Newton program closes, gear lives on
The Newton Canadian Baseball Association will not field teams in 2026 after members voted to dissolve the organization in October. Instead of packing everything away, Newton leaders chose to donate thousands of dollars in gear and equipment to Surrey Canadian Baseball Association.
Surrey Canadian president David Leavers called the move both generous and bittersweet. He said the donation will help kids play ball for years, even as Newton’s own program fades from the local sports landscape.
Volunteers load up Newton baseball gear
On Nov. 23, Surrey Canadian volunteers drove trucks and cars to Unwin Park in Newton to pick up the donated gear. NCBA members welcomed them and invited them to choose what would best serve youth athletes.
They loaded baseballs, pitching machines, bases, scorebooks, wheelbarrows and concession supplies. Volunteers felt grateful, yet they also recognized they were witnessing the end of a once-strong Newton minor baseball tradition.
Invitation to Newton families
Leavers publicly thanked Newton volunteers and families for 73 years of service to local kids and the game. He emphasized that Surrey Canadian will “steward this equipment well” and hopes many Newton families continue their baseball journey on North Surrey diamonds.
Surrey Canadian plays at Lionel Courchene Park in Guildford and Holly Park. The association’s catchment covers North Surrey on the BC Minor Baseball map, which now includes former Newton players without the need for movement forms.
Registration open and early bird fees
Registration for the 2026 spring season is already open for boys and girls aged four to 18, with games from April to June. Early bird fees apply until Jan. 31, giving families an incentive to sign up soon.
Winter clinics run January through March in the batting cage at no extra cost for registered spring players. Surrey Canadian leaders hope that Newton baseball gear finds home in Surrey Canadian association programs and keeps more kids active on the field.
Surrey Canadian’s 50-year story and mural
Last March, Surrey Canadian celebrated its 50th season at Lionel Courchene Park with past players, parents and coaches. Supporters were invited to wear old uniforms, bring memorabilia and reconnect with decades of community baseball.
The park now features a large mural painted by artist Andrew McGuire, dedicated in November 2024. The artwork honours both Surrey Canadian’s 50 seasons and the legacy of long-time volunteer Caroline Schellekens, who died in 2022 after a two-year battle with lung cancer.
Leadership team for 2026
Surrey Canadian has also confirmed its executive for the 2026 season. The team includes president David Leavers, vice-presidents Ryan Harmer and Rick Hunter, secretary Lani Burden, treasurer Silvana Dodd, registrar Kimmie Olaires and coach development director Pete Jensen.
Directors on the Surrey Canadian board are also listed on the association’s website. Together, they aim to honour Newton’s history while ensuring that every donated bat, ball and base continues to serve young players across North Surrey.
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