About EBSCA

European Baseball & Softball Coaches Association

A coaching community built from EBCA baseball roots and expanded through collaboration with WBSC Europe.

Introduction

In January 2003, a pivotal moment occurred in European baseball history when a small group of dedicated enthusiasts gathered at the ABCA Convention. Recognizing the growing interest in baseball across the continent, these individuals saw an opportunity to create a hub for coaches to connect, collaborate, and advance their skills. Thus, the European Baseball Coaches Association (EBCA) was born.

Powered by the expertise and support of the International Sports Group, an organization deeply rooted in baseball instruction throughout Europe for nearly two decades, the inaugural EBCA Convention materialized just a year later in Germany. This event marked the beginning of a transformative journey for European baseball coaching.

Since its inception, the EBCA Convention has embarked on a remarkable journey, making stops in diverse European locales such as Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and France. Each convention serves as a vibrant forum where coaches gather to share insights, learn from industry leaders, and cultivate lasting connections.

However, the EBCA's impact extends far beyond its annual convention. Behind the scenes, the association tirelessly works to support European coaches through various initiatives, resources, and educational programs. Whether it's providing access to cutting-edge training materials, facilitating networking opportunities, or offering mentorship programs, the EBCA is dedicated to empowering coaches at every level of expertise.

At its core, the EBCA is driven by a singular mission: to elevate the standard of coaching in Europe and, in turn, enhance the overall quality of the game. By fostering a community of passionate and knowledgeable coaches, the association aims to inspire growth, excellence, and a lifelong love for baseball across the continent.

From mid-2026, EBCA has worked intensively with the WBSC Europe Development Commission. EBSCA was created from that collaboration, bringing baseball and softball coaching development closer together. Since the previous convention, softball has also been added to the program.

Contact Form

Addresses

EBCA

55 Rue de la Bataille
F-68200 Mulhouse
France
SIREN: FR 0877 647 834

WBSC Europe

c/o World Baseball Softball Confederation
Avenue Général-Guisan 45
1009 Pully
Switzerland
UID: CHE-428.013.299

Board

EBSCA is a joint initiative of EBCA and WBSC Europe Development Commission.

EBCA Board  

Germany
President
Dirk Fries
France
Vice President
Bertrand Rué
France
Treasurer
Christian Abel
Germany Portugal
Convention Coordinator
Ingo Gottwald
Netherlands Belgium
COO / Digital Information
Luc Sachteleben
USA Hungary
Central Europe Coordinator
Terry Lingenhoel
USA
Exchange Program Coordinator - USA
Tom O'Connell
Switzerland
Board Member
Roger Savoldelli
Croatia
Softball
Petra Čizmić Pokrajac

WBSC Europe Development Commission

Croatia
Chair
Petra Čizmić Pokrajac
France
Member
François Collet
Sweden
Member
Kristian Pälviä
Germany
Member
Dirk Fries
USA Hungary
Member
Terry Lee Lingenhoel
Sweden
Member
Sanna Hermansson
Croatia
Senior Advisor
Krunoslav Karin
Israel
Senior Advisor
Ami Baran
Czech Republic
Senior Advisor
Gabriel Waage
Netherlands
Senior Advisor
Bart Volkerijk
Bulgaria
Senior Advisor
Youri Alkalay

Our Partners