South Africa’s U16 and U18 women’s baseball teams have arrived in the United States ahead of the 11th annual Baseball For All Nationals in Rockford, Illinois.
The players departed from Cape Town and Johannesburg before meeting in Dubai and continuing their journey to the United States.
The Baseball For All Nationals will take place from 19 to 25 July 2026. Recognised as the largest girls’ baseball tournament in the United States, the event is expected to attract more than 800 players and coaches from the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries.
Girls between the ages of six and 18 will compete at leading sporting facilities across Rockford, including the historic Beyer Stadium. The stadium was once home to the Rockford Peaches of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and is now the home base of the International Women’s Baseball Center.
South Africa’s U16 and U18 teams will play several games during the tournament. While the players will be determined to compete strongly, gaining valuable international experience remains the main objective.
Many of the players were also part of the recent tours to Zimbabwe for u18 and Uganda for u15. The opportunity to compete in Rockford represents another important step in their development, allowing them to test their abilities against different opposition, improve their skills and build confidence.
The team staff comprises Zulfah Stellenboom, Jamie Cooper, Alistair Louw, Geraldine Grobler, John White and Dave Lake. Natalie Campbell is the Head of Delegation.
The players, staff and their families have worked extremely hard over the past few months to raise the funds required for the tour. Their commitment and determination have made it possible for the teams to represent South Africa at this major international event.
Baseball For All is a nonprofit organisation that creates opportunities for girls to play, coach and lead in baseball. Its work addresses gender inequality in the sport and encourages girls to follow their passions, recognise that they have no limits and understand that their dreams matter.
The Nationals offers more than competitive games. The programme includes opening ceremonies, skills clinics and opportunities for the young players to connect with athletes competing in the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.
Rockford will become the centre of women’s and girls’ baseball during a historic week featuring three major events.
Alongside the Baseball For All Nationals, the city will host the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup group stage at Rivets Stadium from 22 to 27 July. It will be only the second time the event has been staged in the United States.
The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Players Association will also hold its 2026 reunion in Rockford from 22 to 26 July.
Together, the three events will unite different generations of women’s baseball: the pioneers who helped open the game to women, current international players competing at the highest level and the young girls representing its future.
For the South African players, the tour is about more than results. It is an opportunity to gain experience, learn about the history of women’s baseball and be inspired by some of the world’s leading players.
The tour also forms part of the broader effort to position South African women’s baseball for greater global recognition. By competing internationally and creating meaningful development opportunities, South Africa continues to build a stronger future for girls and women in baseball.
