The end of Newton Baseball means jerseys for soccer teams in Uganda

The end of Newton Baseball means jerseys for soccer teams in Uganda

Published 11:55 am Wednesday, June 17, 2026

After Newton Canadian Baseball Association stopped playing ball in 2025, volunteers had the tough, time-consuming task of clearing out equipment, dealing with financials and making donations to other Surrey-area community groups.

All that work is pretty much done now, closing the book on 73 years of youth baseball organized by the Newton association.

“It was a huge team effort and done quite well, I think, in accordance to the non-profit society act,” said Valen Kayaks, NCBA president until the end.

Cash donations of $2,500 and more went to 15 different groups and charities in Surrey and beyond, while close to $125,000 in gear and equipment was given to neighbouring baseball clubs and other organizations.

Newton baseball jerseys ended up in Uganda being worn by soccer-playing kids, following a donation to Newton-based Yavin Society (Youths As Volunteers Integrated Network).

“A Yavin Society volunteer had posted in the community looking for soccer cleats,” Kayaks recalled. “We didn’t have those, of course, but offered what we did have. The volunteer was overjoyed with what we were able to provide and divulged that it’s very hard to find donations of full matching team jerseys of approx 12-14+ jerseys per team.”

Many youth soccer teams in Uganda are now fully outfitted in Newton jerseys and shorts, he added.

“Our Newton legacy continues on, albeit through a different sport, across the world. How cool is that?”

Samson Nabbimba, team leader of Yavin Society International Canada, said the organization works to provide affordable and accessible education to children from disadvantaged rural communities in Kyotera District, Uganda.

Donated sports jerseys and equipment have greatly enhanced student participation in athletics, teamwork, leadership development and healthy living, he said.

“Sports provide our learners with confidence, discipline and opportunities to develop talents that extend beyond the classroom,” added Nabbimba, who thanked Newton Canadian Baseball for the jerseys.

“These contributions are making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable and marginalized children whom our institution serves.”

Newton baseball gear, concession equipment and other things kept at Unwin Park were given to Surrey Canadian Baseball Association (in Fleetwood/Guildford), North Delta Baseball, Nightshift Ministries, New Hope Church, W.E. Kinvig Elementary P.A.C. and City of Surrey.

Cash donations went to Arts Council of Surrey in at Newton Cultural Centre, Rec For Kids Society on 68 Avenue, Athletics for Kids in North Vancouver, Boys and Girls Clubs, KidSport Canada, Kids Play Youth Foundation in Surrey, Surrey Firefighters Charitable Society, Community Living Society, Canadian Amateur Sport Society in Surrey, ViaSport British Columbia Society, Pacific Community Resources Society, Options Community Services Society and Surrey Food Bank Society.

These organizations were chosen “with great care to ensure that legacy donations supported organizations and programs that aligned with Newton Canadian Baseball Association values,” Kayaks said.

“We hope that donated items will continue to support our community through various organizations for many years to come.”

The end of Newton Canadian Baseball hasn’t meant an end of baseball at Unwin Park, though the city is considering redevelopment to include cricket, lacrosse and volleyball facilities at the 15-hectare community park, on 68 Avenue.

“Cloverdale (baseball association) has kind of taken reigns of the park,” Kayaks noted. “We tried to keep (Newton association) going there but it was just something that couldn’t be saved, unfortunately.

“As long as the park goes to good use and it’s not being paved over, you know, that’s a great great thing to know,” he added. “The community will still continue to fight to have that park for the community to use, for others to use. It’s a change, an end of Newton baseball, and coming to terms with that has been difficult.”