Baseball Queensland’s Emerging Athletes Program (EAP) has officially wrapped up. Over the past eight weeks 21 athletes across Cairns and Townsville have taken part in a development program for young players.

Designed as the entry point into Baseball Queensland’s performance pathway, the program focuses on developing core fundamentals in athletes aged 10–16. Throwing, hitting, fielding, speed, agility, and strength and conditioning were forefront of each session.

Athletes also had a taste of performance testing. A series of tests that athletes undertake to track their progress and see where they are at. This data will form a valuable baseline for these athletes as their baseball journey continues.

The EAP provides a structured and supportive environment, particularly suited to athletes beginning their baseball journey. With a strong emphasis on fundamentals and overall game awareness, the program equips players with the tools and confidence needed to take the next step in their development.

Coach Dan White praised the group’s commitment and the opportunity the program provides for emerging talent.

“It’s great to see new faces in the program, it’s a great chance for some younger players to get a taste of the performance pathways,” he said.

Beyond individual growth, the program also plays an important role in strengthening local clubs, with athletes and assistant coaches taking valuable knowledge back to their teams.

“The kids and assistants should have some good things to take away and implement with their clubs,” White added.

With another successful program complete, the focus now shifts to the future, with plans already in motion to expand opportunities across the region.

“I look forward to continuing to grow the pathways and opportunities for development in North Queensland,” White said. “Hopefully it will be even bigger and better next year.”

In a first for the program, emerging coaches were also invited to shadow as a way of upskilling and developing coaches across the region.

Coach Jess Doel has just started her coaching career with local club Townsville Taipans. In just the few sessions that she attended, she credits the staff’s expertise and dedication to athlete development towards inspiring her own coaching journey. I was fortunate to shadow some of the most knowledgeable Queensland coaches in the game.

“I enjoyed the experience immensely and was blown away by the patience the coaches demonstrated,” Doel said.

“The way they guided each athlete individually, identifying strengths and gently challenging limitations.

“Watching them work reinforced for me just how much goes into athlete development beyond just physical training.”

The Emerging Athletes Program continues to be a vital first step in Baseball Queensland’s pathway, helping to build a strong foundation for the next generation of players and coaches, ensuring the long-term growth of the game across our regions.