Softball is for everyone

Softball Australia and Disability Sports Australia (DSA) are continuing their partnership through DSA’s Sports Incubator Program, building on their work to create more opportunities for people with disability to take part in softball. A key focus of the continued partnership will be increasing community participation and leveraging the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals, to be held in Redcliffe in April 2027, as an opportunity to connect more people with disability to the sport.

Through the ongoing collaboration, DSA will continue supporting Softball Australia to strengthen disability inclusion across the organisation, building the confidence and capability of people across softball, improving accessibility and creating more opportunities for people with disability to take part on and off the field.

“Softball is a sport for everyone, of all abilities, and we are proud to continue our commitment to that through our partnership with DSA.”

“It is a holistic relationship which sees softball reach all corners of the community and expand our footprint for all, and we are proud to work alongside Ayden and his team to ensure we are meeting the needs of people with disability across our pathways and participation programs.” Clare Walker, General Manager Game Development at Softball Australia, said.

Softball Australia will receive tailored support including a disability inclusion workshop, co-branded promotion of DSA's Accessibility Champion course, and opportunities to engage with participants through the Abilities Unleashed program.

“The WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2027 gives softball a rare national platform to reach people who may never have seen the sport as being for them,” Ayden Shaw, Chief Executive Officer at Disability Sports Australia, said.

“Our focus is on helping turn that attention into participation, giving people with disability the chance to experience softball and connect with opportunities in their own community.”

As part of the partnership, DSA will provide strategic guidance and accessibility reviews to help Softball Australia identify practical ways to increase participation for people with disability across the sport. The partnership will also see Home Run Heroes featured at Abilities Unleashed events nationwide. This modified version of softball introduces children to the game in a fun, engaging, and inclusive way.