Softball Australia is delighted to announce its participation in the upcoming WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup 2025, set to be hosted Italy. This prestigious event marks an exciting milestone for our young athletes as they showcase their talents on the international stage.

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has granted Italy the hosting rights for the 2025 U-15 Women's Softball World Cup, promising an exciting competition among the world's most promising young players. Softball Australia looks forward to embracing this opportunity to engage with our global friends and to further develop the skills and sportsmanship of our national junior team.

The selection process for our U-15 Women's Softball team will take place during the upcoming U-14 Girls Regionals, scheduled from January 7-12, 2025, in Waverley, VIC and the U-16 Girls Championships from January 14-19, 2025, in Mirrabooka, WA. These events serve as key platforms to evaluate and identify the most talented young players who will represent Australia on the international stage. Softball Australia is committed to fostering talent through these competitive forums.

Softball Australia is delighted to announce that Reggie Fairley, the current Head Coach of our U16 Program, will lead the U-15 Women's Softball World Cup team. Having successfully run the U16 program throughout 2024, Coach Fairley will continue her impactful leadership into the forthcoming year. Her expertise in developing young athletes and fostering their growth marks her as the perfect choice for this important role.

Fairley expressed her enthusiasm about the upcoming tournaments and the opportunity they represent: "As the U16 Program Head Coach, I've focused on developing players' skills and fostering a team environment where resilience and competitive spirit thrive. The U-14 and U-16 championships are critical not only for selecting top talent but also for building a cohesive national team. These events allow us to observe and enhance teamwork, which is essential for our success on the world stage. I am confident that my experience will help assemble a team that embodies the sportsmanship and spirit Australia is revered for."

While the top age U16 cohort will miss an international opportunity this year, Softball Australia is actively considering opportunities for this group of athletes in 2025. We recognise the importance of providing competitive platforms for all age groups and are committed to ensuring these athletes have the chance to showcase their skills on an international stage in the near future.

Selected athletes for the U-15 Women's Softball World Cup team will be notified by the end of January 2025. These athletes will be required to contribute a levy to cover travel and accommodation expenses associated with participating in this international competition. Softball Australia endeavours to manage these costs while ensuring our athletes have the best possible preparation and experience as they compete on the world stage.

The WBSC U-15 World Cup in Italy offers an inspiring backdrop for our athletes and promises to be an unforgettable experience. We anticipate that this event will further ignite the passion for softball among young players across Australia, inspiring the next generation of champions.

Supporters, families, and fans of softball can stay updated on the team selection process, journey, and results through Softball Australia's official website and social media channels. We encourage everyone to rally behind our young stars as they take on the world in Italy.

If you would like to apply to be part of the staff for this tour, please send your cover letter and resume to hppathways@softball.org.au to apply.