The British Baseball Federation has announced the launch of a new U16 Youth National Baseball League for the 2026 season.
Backed jointly by BBF Youth and National Teams, the new league will be led by U16 League Commissioner Larry Peters, with the endorsement of GB U18 and U15 Head Coaches Matt Moran and Ian Griebenow.
“We are always looking to build stronger links between the GB programme and our domestic clubs.” said Glen Robertson, BBF National Teams Programme Official
The U16 league is a fantastic opportunity for GB and Youth to link up the best of what both have to offer. This programme should help to grow our domestic youth game and also provide another element to GB player development.”
Designed to provide high-level training and competitive game opportunities for U16 athletes, the league will support the development of young players within the domestic game while also strengthening the GB performance pathway. Although GB coaches will not manage teams in the league, they will be present throughout the season to support league coaches and observe players in action.
Open to BBF-registered players of all nationalities, this new initiative reflects the BBF’s continued commitment to growing youth baseball and creating stronger links between the national programme and domestic clubs.
“The U16 draft league will be a great extension of the work we have been doing in building out the youth clubs and league over the last couple of years.” said Glenn Taylor, BBF Youth Commissioner “We’re very excited to work with GB to create an exciting and high-level league that will also help develop these players as they look forward to being top adult players for their clubs.”
The competition will run as a centralised draft league, with players privately drafted into balanced teams at or following the first session. Four spring sessions will take place, followed by a post-season in September.
The schedule has also been designed with club commitments in mind, giving players access to quality U16 development and game time without disrupting senior league Sunday fixtures.
2026 dates
- Saturday 11 April – Herts Grovehill
- Saturday 9 May – Croydon
- Saturday 16 May – Herts Grovehill
- Saturday 20 June – Croydon
- Post-season: September 2026
The cost to take part is £50 per player. This includes a uniform and is intended to cover the basic running costs of the league.
The league is open to players:
- born on or after 1 May 2009
- registered with the BBF
- of any nationality
Players can register for the U16 league by completing the online form below:
Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjt-IalqlGkJP7JzYjNzFW3llEBXpA6JI23HSJ5xD-MLfnEA/viewform
The registration deadline is 31 March.
For further information, please contact youth@britishbaseball.org.uk.