Dubai: There is no national body or federation to take care of the American sport of baseball and softball in the UAE, but thanks to the Dubai Little League and its band of volunteers and supporters, the sport is gaining ground.
With more than 30 nationalities represented in the over 400 members playing the sport, the Dubai Little League has managed to grow into a highly active organisation and just held its three-day GCC event with visiting teams from Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Speaking to Gulf News in an exclusive interview, Greg Sproule, president of Dubai Little League, thanked His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, for allocating the League a permanent facility which has seen baseball and softball gain in popularity.
Gulf News: How popular is baseball/softball in the UAE?
Greg Sproule: I think we have to admit that it's not yet a mainstream sport here in the UAE, but it is one that grows more popular each year, and it's a great sport that both boys and girls enjoy; softball for the girls in particular.
Baseball and softball are played and supported by entire families and countless volunteers, and the passion for the game is really quite something to experience.
Last weekend at our regional tournament we had over 1,200 spectators, 450 international visitors, and more fun than we've ever had.
Which are the nationalities showing interest?
We have 31 nationalities playing this year, and I do believe that says it all about our inclusiveness and fun.
The game is obviously popular amongst Americans and Canadians, but we have many British, Australian, Indian, Lebanese, Japanese, Indonesian, Korean and other nationalities who participate as well.
Are any UAE nationals taking to the sport?
We are very proud of the Emiratis who play and we would love to have more boys and girls with us.
We are particularly proud of Emirati girls like Sarah Al Hamar who not only competes but at the very highest level.
Sarah is a tremendous example of Emirati girls who illustrate the bright future ahead for the UAE.
How is the sport developing in the region?
The game is developing, albeit with no baseball or softball federation here to promote the game further.
Having said that, virtually every country in the region organises leagues and fun competitions for the kids.
Kuwait and Dubai host regional competitions that bring the kids and their parents together in heartwarming ways.
Is the Dubai Little League affiliated to any body in the US?
It is a full member of Little League International in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Do you have a permanent field or facility?
Our permanent facilities are located adjacent to Al Quoz Pond Park just over Al Khail Road as you go towards Meydan.
The land for our facilities was generously provided by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Are there any professional coaches and officials involved in DLL?
The league is entirely amateur and all coaches, league executives and team ‘mothers' are volunteers.
Their gracious time and energy is the reason why the league is what it is today, and it's impossible to thank them enough. Dubai Little League is entirely not-for-profit.
How is the support for the sport?
We remain ever so grateful to our league partners such as Emirates, Pepsi, GM, Subway, National Oilwell Varco, Musco, Jumeirah and Byrne, who have been so generous in supporting us throughout the years.
Dubai Little League would not be what it is today without their kind help. We had 428 kids play this year, which was a record.
Our team sponsorships were also at record levels — which we are very proud of and grateful for.
Our sponsorship programmes provide an excellent platform for companies to connect to a demographic that is loyal, affluent and community-minded.
What are the plans for the future?
The future is about continuing to introduce the kids to the game as early as possible to both boys and the girls.
Our experience is that the earlier they participate, the more engaged they become.
Certainly, the level of play also increases in the later ages as well.
It was a nice accomplishment for us to reach for girls' softball teams this year, and we hope that trend only continues.
