of Charleswood Road: Players try out for and play on the Manitoba Reapers (Northwest Fastball)
Both programs follow the same development structure and competitive pathway.
Who Are the Strikers & Manitoba Reapers?
The Strikers and Manitoba Reapers are the official AA programs of Softball Manitoba. Each year, teams are formed at various age divisions (U13, U15, U17, and U19, depending on interest and tryout results).
Players wear our association’s colours proudly and compete against other AA programs across Manitoba. The programs emphasize skill development, teamwork, commitment, and fun — all while preparing athletes for higher levels of softball, including AAA, college, or Team Manitoba.
How AA is Run
Tryouts Required:
Players must attend tryouts to be selected for either the Strikers or Manitoba Reapers.
Athletes are evaluated on pitching, hitting, fielding, game sense, and coachability.
Dual Team Commitment:
The AA season runs in parallel with the community “A” season.
All AA players must also play on a community (A) team — meaning they are part of two teams at the same time.
Participation in A ball is required to remain eligible for AA play.
Season Format:
AA teams play exhibition games arranged within their age division.
Teams participate in two tournaments:
Showcase Tournament (typically mid-June)
AA Provincials (end of July)
This format allows athletes to gain additional development and competition opportunities without replacing their A season.
Practice Schedule:
To ensure AA does not interfere with community league play, practices are only held:
Friday evenings
Sundays after 6:00 PM
A ball games and practices always take priority.
Coaching & Development:
Led by certified coaches with a focus on skill progression, game strategy, and player growth.
Access to development clinics and specialized training opportunities.
Player Pathway:
Many AA athletes continue to play softball at the AAA level, college/university level, or advance to represent Manitoba in provincial/national events.
Why Play AA?
Opportunity to play at a higher competitive level.
Emphasis on development and growth for athletes who want more than recreational play.
Build lasting friendships and teamwork in a supportive, challenging environment.
Interested in Playing AA?
Announcements about tryouts are posted each year on the Varsity View website and shared with our member associations.
For more information about the Strikers, please contact: aasouthweststrikers@gmail.com
For more information about the Manitoba Reapers, please contact: manitobareapersaafastball@gmail.com