A first in France for juniors. The Béziers club fields an all-female team in the 9U championship. Baseball TV France met with the President, the coach, players, and parents.
BTVF: François Bonnet, President, introduce us to your club and its facilities?
Active since 1987, the Béziers baseball club offers softball, baseball, and B5. Since 2014, thanks to a dynamic board and a responsive municipality, the club has seen strong growth. In a very family-friendly and supportive atmosphere, we’ve gone from 35 members in 2013 to 180 this year. Our club boasts some of the most attractive facilities in the country, with two B5 fields, one synthetic youth softball/baseball field, and a senior field lit to standard. Two batting cages and four bullpens complete the setup.
BTVF: Testimony from coach Caroline Ruf of the 9U girls’ team
My name is Caroline Ruf. I’ve been a member since 1995. I play on the senior softball team and volunteer my time to coach the 9U players, of whom there are many this year. Overall numbers have increased, and so has the proportion of girls, allowing us to create separate girls’ teams in several categories, including the 9U. Softball is one of the club’s top priorities, so forming a girls’ team was a no-brainer, and it was only natural that I take charge. Our first outing was at the Mireille la Mouche indoor tournament in Clapiers. It was the team’s first chance to shine, and the experience was very positive, boding well for the future. The girls’ motivation to play together, their attitude on the field, and the parents’ enthusiasm have led us to enter the girls’ team in the 9U championship. Personally, it’s a great honor to coach them. This continuity also allows them to set goals, have role models to look up to, and dream big.
BTVF: Testimony from two players on the team
Skyny, 8 years old: My brother and sister signed up first, then I did. I like batting, playing first and second base, and being the catcher. I also like making fly balls and catching them. We play mixed with boys. I prefer playing with girls. Sometimes the boys take up too much space and act like clowns.
Maëlle, 8 years old: I tried it and I like it, especially being the catcher. I like playing with just girls; it gives me even more confidence. I love both competitions and training. I want to play at the highest level, bat hard, and hit the ball out of the park.
BTVF: Testimony from a player’s parent
Mother of two girls on the team: We’re from Loiret. We discovered the club through Décathlon’s Vital Sport program and didn’t know anything about baseball. The coaches were really welcoming. They motivated the kids to try it out, and they immediately took to it. We have two daughters, aged 5 and 8, and a son, Matteo, who’s 10. All three have been members since this year. I think it’s great that the girls’ team has developed because you mostly see boys playing baseball. It strengthens the bonds between the girls, and they feel more confident. As a family, we eat, sleep, and breathe baseball all day, every day, all week, and on weekends, and it’s great. They’ve found a true passion, and I hope they’ll keep it up for a long time. Organization-wise, Dad will go with the big one, and I’ll go with the girls because they’re closer to me. So we’ll each do our bit, and it’s quite a commitment.
BTVF: François Bonnet, President of the club, what do you wish for?
To maintain our momentum while staying true to our identity. And to successfully develop women’s softball and youth training, which are the club’s priorities for 2023 and 2024.
Photo: Béziers club
