Press Release, French Baseball and Softball Federation
The French Baseball and Softball Federation received a grant from Baseball Tomorrow Fund
The French Baseball and Softball Federation was recently awarded a grant in the amount of 145 000$ from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF). The grant will support the construction of baseball facilities in the Regional Center of Sport at Toulouse (CREPS Toulouse Midi Pyrénées) where the National Baseball Academy is based.
This Grant will provide:
- Construction of an infield with lights based on international dimensions.
- Construction of an indoor facility with batting cages, bullpen,…
An original financial plan
Adding to the grant of BTF, the French Ministry of Youth Associations and Sports, will add 100 000 € to the construction of the baseball facilities. The financial plan of the construction will then be half private fund (BTF) and half public funds.
A new dynamic with multiple interests
For the French Baseball Academy, these facilities will allow 2 baseball practices per day at the Regional Center and the use of the baseball field without conflicting with the local club team (Stade Toulousain Baseball) for their practices or games.
For the French Baseball and Softball Federation, these facilities are very useful for the academy of Toulouse, training 16 of the best 15-19 year old players from France. The mission of the academy is to develop more players for the national teams and to assist them in becoming professionals. With these facilities in Toulouse, The federation can host national team preparation for European Competitions or World Cups and obtain the best results. They can also host other international teams at the academy. Clinics of coaches, umpires and scorers can also be held at these facilities with the accommodations available (rooms, meals, classrooms) at the Regional Center on the same site. This project will also allow for many player camps in Toulouse where good facilities and good weather (south of France) provide great conditions for baseball.
For Major League Baseball, Europe is a continent with new possibilities. For the past few years, MLB has supported European baseball federations. By putting in Europe a game development program helping European coaches and European players, this American organization provides grants and coach support to help the emergence of new talent in international baseball.
Joris BERT and Frédéric HANVI are recent examples. Having come through the French Baseball Academy program, these two French players are now playing in the minor leagues for the Twins and Dodgers organizations.
Evidence
“It is a beautiful opportunity for our program, but mostly for the young players practicing in the baseball academy in Toulouse. These facilities will improve the development and the preparation of our players for the different international competitions. It is also a great opportunity to have Toulouse’s Regional Center of Sport to become the resource center for players, coaches, and umpires.” Eric-Pierre DUFOUR, President of the French Baseball and Softball Federation. “The Baseball Tomorrow Fund appreciates the French Baseball and Softball Federation’s dedication to this project and, more importantly, to the children which it serves,“ added Cathy BRADLEY, Executive Director of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund. “We are proud to have supported the growth of youth baseball in this community.”
The Baseball Tomorrow Fund program
The Baseball Tomorrow Fund is designed to promote and enhance the growth of baseball throughout the world by funding programs, field improvements and equipment purchases to encourage and maintain youth participation in baseball and softball. Since its inception in 1999, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund has awarded grants totalling more than $13 million benefiting nearly 150,000 youth participating in more than 320 youth baseball and softball programs across the United States, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. For more information visit www.baseballtomorrowfund.com