Hot on the heels of European Gold, the GB Women’s national programme is moving fast to secure a future pipeline of talent.
One of the first fruits of this was the appearance of the GB WNT Development Team at the recent Summer Cup Bronze Group. The 15 strong team, beat Croydon Pirates in their last group game on Sunday evening.
“It is really important to give development players the opportunity to play together in a tournament setting,” said Dani Briggs, head coach and manager of the development squad. “Every player developed over the two days and it was great that they ended up with a win to celebrate their progress both as individuals and as a team.”
The drive to seek out new talent has not just started but been an integral part of work by the GB WNT and the British Baseball Federation.
During the preparations for the European championships, the WNT coaching staff and players took part and led Talent ID days in Tayport and at Bristol Baseball Club as well as leading a clinic in Cardiff.
“The support from clubs over the past 18 months has been superb,” said John Baxendale, the team’s operations manager. “As well as the Talent ID days, clubs like Bracknell and Essex came forward to help in the build up to the Euros.”
Interest has been high since GB beat Czechia 9-7 in the final to claim European Gold with players being inspired by the team’s performance, not only in existing baseball clubs but also from fast pitch softball.
“In order to build on the momentum of our Euro gold, the WNT is forming a new pathway to the GB National Team with it’s 20 player Development Squad,” said Head Coach Pietro Sollecito.
“This squad’s objective is to provide more opportunities for our promising youth to learn the GB way, to expand the growing domestic pool of players and to create a deep well of talent and player profiles which will feed future Euro and World Cup rosters for the GBWNT.”
In Birmingham, GB player Jess Hastings has started a women’s programme while in the South West and Wales, thoughts are turning to a regional two division tournament next Summer.
Teams such as Sheffield Bruins, Manchester Baseball Club and London Mets continue to expand their women’s programmes and more and more players are turning out on Sundays in the BBF Adult Leagues for their domestic clubs.
“We are looking to hold more clinics and Talent ID days over the coming months in different parts of the country and existing players and coaches will play a big role in identifying talented 12 to 16 year olds,” said Briggs. “This will help provide opportunities through clubs and a pathway into the GB programme.”
If you are interested in finding out more please email pietro.sollecito@gb-baseball.com