Schools Programme
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Play Ball! is an award-winning, comprehensive and integrated youth development programme aimed at growing youth baseball and softball leagues throughout the United Kingdom. Developed by Major League Baseball, in partnership with BaseballSofballUK, Play Ball! has been specially designed to encourage strong community participation and to maximise enjoyment for boys and girls.
Kids really enjoy this fun and competitive sport that is easy to learn and readily accessible. The programme has been operating since 1996 and has introduced over 250,000 children to the sports of baseball and softball. The programme has been so successful that in 2002, Play Ball! received the Sports Match award for 'Best Youth Sports Programme'.
Play Ball! is a three-tiered initiative including the Play Ball! Schools Programme (Pitch, Hit & Run), Play Ball! Youth Leagues, and the Play Ball! Roadshow:
Play Ball! Schools Programme - Pitch, Hit & Run
Pitch Hit & Run is the award winning UK schools initiative that operates in more than 700 schools nationwide. The programme is delivered in class or after school by teachers, offering pupils an alternative activity to mainstream sports that is versatile, active and rewarding.
The Pitch Hit & Run Starter Kit provides schools with a comprehensive and affordable package of resources. The kit includes a bag of equipment, an instructional video and a clear and user-friendly National Curriculum Resource Manual with easy-to-follow lesson plans, skills instruction and assessment activities. The manual has been professionally designed to fulfil the striking/fielding section of the National Curriculum for Key Stages 2 and 3. The Starter Kit also includes a workbook and fan materials for students. The resource increases their understanding of the sport through educational activities, while connecting them to Major League Baseball.
Additionally, Pitch Hit & Run provides support through extensive teacher training; schools benefit from local support and guidance from a network of regional Play Ball! Co-ordinators.
The programme also incorporates a national Skills Competition which includes regional events and a national final. If you would like to introduce the rapidly growing sports baseball and softball to schools or simply find out more information, contact BSUK’s Youth Programmes Director.
The Pitch, Hit & Run program launched the Equipment Purchase Scheme in 2003 to add even more support to your school's baseball and softball activities. This program gives schools that have previously purchased a complete Pitch Hit & Run Starter Kit the ability to purchase equipment at prices substantially reduced from the retail value enabling participating schools with the chance to expand their activities by having access to more equipment and resources.
CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINKS TO DOWNLOAD FREE INFORMATION & PITCH, HIT AND RUN RESOURCES:
Introductory Letter
Newsletter
Activity Cards
Pitch, Hit & Run Order Form
LINKS TO INFORMATION DOCUMENTS All documents are in .pdf format which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it. If you don't have this already you can obtain it free from the Adobe site. If you have trouble accessing these, contact Send Email and ask for a hard copy to be sent to you.
