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photo by: Mark Duffel
While the project addresses development and performance, its purpose goes far deeper. BUILDING THE BASES aims to support clubs that often struggle with limited resources, outdated processes, and a lack of strategic direction. By offering practical tools and a clear framework for club growth, the project seeks to help European clubs not only survive — but thrive.
The project introduces a structured system that helps clubs improve governance, strengthen operations, and create long-term plans. Over 18 months, partners will deliver workshops on strategic planning, athlete development, membership growth, marketing, and branding. They will also develop a Digital Club Development Handbook — a complete online toolkit with templates for governance, planning, fundraising, volunteer management, and more.
This toolkit will become a core resource for clubs across Europe, helping them handle the everyday challenges of running a sports organization.
BUILDING THE BASES aims to create long-lasting effects across Europe. In the short term, clubs will gain practical tools and clearer strategies. In the medium term, organizations will see increased membership, stronger governance, and better local engagement. And in the long term, the project will help build a more balanced and competitive European baseball and softball environment — with more clubs, better structures, and stronger athlete pathways.
The project received significant support from WBSC Europe during its preparation phase, particularly in shaping and strengthening the application, and now continues to benefit from WBSC Europe’s broader network as the organisation helps share information about the initiative across Europe. Through this support, the project’s outcomes and resources will reach clubs and federations in multiple countries, ensuring its impact extends far beyond the 18-month implementation period.
For clubs or federations interested in being part of Erasmus+ projects — either as partners or as future applicants — feel free to reach out at: development@wbsceurope.org
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
