7 November 2024

MEDIA RELEASE

Brisbane, QLD, 5 – 8 December 2024 – Softball Australia is thrilled to announce that China’s national women’s softball team will be visiting Australia this December for an exciting, action packed, international series. The teams will face off in a four-game tournament from December 5-8 at Redlands Softball Association in Ormiston, Queensland. In addition to the senior matches, both countries will field their junior teams for a series of exhibition games, providing a unique opportunity for emerging players to compete at the international level.

Softball Australia CEO, Sarah Loh, expressed her enthusiasm about the event, stating, “We are delighted to welcome China to Australia and look forward to hosting them in Brisbane. Following China’s impressive performance at the recent 2024 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup, where they got the better of us in tight game, beating the Aussie Spirit 5-2. This tournament presents a fantastic opportunity for the Aussie Spirit to challenge themselves against one of the top teams in the world. High-level international competition is crucial for our athletes, this tournament will offer invaluable experience that is vital for the growth and development of Australian softball. Due to our geographic location, it’s challenging for Australia to regularly compete against other top-tier teams, so having China here is a major boost for our sport.”

Loh continued, “Softball is one of the leading sports across Asia, United States, Canada and Europe, and to have an international team visiting us on home soil is incredibly exciting. This tournament will be a great opportunity to further enhance the profile of softball in Australia and strengthen our international relationships.”

This international showdown comes at a pivotal time as Softball Australia sets its sights on securing a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, where softball will return to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2021. The Australian Women’s Softball team has a proud Olympic history, having medalled at four out of five Olympic Games in which softball has been included. With the 2028 Olympic qualifiers just around the corner, this tournament against China provides the perfect test for the Aussie Spirit to sharpen their skills and prepare for what promises to be a inspiring journey to LA.

“We’re not just looking at this tournament as a great event – we’re looking at it as a vital step in our Olympic ambitions,” Loh said. “We know that China’s visit is going to give our Aussie Spirit the kind of competition they need to push to the next level. And we’re not just focused on the senior team – our junior players are going to get a chance to compete too, and that is huge for the future of the sport.”

This isn’t just an international tournament – it’s a showcase of world-class softball, where fans can come to Redlands and see top-tier players in action, including the next generation Under 18’s of the game. It is a rare opportunity for Australians to get behind the Aussie Spirit team and watch them play at home. With both countries’ senior and junior teams in action, the tournament promises non-stop excitement, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments.

The matches will be open to the public, with more details around event scheduling and teams to be announced soon.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

Softball Australia’s Marketing and Executive Manager,
Taylah Perry at taylah.perry@softball.org.au 

About Softball Australia
Softball Australia is the national governing body for the sport of softball in Australia. The organisation is committed to the growth and development of softball at all levels, from grassroots participation through to elite competition. Softball Australia works closely with local associations, athletes, and international partners to ensure the sport continues to thrive both domestically and on the global stage.