The National Championships roadshow heads to Mirrabooka, Western Australia, to host two National Titles – The Elinor McKenzie Shield for the U18 Women and the Nox Bailey Shield for the U19 Men.

The two National Championships will run from Saturday 7 January until Wednesday 11 January, and will be held at the Mirrabooka International Softball Stadium. This four-diamond facility is situated approximately 11km north of Perth, within the City of Stirling.

Western Australia as hosts will compete against teams from the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria for the Elinor McKenzie Shield, which has been dominated by NSW since the competition began in 1974, winning an incredible 27 titles. 

Queensland will look to defend the Elinor McKenzie Shield, which they captured in style against South Australia with a 4-1 win and an undefeated 2022 National Championship run.

In 2023 the U19 competition for the men has changed slightly, from U18 due to the postponement of the 2022 Junior Men’s World Cup to later this year.

Entering the U19 National Championship in 2023 is the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia, setting up a 24-game competition with a 20-game round-robin.

Historically, New South Wales have dominated this championship, winning 11 titles since its inception in 1989. However, their last title was in 2016, with Queensland owning the Championship since then, winning five-straight from 2017 to 2022.

Other states must be desperate to end their title droughts. Victoria claimed the last of their four championships in 2011, while Western Australia’s third and last title was back in 2009. The ACT meanwhile last claimed the shield in 2004.

As the National Championships return to its traditional summer fixturing, the next five days should make for some exciting softball, with the future of the sport on full display.

Head to our National Championships hub for all the live scores, draws, teams, standings and more.