The Year Ahead is Building for Baseball New Zealand’s NZU18’s and NZ Development Team
As we dive deeper into our Baseball NZ series focused on the National Pathway & Performance Programs, we are gearing up for the highly anticipated selections and announcements for the 2025/2026 National Development Squad. This includes the NZU15 and NZ Development Teams, along with the National Performance Squad featuring NZU18 and NZU23 players. Baseball New Zealand is thrilled to unveil the incredible opportunities available for athletes striving for a place in the NZU18 Team and the newly launched NZ Development Team this year.
Introducing the NZ Development Team
This year marks the inception of the NZ Development Team, which will be selected from the National Development Squad. This initiative is all about nurturing and continued development for players who have transitioned out of the under-15 age group as they work towards their next step in the pathway. Our aim is clear: to provide a dynamic and progressive pathway that prepares these talented individuals for selection into the National Performance Squad in the upcoming years.
A Thrilling Dual Team Tour to Australia
In December 2025, Baseball NZ will embark on an exciting dual tour to Queensland, Australia, featuring both the NZU18 and NZ Development Teams. This journey promises competitive matchups against Baseball Queensland’s top Youth Championship teams. It’s a monumental step in our player development journey and aligns seamlessly with our strategic vision for the future of baseball in New Zealand.
Reflecting on our 2024 trip, where our NZU18 team used the Gold Coast as a training base for the WBSC U18 World Cup Qualifier, we are eager to enhance this experience in 2025. Both our NZU18 and NZ Development Teams will have the opportunity to gain invaluable experiences on the field, facing tough competition that will provide challenge and the opportunity to refine skills.
Building a Strong Foundation
We recognize that reaching the pinnacle of baseball excellence is not an overnight achievement. Our commitment to helping athletes realise their full potential is unwavering. Building a robust foundation in physical, technical, tactical, and mental skills takes time and dedication within a thoughtfully designed framework.
The National Development Squad and the NZ Development Team will play instrumental roles in connecting the dots between the NZU15 team, the National Performance Squad, and the NZU18 team. These teams are designed not only to foster domestic competitors but also to cultivate a clear performance pathway for players aspiring to represent New Zealand on the global stage.
The Pathway to Excellence
The introduction of the NZ Development Team is a pivotal milestone in our ongoing commitment to developing elite baseball talent in NZ. Selected from the National Development Squad, this team will consist of 18-20 promising players identified as potential cornerstones for our 2026 U18 World Cup Qualifier campaign and beyond. By providing exposure to high-quality competition, we are setting the stage for them to thrive within the National Performance Squad and ultimately the NZU18 Team and onwards.
Our strategy aligns perfectly with our goals at Baseball New Zealand: to cultivate talent, boost international exposure, and enhance our competitive edge. By establishing structured pathways for emerging athletes, we ensure they have the right opportunities to grow and excel in an environment dedicated to long-term athlete development (LTAD).
Preparing for High-Performance Challenges
This 2025 Queensland Tour is an exciting testament to our pledge to deliver performance experiences for our athletes. Competing in a high-intensity environment against formidable Australian teams will test our players’ resilience and skill, while providing them with essential feedback for growth and further development. This preparation is crucial as they gear up for larger stages, such as World Cup Qualifiers and beyond.
Tour Details
· Dates: Mid-December 2025
· Team Composition:
o NZU18 Team: 18-20players
o NZ16’s Development Team:18-20 players
· Eligible Players’ Birth Years: 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008
The 2025 Queensland Tour is not merely a series of games; it represents a critical stepping stone toward our ultimate goal of achieving international success. We are committed to building a strong, competitive national program that produces athletes capable of excelling on the world stage. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for this fantastic opportunity!