The GB Slowpitch programme is looking for a Team Manager for the GB Co-ed and GB Men’s Slowpitch National Teams following the resignation of Kellie 
Whitaker after seven years in the role.
Both teams are scheduled to compete in European Championships this summer, where they will defend the gold medals they won in 2022. The European Co-ed Slowpitch Championship will be held from 15-21 July in Pardubice in Czechia, but no dates and venue have yet been announced for the European Men’s Slowpitch Championship.
While Kellie Whitaker served as Team Manager for both the GB Co-ed and GB Men’s Slowpitch Teams, which are closely integrated within a single programme, the BSF is willing to consider applications to manage either one team or both teams.
Consistent success
Kellie Whitaker was appointed by the BSF as Manager for the GB Co-ed Slowpitch Team in 2016, succeeding Sara Vertigan in the role. Not long afterwards, when Softball Europe announced that a European Men’s Slowpitch Championship would be added to its competition schedule beginning in 2018, Kellie also took on the Team Manager role for the newly-formed GB Men’s Slowpitch Team.
With Stephen Patterson as Head Coach and Kellie as Team Manager, the GB Co-ed Slowpitch Team has played in three European Championships, winning two of them, and three open Slowpitch World Cups in Plant City, Florida, while the GB Men’s Slowpitch Team has played and won two European Championships. But for the pandemic, this list would have been longer.
In 2022, when Stephen Patterson was unable to travel with the teams for personal reasons, Kellie coached as well as managed, and was honoured as the Softball Adult Coach of the Year at the BSUK Coach Summit in January 2023.
In her resignation email to the BSF, Kellie said, “I have had seven amazing years in this role and it has been a privilege and an honour to be a part of this programme. Being able to watch our players develop, grow, play, and succeed at the highest level brought me a huge amount of joy.
“It's been a very difficult decision, and I certainly don't want to let anyone down, but it’s time for me to focus on my career and my family. I am incredibly grateful for my time with GB and I will take away memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Team Manager responsibilities
Here is some basic information for anyone interested in applying to succeed Kellie Whitaker as Team Manager for one or both GB Slowpitch National Teams.
GB Softball Team Managers work as part of a staff group that includes the Head Coach, Assistant Coaches and team medical personnel. Primary duties include:
- Acting as the centre for team communications to and from players and staff.
- Organising GB Slowpitch trials and training in the UK, including the annual GB Challenge selection tournament at Farnham Park.
- Setting and managing the team’s budget for overseas competitions and providing post-tour accounts, both to be approved by the GB Management Committee.
- Organising logistics for overseas tours (flights, accommodation, meals, local transport, laundry etc) with support from BSUK Performance Programme Coordinator Shelley Robinson).
- Organising team uniforms, clothing and equipment (with support from the GB Management Committee and BSUK Performance Programme Coordinator Shelley Robinson).
- Managing all aspects of team logistics while on tour.
Conditions
Staff positions on GB Slowpitch National Teams are voluntary; no one is paid a salary or fee. However, all costs for staff members are covered when the team goes abroad for competition, and some expenses connected with organising training and competition in the UK can also be claimed if necessary.
Anyone interested in applying to be the Team Manager for one or both GB Slowpitch National teams should start by filling out a GB Staff Application Form on this link: https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1RdvHcAE_TCyJ0WD7ZqwHjwf7232.
The deadline for applications has been extended to 5.00 pm on Monday 18 March 2024. Interviews with shortlisted candidates will take place shortly thereafter.