2027 Australian Youth Championships Trials
U16 & U18 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STATE TEAM TRIALS
Baseball South Australia has announced the trial process for athletes seeking selection in the 2027 South Australian Under 16 and Under 18 State Teams, ahead of the 2027 Australian Youth Championships in Melbourne, Victoria.
Eligible athletes who aspire to represent South Australia on the national stage are encouraged to register and participate in the upcoming trial process.
PERFORMANCE PATHWAYS ATHLETES
Athletes currently participating in the Baseball SA Performance Pathways Program do not need to register for the 2027 U16 or U18 South Australian State Team Trials.
Performance Pathways athletes are also not required to pay the $55 trial fee.
TRIAL LOCATION
All trials will be held at West Beach, utilising:
Diamond 1
Baseball SA Indoor Training Facility
Surrounding training areas
ELIGIBILITY
U16 STATE TEAM: Athletes born in 2011 or 2012
U18 STATE TEAM: Athletes born in 2009 or 2010
TRIAL DATES & TIMES
U16
Saturday, 5 September 2026
Game Evaluation | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Saturday, 12 September 2026
Game Evaluation | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Saturday, 19 September 2026
Game Evaluation | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Athlete arrival: By 9:00am
U18
Friday, 4 September 2026
Game Evaluation | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday, 11 September 2026
Game Evaluation | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday, 18 September 2026
Game Evaluation | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Athlete arrival: By 5:00pm
GAME EVALUATION
Athletes will be assessed in live game environments by members of the South Australian State Coaching Staff and Baseball SA Performance Pathways team.
Evaluation will consider:
Hitting
Defence
Pitching
Catching
Base running
Competitiveness
Baseball IQ
Communication
Coachability
Team-first behaviours
Selection will consider both an athlete’s current performance and their projected ability to contribute to the South Australian program throughout the preparation period and at the Australian Youth Championships.
PERFORMANCE TESTING & DATA
Objective performance and game data will be collected throughout the trial process using a range of technology and assessment methods, including:
Rapsodo
Blast Motion
Radar guns
Video analysis
Sprint testing
Statistical game charting
Performance reports will provide athletes and families with information including:
Strengths
Areas for development
State benchmarks
Positional comparisons
Long-term development opportunities
While performance data is an important part of the selection process, State Team selection is not based solely on testing results.
Coaches and the Performance Pathways team will also consider:
Positional versatility
Technical and tactical execution
Competitive mindset
Team fit
Leadership potential
Coachability
Long-term development potential
Ability to contribute to team success
BBCOR BAT REQUIREMENT
All U16 and U18 athletes are required to use a BBCOR (-3) certified metal bat throughout the trial process, in line with Australian Youth Championship playing regulations.
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
Athletes should bring:
Baseball pants
Club or Pathways training shirt
Club or Pathways cap
Cleats
Running/turf shoes
BBCOR (-3) metal bat
Batting helmet
Fielding glove
Batting gloves
Catcher's gear, if applicable
Water bottle
Snacks
Any required preparation or recovery equipment
Athletes should arrive prepared to train and compete.
SELECTION PROCESS
Attendance at all three trial sessions is mandatory.
Athletes who are unable to attend a scheduled session must contact Baseball South Australia as early as possible.
Following the completion of the trial process, State Coaching Staff and the Performance Pathways team will review:
Objective performance data
Game evaluations
Testing results
Coaching assessments
Overall team contribution
Development potential
Families will be contacted regarding selection outcomes following the completion of the trial process.
2027 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STATE SQUAD
Selected athletes will be invited into the 2027 South Australian State Squad.
Training commences: Monday, 12 October 2026
Training schedule: Monday and Wednesday evenings West Beach
The State Squad phase will provide athletes with further opportunities to develop within the team environment while coaches refine team roles and prepare for the Australian Youth Championships.
FINAL TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT
Friday, 25 September 2026
TRIAL FEE
$55 per athlete (including GST)
The trial fee covers:
Facility hire
Technology usage
Testing equipment
Coaching and support staff
Please note: State Squad and State Team participation costs are separate.
Registration fees are non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances approved by Baseball South Australia.
REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
Eligible athletes can register for the 2027 South Australian U16 or U18 State Team Trials through the Baseball SA registration portal.
PRE-TOURNAMENT SERIES
Selected athletes will participate in a pre-tournament series against Victorian competition as part of their preparation for the 2027 Australian Youth Championships.
Tentative dates: 27–30 December 2026
Further details will be provided to selected athletes and families.
2027 AUSTRALIAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS
The 2027 Australian Youth Championships will be held in Melbourne, Victoria.
U16
Tournament: 6–12 January 2027
Travel: 5 January and 13 January 2027
U18
Tournament: 8–14 January 2027
Travel: 7 January and 15 January 2027
Further information regarding accommodation, travel, uniforms and tournament schedules will be provided to selected athletes and families.
REPRESENT SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The Australian Youth Championships provide an opportunity for South Australia’s best young baseball athletes to compete at the highest level of junior baseball in the country.
Are you ready to compete for a place in the 2027 South Australian State Team?
Register today and take the next step in your baseball journey.
Baseball South Australia reserves the right to adjust trial schedules due to weather, facility availability or operational requirements. Any changes will be communicated to registered athletes and families.