USA Softball, the National Governing Body (NGB) of Softball in the U.S., announced today the decision to renew its three-year contract with National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) as an Official Sponsor.
Comprised of fastpitch softball coaches from all competitive levels of play, the NFCA annually hosts a Convention, which offers networking opportunities, divisional meetings and educational speaker sessions with some of the game’s most successful coaches.
“We are proud to partner with the NFCA and expand upon the relationship we have established for many years,” said USA Softball Chief Executive Officer, Craig Cress.
“As the National Governing Body of Softball, it is our responsibility to grow the game and provide as many educational and development opportunities for all who participate, including coaches. By partnering with the NFCA, who has a very strong and respected presence in the softball community, we will be able to not only continue our support of these grassroots initiatives but also provide additional assets to our ACE Coach Education Program.”
As part of the partnership, USA Softball and NFCA will continue to work jointly to create additional education material for the ACE (Aspire, Challenge, Encourage) Coach Education Program along with select international softball clinics. Developed by USA Softball, the ACE Coach Education program is designed to provide softball coaches of all levels – from beginning coaches to experienced veterans – an opportunity to be educated as a coach with a national softball organization. In addition to education material, ACE Coaches will also have an opportunity to purchase a first-time discounted membership to join the NFCA.
“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with USA Softball as an NFCA Official Sponsor,” said NFCA Executive Director, Carol Bruggeman.
“To join forces with the National Governing Body of Softball, especially with the excitement surrounding the upcoming Olympic Games, is very rewarding and presents unique opportunities for our Association. This partnership highlights education, awareness, and diversity; three items critical to continued growth of the sport.”
USA Softball will also serve as the title sponsor of the Softball Summit during the NFCA Convention. The summit serves as an open forum for the NFCA membership to discuss business and relevant issues across the landscape of softball.
As the NFCA announced today in its own release about the partnership: The Softball Summit is a ‘must-attend’ event at Convention. It affords attendees the opportunity to hear relevant issues surrounding the sport from various softball dignitaries. Additionally, each division representative on the NFCA’s Board of Directors addresses their respective division’s state of the industry.
“Additionally, as the title sponsor of the Softball Summit at our annual Convention, USA Softball demonstrates their continued support of diversity and inclusion,” continued Bruggeman. “USA Softball Chief Executive Officer Craig Cress and Director of National Teams Chris Sebren are leaders in the industry and it has been a pleasure working with them to advance the sport. `The NFCA is very appreciative of their loyal support.”
