Co-founder of Edenvale baseball club talks about the importance of active children
"Children don't play sports any more. They would rather play TV games and watch movies."
As is the case with many towns, sports form an important part of Edenvale’s heritage and its community.
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It not only helps with the development of youth, but also allows youngsters a wholesome outlet for their energy.
Mr Patrick McKinon believes strongly in the importance of sports in a community.
The co-founder of the Edenvale Giants and Imps Baseball Club sat down with the NEWS to discuss the importance of sports in Edenvale and the history of the Edenvale Baseball Club.
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Before Patrick helped found the Edenvale Baseball Club, he was part of the Bears Baseball Club in Bezuidenhout Valley.
“The Bez Valley grounds were given to the softball teams, so we had to find a new area,” said Patrick.
The baseball player of 57 years said two teams looking for a new training ground led to the creation of the Edenvale baseball group.
With the assistance of Mr Eddie Birkett, also a baseball coach, the Imps were founded in 1994.
“My children at the time were attending one of the local primary schools. We were looking for a new place for the club and found the Edenvale Sports Grounds. It was the perfect location for a baseball club,” said Patrick.
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Two years later the senior side, the Giants, were formed in Edenvale.
Patrick, the former chairperson of the baseball club, said it grew quickly in its first 15 years.
He said the baseball club would often make use of the off-season soccer players from the Edenvale Football Club to fill the teams.
He said the two sports clubs worked well together.
One of Patrick’s greatest concerns about baseball in Edenvale is that there are fewer players taking up the sport.
“Children don’t play sports any more. They would rather play TV games and watch movies,” said Patrick.
Patrick said both the number of children trying out for the teams and the fitness of those trying out have diminished.
“Fitness is a real problem. Children cannot run. Out of 10 children trying out for the teams, we would usually have about three great players. Now the club is lucky if it gets one good player,” said Patrick.
Patrick believes sports play a very important role in the lives of the youth.
He said it keeps children off the streets and keeps them away from negative influences.
Patrick hopes that the Edenvale Sports Grounds will remain open to the community for years to come.
To get in touch with the club, contact Mr Dean McKinon, current chairperson of the club, on 082 600 1730.
Call to action – To read more about Edenvale Sports Grounds, visit our website
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