Australia’s U23 Men have wrapped up their training camp in Canberra as the group edges closer to team selections for the 2026 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup Finals, to be held next April in Colombia, South America. 

The camp delivered a full schedule designed to test performance and strengthen team connection. Athletes took part in fitness assessments, scrimmage games, video analysis sessions, tactical plays, hitting sessions, recovery blocks and dedicated one-on-one debriefs. 

A past and present Aussie Steelers Q&A panel added valuable insight into the expectations of the national program, while team bonding activities helped unite the wider group. 

Image: Softball Australia Under 23 Men’s Training Camp in Canberra, ACT, December 2025 

Head Coach Scott Sunley noted that the athletes’ approach throughout the camp reflected the values he prioritises in a team, “teamwork, a strong work ethic, commitment, and respect are all highly valued” Sunley said. 

Opportunities remain open for other athletes to push their case for selection, the 2026 age-eligible National Championships to be played early in 2026, will also be a key selection events. 

This approach ensures that the most competitive group of players will represent Australia at the World Cup Finals. 

At just 21 years old, Jack Besgrove is one of the world’s best pitchers and a proud member of the reining U-23 world Championship team. Jack, also vying for re-selection expressed his excitement at being part of the camp. 

"I think it's extremely important for all of us to come together, we all live in different corners of Australia. So, it's good to come together early before our World Cup next year and start the processes to hopefully retain our title." 

It’s high expectations for Australia, following their impressive World Cup win at the 2023 WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup in Argentina, edging out Japan 1–0 in a tightly contested final. 

The 2026 WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup Finals will feature nine of the world’s top U-23 nations: 

As the reigning U-23 World Champions, the team is determined to defend their title at the 2026 WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup. With a strong mix of returning talent and rising stars, the team will be ready to showcase their dedication, elite skills, and passion for Australian softball on the world stage. 

Why They Need Your Support 

Unlike many national programs, our U-23 Australian Men’s Team receives no government funding. The cost of competing internationally—including travel, accommodation, and tournament fees—places a significant financial strain on our players and their families. 

We believe financial barriers should never stand in the way of our athletes pursuing excellence. Your generous contribution directly supports their journey, easing the burden and allowing them to focus on what matters most: representing Australia with pride and defending our world championship title. 

How You Can Help 
Support the team’s campaign by contributing to their Australian Sports Foundation campaign: https://asf.org.au/campaigns/softball-australia/-u-23-australian-men-s-team-2026-wbsc-softball-world-cup-finals 

Every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful difference in helping our athletes reach their goals. 

Stay tuned for the official team announcement and more exciting updates as we charge toward the 2026 WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup. 

Australian U-23 Men in attendance at the training camp in Canberra, ACT from the 8-10 December 2025: