Clermont-Ferrand, France — The French Baseball Softball Federation is gearing up to host the prestigious 2024 Youth Baseball5 European Championship at the Clermont Auvergne Métropole-Artenium sports complex. This event, critical for the development of the sport, will serve as a qualifier for the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup in 2025.
The Federation’s President, Thierry Raphet, expressed his excitement and optimism for the sport’s growth and its potential inclusion in future Olympic Games. “I have great hopes for this discipline’s international and Olympic future,” Raphet remarked, extending his best wishes to all participating teams.
World No. 1 France is expected to be a strong contender, having secured a second-place finish at the inaugural WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup in Türkiye this past October, just behind Cuba. The hosts Türkiye managed to secure a commendable fourth place in the same event.
The Clermont Auvergne Métropole-Artenium sports complex, boasting three fields and a capacity of 500 seats, was selected by the WBSC Europe Executive Board to host this second edition of the European Championship. This decision reinforces the Federation’s commitment to fostering the growth of Baseball5 in Europe.
The Championship’s significance is further heightened as it will determine the two teams that will advance to the second Youth Baseball5 World Cup in 2025, which is a pivotal stepping stone towards the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics.
WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari, speaking at the inaugural Youth Baseball5 World Cup, highlighted the global appeal of Baseball5, particularly in Africa, and its potential impact on both fans and athletes. He anticipates the next World Cup in 2025 to be a significant event, especially as it serves as a qualifier for the Youth Olympic Games.
France’s recent performance at the Baseball5 European Championship, where they finished as runners-up to Lithuania, has already secured them a spot in the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Hong Kong, China, next year.
As France prepares to welcome European nations to this highly anticipated event, the Federation’s vision of elevating Baseball5 to the Olympic stage continues to gain momentum, backed by the sport’s growing popularity and the success of its athletes on the world stage.
