Traveling to San Francisco, California, players will have the opportunity to learn technique and strategy from coaches at American universities.  In the process, players will get an up-close taste of American culture and learn what it takes to play at an American school…both on and off the field.

A goal for some players on this tour will be to make a lasting impression and potentially earn an invitation to play for an American university team in 2011 or later.

SF10Tour Notes:

• 2010 Tour dates are approximately Tuesday, September 23 to Friday, October 6 (School Holidays)

• Ages: High school students and recent high school graduates (Approximately ages 14 to 19)

• Sparks Girls' Fastpitch Softball: In 2009, coaches are Jenny Cassidy and Jodie Bowering led the team to San Francisco . Jenny coaches Wesley College and the Victorian U16s State Team.  Jodi played for the 2008 Australian Olympic team.  They received help from former Olympian and World All-Star Joyce Lester...as well as head Australian women's national coach Fabian Barlow.

• Sparks Boys' Baseball: In 2009, coaches Dean Anglin of Victoria and Kevin Johnson of Queensland did an excellent job.  Both coaches in with their respective state team programs.  Also, Kevin is a baseball development officer in Queensland. 

• Tour leader Rob Novotny is a former university coach in America. He also has developed instructional programs for the Chicago White Sox, taught hitters in the minor leagues for the Milwaukee Brewers, and scouted for the Texas Rangers.

• In America- receive instruction from university-level coaches and have the opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Also, play friendly games against high school and university players. In 2009, we trained at schools like San Jose State, Skyline College, and Stanford University.  

• Sightseeing in San Francisco- one of America’s most interesting cities. Options will include Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, and a SF Giants MLB game.

• Team will travel frugally and provide a strong fundraising program to keep costs manageable.

About the Aussie Sparks:

The Aussie Sparks are part of Champions International, a touring program that provides international athletic and cultural opportunities. Champions International tours are designed to challenge and enrich, developing the attributes of personal success and teamwork.

Since 1995, Champions International has conducted international tours serving twenty-four (24) teams. Destinations have included Beijing, Chicago, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Orlando, Perth, San Francisco, Sydney, and Taiwan. This is the organization’s fourth tour to San Francisco since 2005.

Previously, Champions International has placed nine (9) players into U.S. universities.

To learn more, please make an initial expression of interest.   See the navigation menu to the left.