Clearwater To Host 2 Major Softball Tournaments

CLEARWATER, FL – From the Bombers to the USF Tournament, Clearwater has been synonymous with fast-pitch softball for more than seven decades.

This pedigree has earned Clearwater the opportunity to host two major softball championships in July. The city will host the 2017 World Baseball Softball Confederation Jr. Women’s Softball World Championship and the 2017 USA Softball Gold National Championships at the Eddie C. Moore Complex, 3050 Drew St.

During the WBSC Jr. Women’s Softball Championship, which will run from July 24-30, a record 26 countries will compete to be the top women’s softball team in the world.

“Many of the athletes will be representing their countries in the 2020 Olympics when softball returns to the Games,” said Brian Craig, Clearwater’s recreational coordinator.

Participating countries are scheduled to include the United States, Japan, China, Brazil, Great Britain, Israel, Ireland, Italy and more. Teams from Turkey and the Bahamas will be making their debut in the world championship.

“This event brings the world’s best together,” Craig said. “It is also a growing sport, as shown by the record number of participants. Overall, there will be great competition, tremendous passion and one of the teams will be crowned best in the world.”

Right before the WBSC championship, the 2017 USA Softball Gold National Championships will take place from July 17-22. Gold Nationals is the highest level of competitive fast-pitch softball in the country.

For the first time, USA Softball will host both the 18 and under and 16 and under championships in the same city. More than 110 teams will compete in the five days of softball.

According to the City of Clearwater, the increased visitors attending the tournaments will bring an economic impact of more than $10 million to the area. More than 2,000 players are expected to come to Clearwater with their coaches, staff, family, friends and fans.

“Besides hosting a first-class tournament for GOLD and Jr. Worlds, we’re focused on the fan and participant experience off the field by highlighting the wonderful hospitality of Clearwater and the beauty of our natural environment and beach,” Craig said. “We’re planning great social events throughout the week, taking fans and participants to Clearwater Beach and Spectrum Field, and creating championship experiences for them while they’re here.”

For more information on the Jr. Women’s Softball World Championship, visit www.wbsc.org. For more information about the USA Softball GOLD National Championships, visit www.teamusa.org.

Image via terren in Virginia, Flickr, used under Creative Commons