Treasurer Angelo Vicini presents WBSC Development Strategy and Investment in Global Growth
WBSC Treasurer Angelo Vicini presented an update to the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Congress on the organisation’s ongoing Development Strategy and the allocation of development grants that continue to drive growth and sustainability across Baseball, Softball and Baseball5 worldwide.
Vicini highlighted the WBSC’s firm commitment to supporting athletes, sport development, administration, and promotion, emphasizing that the organisation’s resources are strategically distributed to ensure long-term impact.
Funding dedicated to athletes and sport development includes grants for elite athletes, umpires, technical commissioners, scorers, and national teams. It also supports technical training courses for coaches and game officials.
Resources allocated to administration and promotion help National Federations and Continental Associations strengthen their governance structures and management capacity. Additional grants support baseball and softball academies and the development of playing facilities.
Promotion funds are also used to provide technical equipment and support school and community-based projects, helping introduce the sports to new audiences.
Vicini explained that the WBSC Executive Board sets the organisation’s global development strategy, establishes guidelines, and determines priorities, while Continental Associations design regional plans and monitor the growth of their affiliated National Federations.
He reported that the WBSC invested over 400,000 Swiss Francs (CHF) in development initiatives in 2023, with CHF217,000 directed to National Federations. In 2024, total funding increased to CHF512,000, including nearly CHF230,000 for National Federations.
Vicini stressed that WBSC grants are intended as partial financial support and an incentive for Federations and Associations to mobilize additional resources. The annual development budget, approved by the WBSC Executive Board, is distributed based on several criteria:
- The number of affiliated National Federations
- The Association’s governance score
- The number of senior and youth continental tournaments
- The existence of a Development and Integrity Officer
Vicini announced the publication of the WBSC Development Programmes 2025–2028 booklet — an essential reference for all Continental Associations and National Federations. The guide provides step-by-step guidance on how to leverage the WBSC’s global network, expertise, and resources to promote sustainable baseball and softball growth at every level.
The WBSC Treasurer also reported on the Olympic Solidarity Programmes funded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which contributed more than US$692,000 between 2021 and 2024. These programmes, approved by National Olympic Committees, support a variety of development initiatives, with WBSC Continental Liaisons available to assist in project preparation and execution.
Vicini also outlined WBSC’s ongoing support for key development and inclusion projects, including:
- The **OlympAfrica Baseball5 Programme** across 10 African countries
- Baseball5 activities at the Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan
- The **Dakar Youth Olympic Games project** in Senegal
- The **Baseball for the Blind** initiative, which continues to grow globally
In closing, Vicini highlighted the importance of the WBSC Academy, the organisation’s online educational platform offering certification and licensing programmes for baseball and softball coaches and officials.
“The WBSC Academy provides a valuable opportunity for continuous learning,” Vicini said. “Our aim is to establish internationally recognised standards of coaching and officiating excellence.”
The Treasurer’s report reaffirmed the WBSC’s dedication to empowering its members through education, investment, and collaboration. Through strategic funding and global partnerships, the WBSC continues to strengthen its foundation — ensuring the long-term growth and integrity of baseball, softball, and Baseball5 around the world.