The European Softball Coaches Association (ESCA) and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) in the United States have reached a partnership agreement in an effort to share and increase the knowledge of coaches throughout Europe.
European coaches can now also become members of the NFCA at one of two levels: a free membership that provides information about NFCA activities and events, or a discounted paid membership that offers access to a range of NFCA resources.
Organisations and goals
ESCA offers a network for European softball coaches to share ideas and knowledge and helps developing softball countries in Europe by sending experienced coaches to them to conduct clinics and seminars.
ESCA’s overall goals are:
- To create a network for European softball coaches on all levels.
- To establish a model for clinics in Europe.
- To establish a bi-annual ESCA Convention in Europe.
- To establish a European Coach Certificate system.
The NFCA. established in 1983, is the professional growth organisation for fastpitch softball coaches in the United States – and now internationally. Although college coaches made up the majority of the organisation's membership in the early days, the NFCA’s 5,700 members today include high school, travel ball and international coaches along with umpires, clubs, companies and fans of fastpitch softball.
The NFCA offers many services to its members, including events, awards and networking opportunities, but coach education remains its top priority. Along with a grassroots Coaching Tools package consisting of practice plans, drills and evaluation forms, the NFCA also disseminates podcasts, webinars, a mentoring programme, publications, and accurate and credible information surrounding the sport.
Membership choices
ESCA coaches who choose a free NFCA membership will gain:
- Access to the NFCA’s Camp Network.
- Information about all ESCA events such as camps and clinics.
ESCA coaches who choose a Premium NFCA membership at a cost of 75 euros per year will gain:
- The NFCA’s 'Annual Coaching Tools' package (practice plans, videos, charts, mental training etc).
- A fastpitch-connected bi-monthly publication.
- Weekly podcasts with educational information.
- NFCA quarterly webinar access (educational information).
- The NFCA Drills Database (educational information).
- A 15% discount in the NFCA store (books and apparel).
- A registration discount for the NFCA Convention.
- Access to the NFCA Camp Network.
- The Fastpitch Delivery monthly publication.
- A T-shirt and Rulebook.
This is a wonderful opportunity for European coaches to gain more knowledge and share their passion for the sport of softball with other coaches in the US and around the world.
You can sign up for Free or Premium NFCA membership here: https://forms.gle/W2nzuzH23ZHnSUyXA.