The British Baseball Federation (BBF) announced that Women's Baseball UK (WB-UK) is now a full member of the National Governing Body. Great Britain will add a Women's Baseball National Team to the five National Teams (top tier, U-23, U-18, U-15, U-12) that are already operating and competing in international play.
BBF stated in a press release: "To succeed in promoting the sport of baseball, we need a strategic professional approach to develop critical elements of our sport. Promoting women's baseball is a crucial element for the success of our sport evolution at the local and international level. In association with Women's Baseball UK, we will extend an equitable framework to women, e.g., playing opportunities, knowledge, and support. With WB-UK Women's Baseball UK being a part of the BBF, it sends a strong message that it adheres to highest and national standards as prescribed by the NGB of our sport. The BBF plans to source private donations and public funding to finance women's baseball opportunities. We are proud to announce we have already secured an individual donation to promote women's baseball."
Bristol and the Sheffield Bruins became the first two teams to be registered for the British Women's Baseball League 2021.
BBF also announced that Amanda Hocking, the founder of WB-UK, has been appointed as the manager of the Great Britain Women's Baseball National Team. She will report to the head of the BBF National Team Programme and will work with the Federation Seniors Commissioner to set up a Women's Baseball League.
"I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the Women's Baseball representative for the British Baseball Federation, and I am looking forward to the challenge in moving women's baseball further ahead in the UK," commented Amanda Hocking, who is nicknamed Doris. "By incorporating Women's Baseball UK under the BBF umbrella as the UK's official representative for women's baseball, we can work closely together and provide greater opportunities for the players which have always been my number one priority since forming WB-UK in 2017."
Hocking added on a final note: "For any baseball player, the ultimate achievement is to represent their country, and I welcome the announcement of a Women's National Team. With the upcoming developments in women's baseball across Europe in the past 18 months, Great Britain must be featured alongside other countries who are also proudly setting a great example in baseball by investing in women's national teams."
