The Great Britain Men’s Slowpitch Team will have its first opportunity this summer to defend the European title won at the inaugural European Men’s 
Slowpitch Championship in 2018, and selections for the team have now been announced.
The selections follow Open Trials held in February, after which planning for the tour began in earnest.
Head Coach Stephen Patterson said, “We were really pleased with the energy and enthusiasm that players brought to the trials.”
The 2022 European Men’s Slowpitch Championship will be held in Colorno, Italy from 14-18 June 2022, and will kick off Softball Europe’s international competition season.
Seven countries will take part in the tournament: Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Ireland and Slovenia.
The GB squad, selected by Stephen Patterson and the rest of the staff plus an Independent Observer, consists of a wide range of players, from new young talent to veterans, giving the team an excellent balance of speed, skill and experience.
Players and staff
The players that will travel to Italy in June are:
Luis Arrevillagas
Joe Grantham
Roger Grooms
Kelvin Harrison
Steve Hazard
Adam Hugill
Mike MacDowell
Daniel Patterson
Tom Russell
Josh Smith
Dan Spinks
Robbie Studholme
Aaron Thomas
Matt Tomlin
Duncan Waugh
Chris Yoxall
Alternates have also been selected in case of injury or circumstances that may prevent someone from travelling, and these players will train with the squad as it prepares for the European Championship.
Staff members that will accompany the team are:
Head Coach: Stephen Patterson
Assistant Coach: David Lee
Team Operations Manager: Kellie Whitaker
Preparations
Over the coming weeks the squad will be training together and participating in practice games, and will also be fundraising for the Men’s Team and the wider GB Slowpitch programme.
Team Manager Kellie Whitaker said, “Well done and congratulations to all the men selected! And we appreciate and thank all of the GB softball community for their ongoing support.”