The Portuguese Baseball and Softball Federation (FPBS) and Major League Baseball International (MLBI) are hosting coaches’ clinics in Abrantes, Portugal for European coaches’ levels I & II. The clinics are to be given in two parts over several weeks in February and March 2012, and are open to the international community of European Baseball & Softball coaches. A key element to the continued development of the sport in Portugal and in Europe as a whole, these clinics were developed following well-established protocols in European Union standards of coaching for all sport. These clinics will provide world-class instruction in both practical and theoretical knowledge of the sport, covering all required topics of pedagogic application for each respective level. Interested parties should contact the FPBS for more information, as spots will fill quickly.

Level I: Baseball and Softball – 41 hours – Combined clinic for Baseball and Softball coaches

Abstract: This clinic is designed for new coaches (beginners) – coaches of young athletes ages 12 and under with accompanied supervision of higher-level coach (Level II coach or higher). It covers all aspects and knowledge of the game necessary for coaching young athletes ages 12 and under for both Baseball and Softball.

Level II: Baseball – 62 hours

Abstract: This clinic is designed for advanced coaches – coaches for athletes of all age levels. Level II coaches are supervisors of Level I coaches and assistant coaches to those with an equal or higher-level of acquisition. The clinic covers all necessary aspects and knowledge of the game for coaching athletes of all age levels and is a continuance of Level I.

In accordance with European Union standards, the Portuguese Baseball Softball Federation has established a coaching system and development program in 2 parts: General (basic knowledge of Physical Education) and Specific (Baseball and Softball). This system aims to continue the development of Portuguese and European coaches for all 4 levels of coaching certification.

• Level I – Coaches for youth 12U teams
• Level II – Coaches for 18U teams; senior team coach for regional competition
• Level III – Senior team manager; national competition coach for all age levels
• Level IV – National team manager

Following the completion of practical and theoretical sections of this clinic, a certificate will be given to those coaches who have met the requirements of each course. This certificate will include information about level completed, the amount of hours, and will be stamped and signed by Jim Jones (International Sports Group/MLBI) and the FPBS.

Attachments:

Details from the From the course

[More information about the clinics organized by the FPBS]

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The EBCA Staff is wishing you a Merry Christmas and healthy and successful Year 2012.

November 11 to 13, Czech Republic was hosting the 8th EBCA Convention, at the Grand Majestic Plaza from downtown Prague.

Coaches from all over Europe made the trip to the Convention complemeting an important core of Czech coaches.

International Sports Group president, the clinic leader Jim Jones, came from the USA with Derek Johnson who helped to establish a top program at Vanderbilt University and Dave Hajek, hitting coach in the Colorado Rockies organization.

EBCA completed the line up with Marco Mazzieri, manager of Team Italy, Andy Berglund, EBCA coach of the Year nominee and manager from the Czech National teams. Thanks to the support of MLB, the young and dynamic Mike Schofield, a strength and conditioning coach from the D'Backs completed a high quality group of speakers.

The Grand majestic, perfectly located equipped with a first class conference facility, saw arguably the best Convention is EBCA history. The divesrsity of the topics and the expertise of the speakers in both baseball and presenting gave every coach in attendance something to feed from for the season to come. Mission completed.

But the EBCA is not just a place to learn. It's a place to meet. It's also a place to reward the ones who accomplished great things.

And this year, even more so than usual.

MINE - Italian Wood Bat company, the new EBCA Prime Partner made the trip to Prague. And they, as well as Rawlings and louisville Slugger who were also represented there, had the chance to meet many national team, academy and local coaches.

So coaches had the chance to find equipment and create partnerships too.

On the reward side, the EBCA handed out its usual awards.

The EBCA Career Achievement Award went to Sam Dempster, the current coach of Great Britain's national team who served many years as an Envoy coach for MLB.

The most anticipated Award went to a man who led his team to a feat that may impact all European baseball. Brian Farley who won the Baseball World Cup with the Netherlands was voted by the EBCA members as the Coach of the Year 2011.
Congratulations to the other nominees, Doriano Bindi (Italy), Ulli Wermuth (Germany), Ivan Rodriguez (Netherlands) and Andy Berglund (Czech Republic) for being part of such a high quality group.

On Saturday night, right after the Coach of the Year Ceremony, a large group of speaker was headed to a nearby restaurant. All the coaches, not matter their origin or their background were welcomed to join the speakers and the EBCA staff.

That adjustment compared to other years was very well received and gave some more time to exchange ideas and create new friendships.

Three of the 2011 EBCA exchange coaches were also talking about their experience in the US. The exchange program has really exceeded expectations and added an incredible value to the EBCA membership.

As promised, the presentations from all the speakers are already available online for the members.

Other instructional articles will be added regularly during the course of the year, creating a new tool to help the EBCA coaches from all over Europe.

The CBA (Czech Federation) proved to be a solid partner in the organization of the Convention and the Czech coaches, who showed up in number sure contributed to the succes of the event.

Now, all heads are turned towards the 2012 EBCA Coach Exchange Program. New spots have been added both in the US and, answering a request from our members, in Europe providing unique opportunities for coaches to get on top of their game.

The EBCA Coach of the Year Award, created in 2008, received some significant changes this year.

For the first time, a larger number of baseball enthusiasts were able to weigh in the election process.

In the first phase, everyone with interest in European baseball had the opportunity to submit names, with a list of achievements over the last 12 months.

The EBCA board then thoroughly looked at all these submissions and selected 5 nominees.

EBCA members were then able to cast their votes online to elect the EBCA Coach of the Year 2011.
Votes from all over Europe (14 different countries) accounted for 50% of the final total while the EBCA board was responsible for the remaining 50%.

This year’s final phase included Doriano Bindi (Italy), Andy Berglund (Czech Republic), Ulli Wermuth (Germany), Ivan Rodriguez (Netherlands) and of course, Brian Farley (Netherlands).

Obviously, a very solid list of great baseball coaches who have all enjoyed a great season.

This year was special however as never before a coach in Europe had led his team to a World crown. By bringing the gold back from Panama a few weeks ago, Farley and his team made history.

Andy Berglund, the Czech national team manager, who was one of the speakers during the Convention commented «What he has achieved is exceptional. Having our names associated to his name, on this list, is a great honour. There is no question in our minds that he deserves this award.»

So, Saturday November 12th at 7.30 PM, in the main Conference room from the Grand Majestic Plaza from Prague, Brian Farley received a long standing ovation from his peers as his name was announced by EBCA’s executive director Georg Apfelbaum, who handed him the Coach of the Year award.

He then gave a speech and explained that a coach cannot achieve much if he doesn’t have the right players. He explained how his team was able to stay in the moment. How they were able to win it all by being a team without anybody on the all-star team.

Marco Mazzieri, the manager of the Italian National team who was also speaking there during the week-end told us: «The fact that the Dutch national team has won the World Cup will help a lot, not only the Dutch basaball, but all European baseball»

And that’s quite an achievement that deserved an award...