Already thinking about the 2012 season? Planning what you might do differently so that it will be you lifting the trophy next summer?
Then why not join the BaseballSoftballUK Academy programme this winter and take your first steps towards becoming a baseball or softball champion in 2012.
Academy Baseball and Academy Softball are BSUK's premier winter training programmes for young people, supported by Major League Baseball. The Academy programme will help you raise your game in preparation for opening day next spring.
Academy Softball players gaining international fame
The key goal and value of Academy Softball is to instil and enhance a passion for softball by focusing on the key elements of the game, using a fun, dynamic approach delivered by the top softball coaches in the UK.
For young girls and boys who aspire to play softball for their country, Academy Softball is an excellent pathway to fulfilling that dream.
Academy coaches are a select group of coaches drawn from the Great Britain Softball programme, BSUK and other qualified volunteer. In recent years, 23 girls who were regular participants at the Academy have gone on to represent Great Britain Fastpitch at Under-13, Under-16 and Under-19 age groups -- and current GB Women players Ali Parkerson and Steph Pearce are both graduates of the Academy programme and played at the 2011 European Championships and Softball World Cup.
“Joining the Academy allows young players the opportunity to grow in confidence and concentrate on the key physical skills of the sport of softball. They receive targeted, specialised coaching of extremely high quality and learn a great deal about game-changing strategies and techniques. It is a programme that takes care of the individual’s needs in small group sessions to enhance changes and developments being made by young athletes.”
Hayley Scott, Academy Softball Director
Steph Pearce is a graduate of the Academy programme and played at the 2011 European Championships and Softball World Cup
Be a part of something bigger than yourself
As well as developing domestic champions and future international athletes, the Academy programme offers young British athletes a gateway to further development beyond these shores, whether representing Great Britain in international competition or continuing their progression in US college baseball or softball programmes.
Academy Baseball is supported by Major League Baseball, including the delivery by MLB coaches. Not only do Academy players get the chance to perform in front of MLB scouts but also the opportunity to attend the annual MLB European Academy which is regularly producing future Major League prospects. The European Academy recently featured in a MLB article highlighting the growth of European baseball.
Academy Softball regularly receives support from the International and European Softball Federations as well as having links with other international softball partners.
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The Academy Player's Values:
- Development of athleticism.
- Hard work.
- Dedication.
- Skill development in multiple positions.
- Willingness to improve at every session.
If you think you've got what it takes to meet these values, then sign up today: