BOURNEMOUTH Bears Baseball Club will be fielding a junior team for the very first time in 2022 as they look to capitalise on a growing interest in the sport in the UK.

An open day aimed at children aged five and over will be held on Sunday, January 16, at Ferndown Leisure Centre.

Development coach, and former Venezuela international, Jose Lopez will be on hand to run through the session, with no previous experience required.

The junior team will build on the three adult teams the Bears already run, as they look to compete at every level of the sport in the UK. Currently the teams compete in the British Baseball Foundation’s South West AAA & A leagues, with a women’s side also in the making.

Bears’ general manager Wendoly Gonzalez said: “This is such an exciting time to be part of the Bournemouth Bears.

"We’re ready to get the Junior Bears up and running this season, and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone for the first session.

“Our main focus is teamwork, so there’s no need for any baseball experience, equipment or knowledge - we just want to see hard work and everyone having fun.”

The first training sessions will be free to attend, in order to give new players the chance to get involved and experience the sport for the first time. All equipment will be provided by the club, including protective equipment, baseball bats and gloves.

If the club manages to attract a suitable number of players they hope to begin playing competitive games with other junior baseball sides around the South West in the summer.

The Bears are also seeking to recruit experienced adult players to feature in their AAA side in 2022 - anyone interested must be willing to train weekly and be available to play on Sunday during the summer.

There are also spaces on the women’s team, with players of all experience levels encouraged to come along to weekly training sessions to try their hand at the popular American sport.

For more information, email wessexbears@hotmail.com