by European Softball Federation
Junior Women’s European Championship in fastpitch softball was held in Sant Boi and Gava, Spain, August 1 – 6. Twelve teams competed in the tournament.
The final standings were:
1. Great Britain (Gold)
2. Italy (Silver)
3. Czech Republic (Bronze)
4. Germany
5. Belgium
6. Russia
7. Spain
8. Lithuania
9. Croatia
10. Denmark
11. Serbia
12. Israel
National Team of Great Britain has not won a single official European Championship in fastpitch softball or baseball until this success. Great Britain is without any doubt the best slowpitch nation in Europe, having won all the slowpitch European Championships. For the first time in history of official fastpitch softball and baseball competitions in Europe, British team took gold medals in European Championship Junior Women.
British National Team consists of many players who have gained experience in US college competitions. It is unusual for other national teams to not practice during the season together, but it is the case of the British team. The players only get to meet each other shortly before the tournament starts.
Due to a recent decision by the International Olympic Committee to reinstate softball and baseball as Olympic sports for Tokyo 2020, many of the participating players – a rising generation of top athletes – are expected to take part in a race for the Olympic qualification.