The U-18 Men’s Squad recently completed an intensive development camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), with players benefiting from high-level coaching and support in preparation for future international competitions. 

The camp, led by Head Coach Adam Rindfleish, brought together a dynamic group of athletes and staff for four days of training, education, and development. Rindfleish was supported by a stellar coaching team that included Assistant Coaches Stephen Besgrove (NSW), Jayke Reynolds (QLD), as well as Aussie Steeler’s Callum Beashel (NSW), and legendary pitcher Adam Folkard (ACT) rounding out the coaching group.  

The camp was also supported by Softball Australia Strength & Conditioning Coach Jake Gleeson (NSW) who took the squad in an S&C workshop, while Physiotherapist Harry Pearce (QLD) ensured that the athletes were physically primed and well cared for throughout the camp. The camp also saw important contributions from Team Manager Lesley Darby (NSW), who ensured the smooth running of operations, and the experienced coaching staff, whose combined expertise fostered a supportive and growth-driven environment for the players. 

Reflecting on the experience, Head Coach Adam Rindfleish said, "This camp was a fantastic opportunity for our U-18 athletes to engage in a high-performance environment. The level of commitment and focus shown by all athletes was impressive, and it’s clear they are eager to take the next step in their softball journeys. We’re excited about the potential within this group and the future of men’s softball in Australia." 

The players not only worked on their skills on the field but also engaged in off-field education, including a sport psychology workshop led by Renee Appaneal from Prepare and Perform, which emphasised mental resilience and performance under pressure. Sophie Taylor from Sports Integrity provided pivotal education to the athletes about the importance of integrity in sport, while softball icon Andrew Kirkpatrick made a special appearance, sharing his insights and experiences as one of the country’s top pitchers. 

Clare Humberstone, Softball Australia's National Pathways Manager, praised the camp’s outcomes, stating, "The development of our future Aussie Steelers is an absolute priority, and this camp has given our U-18 athletes the chance to train in a professional setting. We are extremely grateful to the exceptional coaching staff and experts who have dedicated their time and knowledge to ensure the success of this camp. Our future looks bright with these talented young men." 

This development camp marks another significant step in preparing our U-18 Men's team for the upcoming national championships and potential future international competitions, helping them sharpen both their technical and mental game. With the AIS camp now complete, the focus shifts toward building on these lessons learned and continuing to nurture the next generation of men’s softball talent in Australia.