Junior baseball stars from across Melbourne’s north-west will compete at the Australian Little League Championships on June 7.
The team, known as ‘The Twins’ comprises players from district teams from Sunshine, Essendon, Williamstown, Fitzroy and Preston, respectively forming the ‘Little League Development Team’ and ‘Little League All Stars’.
The overall cost to go to New South Wales to represent Victoria is substantial, not all families can bear the brunt easily.
Two GoFundMe pages have been started to give the families financial relief, after having to spend almost $4000 per child.
The large sum covers accommodation, air fares, transport to and from the matches, food, uniforms as well as training and playing equipment.
The Twins president Kirsty Davis, said at ages 8-12, this will be the first time most of the boys travel interstate and they are all bundled with nervousness and excitement.
“All the parents are desperate for them to go and to shine and hopefully bring back the trophy,” she said.
“All the money raised goes straight back into the parents’ pockets.
“It’s a really big dream for the kids, we are witnessing the start of their baseball careers so we really want to facilitate those dreams.”
Mum of 10-year-old Lucas, Natalie, is travelling to Blacktown with her son similarly to most parents, bearing a larger cost.
“We didn’t expect such a huge amount because going to state championships was only $200,” she said.
“We have all been working really hard since finding out we were going on very short notice last week.”
Details: shorturl.at/bjkor
Jennifer Pittorino
