The following is a Press Release by the British Baseball Federation.
Today, the BBF announces
a) WB-UK Women’s Baseball UK as a full member of the British Baseball Federation. In association with WB-UK Women’s Baseball UK, the BBF will organise women’s baseball leagues, training and other playing opportunities.
b) The formation of a Great Britain Baseball National Women’s Team, which will go with our U12, U15, U18, U23 and Seniors’ team.
A spokesperson for the board of the British Baseball Federation, said, “To succeed in promoting the sport of baseball, we need a strategic professional approach to develop critical elements of our sport. Promoting women’s baseball is a crucial element for the success of our sport evolution at the local and international level. In association with WB-UK Women’s Baseball UK, we will extend an equitable framework to women, e.g., playing opportunities, knowledge, and support. With WB-UK Women’s Baseball UK being a part of the BBF, it sends a strong message that it adheres to highest and national standards as prescribed by the NGB of our sport. The BBF plans to source private donations and public funding to finance women’s baseball opportunities. We are proud to announce we have already secured an individual donation to promote women’s baseball.”
The spokesperson for the BBF went on to say, “Today, the 30th May the National Women’s in Baseball Day, we are glad to announce Mrs Amanda Hocking has been appointed as the manager of the Great Britain Baseball Women’s National Team (GB Baseball). Amanda will report to the head of our National Team Programme for all National Team (GB Baseball) matters. Separately, Amanda will work with the BBF Seniors Commissioner to set-up a BBF women’s baseball league. Amanda has experience both nationally and internationally in developing women’s baseball. So, having her be the BBF representative to expand women’s baseball allows us to leverage her dedication, commitment and skills to make women’s baseball success.”
Amanda Hocking said, “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the Women’s Baseball representative for the British Baseball Federation (BBF), and I am looking forward to the challenge in moving women’s baseball further ahead in the UK. By incorporating Women’s Baseball UK (WB-UK) under the BBF umbrella as the UK’s official representative for women’s baseball, we can work closely together and provide greater opportunities for the players which have always been my number one priority since forming WB-UK in 2017.”
Amanda further went on to say, “For any baseball player, the ultimate achievement is to represent their country, and I welcome the announcement of a Women’s National Team. I see the role of the GB National Board as one which ensures that our players are provided with the level of support they need so that both the men’s and the women’s teams can be equally successful. With the upcoming developments in Women’s baseball across Europe in the past 18 months, Great Britain must be featured alongside other countries who are also proudly setting a great example in baseball by investing in Women’s National Teams.”
The BBF will continue to come out with new strategic initiatives to promote the sport of baseball as part of its objectives to evolve the sport of baseball. More to come.
[Ed.: The following roadmap was released on 31 May and added here.]
2020
- Awareness and communications campaign about the GB Baseball Women’s Team e.g., webinars, website content, communications, social media
- Integration into GB Baseball National Team Programme
- Connect and recruit prospective eligible team participants
- Set-up date(s) for 2021 tryouts, training and identify playing opportunities
- Source public funding and private donations
- Secure baseball equipment for the team
2021
- Awareness and communications campaign about the GB Baseball Women’s Team e.g., webinars, website content, communications, social media
- Connect and recruit prospective eligible team participants
- GB Baseball Women’s training, playing opportunities and schedule released
- GB Baseball Women’s Team Tryouts
- GB Baseball Training dates set
- GB Baseball Women’s new uniforms and hats design released
- GB Baseball Women’s player selection announced
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