The build up to the recently announced revival of the Macarthur Fastpitch Shootout has gone up a notch with team entries locked in from Singapore (Men's), Northern Areas Men's Softball Association (NAMSA)- Adelaide and Queensland's MantarayZ (Women's). A number of teams from around Australia and through Asia Pacific have also made contact with tournament organisers. 
 
The invitation to further men's and women's international teams including club teams and US college teams is still open. Information is available at www.macarthurshootout.com.au
 
Mayor of host city Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney has thrown her support behind the event, saying “I’m so pleased to see that the Macarthur Fastpitch Shootout and Canberra Skins events will hold so much weight in 2023. To have a competitive sporting event like this in Camden is absolutely phenomenal. I encourage everyone to come and take part in what is going to be a fantastic showing of softball talent.”

Two of Australia's and Camden's best known players Olympian, Gabbie Plain and the 2022 WBSC Men's Softball World Cup winning team captain James Todhunter added their excitement around attending and playing at the Macarthur Shootout.

"When I (Gabbie) first heard about the Macarthur Shootout, the prospect of having an international competition out at home, at the association where I grew up, was extremely exciting. Seeing it come to fruition and learning about the successful history that clubs have had previously, makes me look forward to being a part of what will surely be a very impressive softball turnout. I hope to see this tournament attract club, college and national teams alike from around the world so that this showcase will truly be one to remember!"

"It’s a great time to be involved in the sport of softball. For me (James), having an international calibre tournament being hosted by my home association, Macarthur Softball, is really exciting.

This is a rare time that I’ll be able to invite friends, colleagues, family and extended family to come and watch our great sport, and it be a viable option for them to come and support and spectate.

I have a great deal of pride in where I’ve come from, and being able to showcase that through the Macarthur Shootout, is something I’ve always thought of. Mostly I’ve been a one club player throughout my entire life. My journey been Wanderers Softball Club (Macarthur), Macarthur Softball (Representative), Dolphins (NSW State League), NSW, Australian Steelers and on the ISC circuit, the Bloomington Stix- USA (1 season) the Hill United Chiefs- Canada (7 seasons).

The opportunity for me to pay homage to where I’ve come from and where I’ve been, in my home association as I begin to round out my career, is something I’m really looking forward to.

The Macarthur Fastpitch Shootout will be a high quality men's and women's tournament. I encourage all international and nationally based teams to enter a team! I look forward to seeing everyone there!"

More information about the Macarthur Shootout is available at https://macarthurshootout.com.au

Entries for the 2023 Macarthur Fastpitch Shootout close on 11 August 2023.

Gabbie Plain in action at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 

James Todhunter - Captain of Australia - 2022 WBSC Men's Softball World Cup.