The World Baseball Softball Confederation’s Legacy Club: A Force for Social Change

Since its launch on April 6, 2023, the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Legacy Club has harnessed the power of sport to drive meaningful social change. This initiative aims to bridge cultural divides, enhance education, promote health, and foster social and economic development, all while spotlighting Baseball5 as a pivotal tool. Particularly impactful is the work being done with displaced communities, demonstrating the unifying potential of sport in times of adversity.

The Azraq Refugee Team: A Beacon of Hope

At the heart of this transformative journey is the Azraq Refugee Team, which stands as a powerful testament to what can be accomplished when opportunities in sport are made accessible. This team not only represents the resilience of its members but also highlights the WBSC Legacy Club’s success in creating pathways through Baseball5.

WBSC President Riccardo Fraccardi, addressing delegates at the VI WBSC Congress in Bangkok, encapsulated the essence of this initiative, remarking on the inspiring message the Azraq Refugee Team sends: “The Azraq Refugee Team inspired everyone watching, a true reminder of the unity and hope sport can create.”

From Legacy Vision to Real-World Impact

Introduced on the United Nations International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the WBSC Legacy Club underscores the federation’s commitment to sport’s role in building strong communities and promoting peace. It aims to create a lasting impact that goes beyond competition, embedding the sport into everyday life and ensuring that both host communities and event organizers can cherish a meaningful legacy.

The guiding principles of the Legacy Club revolve around core WBSC values: Team Spirit and Friendship, Integrity and Respect, Tradition and Innovation, Diversity and Unity, and Excellence and Fun. These values shape the initiatives and interactions within the program, driving forward the vision of using sport as a vehicle for change.

Baseball5 and the Refugee Project

The Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan provided the initial backdrop for the Legacy Club’s vision to unfold. Under the guidance of head coach Amjad Alatoom and assistant coach Reem Hadroos, the Azraq Refuge Team represented Syria at the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup 2026.

More than just a competitive framework, the initiative emphasizes participation, inclusion, and the overall well-being of young athletes. By early 2025, over 100 boys and girls were actively engaged in Baseball5 in Azraq. This growth was celebrated during the third Hope and Dreams Festival, which Fraccardi described as “not only about teaching sport but also about giving hope for a better future.”

Their competitive spirit continued to flourish, as the Azraq Refuge Team made waves during the Kingdom’s Ramadan Baseball5 Tournament in Jordan, securing titles in both U-17 and U-11 categories, and reinforcing Baseball5’s role in fostering community and camaraderie.

Expanding the Legacy to Kenya

In August 2024, the WBSC Legacy Club reached further by introducing Baseball5 to the Kakuma Refugee Camp and the Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement in Kenya. This expansion was conducted in partnership with the African Higher Education in Emergencies Network (AHEEN), an organization dedicated to supporting displaced youth with educational opportunities.

By January 2025, structured training programs had been established for 30 young athletes in both Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps, featuring three training sessions each week. The WBSC’s support extended beyond the playing field, providing essential resources like nutrition and training equipment. Collaborating with partner schools enabled Saturday educational sessions, while tailored learning programs catered to diverse literacy and numeracy levels.

The project reported a successful inaugural year, boasting 60 active Baseball5 players—both girls and boys—competing in multiple tournaments, all while fostering community interest and cooperation.

Partner Support Strengthens Delivery

The impact of the WBSC Legacy Club is further amplified by strategic partnerships. Notably, WBSC partner Synergy Sports made a significant Development Donation in support of the Refugee Project and broader initiatives across Africa and Asia. This collaboration underscores the importance of collective efforts in driving progress and enhancing the lives of those involved.

During the Congress in Bangkok, Synergy Sports Assistant Director for International Baseball and Softball, Hide Sueyoshi, presented a symbolic cheque to WBSC, highlighting the combined mission to elevate the status of Baseball and Softball while nurturing diverse communities.

Through initiatives like the WBSC Legacy Club, the confluence of sport and humanitarian efforts illustrates the transformative potential of Baseball5—a game that goes beyond the diamond to redefine futures for displaced communities.