What's Happening

​Little League and WBSC support African baseball/softball development 

Little League brings the joy of baseball and softball to children worldwide, fostering dreams and shaping futures. The benefits – on and off the field – are profound and life-changing.  Young players from across a world of differences are united in their passion for the game and their hope to represent their country in international tournaments.
​
Baseball and softball are gaining incredible momentum across Africa.  The World Baseball and Softball Confederation and local sport associations are sparking enthusiasm with vibrant programs for boys and girls.  They provide important lessons in teamwork, respect, and self-confidence, offering an empowering environment for youth to thrive, grow, and believe in brighter possibilities.

Many countries have started Little League programs and more would love to join.  The opportunity to compete in Little League’s Europe and Africa regional tournament would have a transformative effect on the growth of the sport, the caliber of players, and the impact on youth development.

However, the local associations can’t do this alone. They need help to make these dreams come true.

Play Global is stepping up to make this vision a reality.

We are the perfect partner.  We have longstanding relationships with many baseball and softball associations in Africa and a dedicated team of baseball professionals who inspire children to dream bigger, build friendships, and embrace the power of collaboration. 

Starting with six countries from East and West Africa -- Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya -- Play Global will work with local associations to develop their Little League programs.

Here’s our game plan:

Coaching - Play Global will run player, coach, and umpire clinics in each country.  Being on the ground is the best way to learn each country’s needs and how to develop a remote coaching program. $40,000

Transportation Funds – Teams need to play 12 games to qualify for Little League competitions. With teams often located far apart, the best way to play enough games is to help the associations bring teams together for weekend events. $45,000
​
Total year one fundraising goal: $85,000
 
Successful implementation of Play Global’s year one goals will lay a foundation for expanded objectives in following years: providing more equipment, supporting regional tournaments in both East and West Africa, and sponsoring the winning team to travel to Little League’s Europe and Africa tournament.

​Join Play Global on this journey to give children in Africa the chance to dream big!

Play Global's First-Ever Program in Zambia! 

In March 2025, Play Global coach and founder Tom Gillespie conducted a well-attended clinic and evaluated the development of Zambian youth baseball programs.  "The passion and dedication of the players was clear. The federation in Zambia is doing positive work, thinking about how they can develop coaches and officials, while keeping the focus on the game itself."

In the Zambian capital of Lusaka, Tom ran a March 31 training session for 70 players, covering the basics of fielding, throwing, hitting, and base running and providing basic equipment. "I continually emphasize competing, challenging yourself, and being a good teammate - if players do all three of these things, the game will grow and players will keep coming back to the field."  
Baseball in Zambia is a small, but strong, tight-knit community focused on developing the sport.  Future programs may involve developing coaches and umpires and potential collaboration with other partners.  Stay tuned!

Ukraine  2020-2021

Starting in December 2020, Play Global led a virtual training program for Ukrainian baseball coaches. In September 2021, those coaches and their teams joined us for the 4th Play Global Training camp in Kropivnitsky.

​Play Global was honored to receive a grant from the US Embassy in Kyiv to support this project and our work in Ukraine. We hope to be able to support our Ukrainian colleagues in person again soon.

THANK YOU for your support in South Africa!

Picture
Thank you to Wilson Sporting Goods for donating a huge shipment of youth baseball equipment for Play Global's work in South Africa.

Thank you to our friends and supporters for donating over $5,000 to bring this equipment to kids around South Africa, along with training for local coaches.
​We exceeded our fundraising goal! 

This work is only possible through your support. Virtual coach training led over 140 through an intensive 2 week course. We distributed over 5000 gloves, bats and balls to youth clubs around South Africa with these newly upskilled coaches.

Read more about Play Global's work in South Africa.
Picture


  Play Global is a nonprofit organization.
We need your support in order to continue our work.

 Learn more about how you can help our US 501(c)3 nonprofit.