The 2023 Canadian Championships are fast approaching, with nine different cities playing host to the crowning of this year’s Canadian Champions. Throughout the next six months, we will be highlighting these host cities and all they have to offer when August comes around.

First up is Brandon, MB, who will be hosting the 2023 U15 Girl’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championships from August 9-13, at Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex. The 2023 U15 Girl’s Championship will be the first Canadian Championship held in Brandon since 2000. The Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex opened in 2017 and includes four full-sized diamonds, and four mini diamonds. It has quickly built a reputation as the premier softball facility in Manitoba.

"We are ecstatic to be welcoming Softball Canada back to Brandon for a championship, and we are looking forward to showcasing the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex to the nation," said Host Committee Co-Chair Bruce Luebke. "There was a lot of anticipation and excitement to host in 2021 and then came the cancellation due to the pandemic, which was extremely disappointing. We are deeply grateful for the trust put in us as a host city.”

The city’s population in the 2021 Census was 51.313, just over a 5% increase from 2016. Brandon's growth has kept pace with the fastest-growing cities in Canada.

The Westman Magic is the host team for the 2023 event. The Magic program is one of eight AAA programs under Softball Manitoba. 2023 will be the second straight year the U15 team will compete at the Canadian Championships. After claiming the Softball Manitoba title in 2022, the squad tied for seventh place with an overall 5-and-3 record at last year's event in Saskatoon.

When you’re not at the diamond, their uniqueness is felt while exploring the riverbank, experiencing the historic downtown, and by visiting their locally owned shops and restaurants. Click here for a list of things to see and do.

"Now more than ever, we are thrilled to host an event that everyone can look forward to — a time to welcome the country, to come together, and to cheer on our Magic as they pursue a Championship,"' added Luebke. "Brandon has a great reputation as a host city for Provincial, Regional and Canadian Championships and our Host Committee looks forward to continuing that legacy with a well-run and memorial event for the teams and athletes that will be competing."