What is the AA division?
AA division IS NOT A LEAGUE on its own.
It is an extension to the "A" league and a bridge for the "AAA" league.
Softball MB recognized that there was a large gap between community level softball and the AAA softball leagues. By creating the AA program, associations can now offer a more competitive environment for the more skilled players.
Because the registration numbers are not very high, the players that play on the AA team will still have to play on their community A team. The idea of AA softball is to hopefully one day establish it's own league.
Why are there try outs for AA?
The AA program is geared towards the more skilled players. While everyone who signs up for A ball will be placed on a team, the tryouts for AA are to ensure it is a competitive environment. The AA tryouts will need to be completed by TBD. The team will consist of 11 to 13 players.
Athletes must play A ball to tryout for a AA team.
Why are there no league games in AA?
What is the commitment level for AA players?
With their A team
With their AA team
During the interval between the A provincial tournament and the AA provincial tournament, coaches may incorporate more practices and exhibition games.
With the loss of The Manitoba Thunder, NESA lost AA status. Therefore under Softball Manitoba's directive, NESA amalgamated with Bonivital to form The Winnipeg Bolts AA.
The Winnipeg Bolts is the new name for our AA teams, which is more representative of our AA boundaries that includes players from Bonivital and NESA.
For any families new to AA, it is a developmental program that builds more advanced skills and is more competitive than A softball. For players to be eligible to play on an AA team, they must still register and play for their local association’s A team.
The time commitment for AA is that teams can play or practice on Friday evenings and after 6pm on Sunday nights during the A season. There is also a possibility of having an optional weekday practice for AA this season, at the discretion of the coach, as long as there are no conflicts with A games or practices. Once A Provincials are finished (by mid-July), AA teams can practice and hold games on any day of the week.
There are two mandatory tournaments in AA.
The Player’s Showcase weekend will be held from June 12-14 in 2026 (locations TBD) for all age groups.
AA Provincials will be held from July 24-26 in Brandon for U11AA and U13AA.
AA Provincials will be held from August 7-9 in Portage for U15AA and U17AA.
In order to be eligible for AA, players must be able to attend both the Showcase weekend and AA Provinicals. If you cannot attend for reasons other than illness, your spot may be given to another player.
Registration fees will be around $250 per player, which will include all fees except the cost of out of town travel for games or tournaments and any fees for travel to tournaments for non-parent coaches. Also, since we have changed our name to the Winnipeg Bolts, all players will need to purchase a new jersey, which are being redesigned for the 2026 season. Another new addition for this season, there is the possibility of having a U19AA team if there are enough interested players who register.
Please use the following links to register for your child for the Winnipeg Bolts tryouts. There is a $15 fee to attend tryouts to offset the facility rental fees. Please e-transfer the tryout fee to wpgboltstreasurer@gmail.com with your child's full name and age division in the comment section. Tryouts for AA will be held on March 15 and from March 19-24. You will receive an email with the dates and times of your child's tryouts once registration has closed on February 21. Parents who indicated they would like to coach will be contacted once teams are formed. If you have any questions about tryouts or the AA program, please email Tracy at bvsabolts@gmail.com.