British Baseball Federation announces Girls Scholarship Award to Leicester Blue Sox

By British Baseball Federation, www.britishbaseball.org

The British Baseball Federation is proud to announce that a Girls Scholarship award, inspired by Sport England’s “This Girl Can” campaign, has been made to Leicester Blue Sox.

Earlier this year, when Sport England announced its “This Girl Can” campaign with the intention to encourage more girls and women to play sport, the BBF announced the launch of a girls’ scholarship programme as part of its development plan. Clubs were invited to submit applications for girls aged 9-16 who are new to the sport of baseball or fastpitch softball through a BBF member club.

The scholarship awarded to Leicester Blue Sox will help to pay for club registration fees, equipment and miscellaneous expenses for new female players for the upcoming season. The scholarship is a result of a third party contribution.

REACTIONS

Leicester Blue Sox fastpitch coach Alexis-Markham Hill said, “Our programme is starting to take off this year, with a trio of promising girls now in our ranks. This award will really help with essential costs and help us build towards having an all-girls’ team here in Leicester.”

BBF National Development Official Gerry Perez said: “In growing girls’ participation, Leicester Blue Sox has demonstrated the character, determination and sportsmanship that solidified our scholarship. The BBF aims to attract more girls to our sport and we hope to extend the programme in the coming year.”

“Girls play an important part in our communities and the BBF is committed in encouraging more girls to play our sport,” Perez added. “We applaud Sport England for their This Girl Can campaign.”