Junior Representative Baseball Program

Junior Representative Baseball Program

The Manly Warringah District Baseball Association (MWDBA) offers an exciting Junior Representative Program for players looking to challenge themselves at higher levels of competition. This program is divided into two distinct seasons, providing pathways for players of varying advanced skill levels to grow, develop and represent Manly on the state and national stages.

The program has experienced strong growth and success in recent years, including winning several Rookies, State and National Championships. We are excited to continue working with motivated young players to develop new skills, form strong team bonds and learn life skills of resilience and perseverance. 

Two Representative Seasons
Representative baseball is structured around two main seasons, on either side of the Summer school holidays.

Association Cup & Sydney Cup (September to December)
The Sydney Cup is designed for higher-skilled players, while the Association Cup provides a developmental pathway for a broader group of representative-level players. Teams compete in fortnightly Sunday games against other associations, with training sessions on alternate weeks.

Rookies Cup – Zooka (February to March)
The Rookies Cup is an entry point for younger players into representative baseball for League Ages 8 – 10. The program focuses on player development and preparation for higher levels of competition, culminating in a one-day machine pitch (Zooka) tournament.

All Stars – State Championships (February to April)
The All Stars program features Manly’s elite teams competing for State Championships, with the potential to qualify for National Championships in June / July. This highly competitive program emphasises skill development, teamwork and high-level competition.

All Girls Teams
The All Girls Team programs are an exciting and growing part of MWDBA’s commitment to our young female athletes. These teams provide opportunities for young female players to compete in representative baseball in a supportive and empowering environment. Programs and tournaments include the Gaynor Cup, Girls U15 State Championship and other initiatives designed to foster skill development, teamwork and a love for the game.

Key Features of Representative Programs

  • Skill Development: The focus of the programs is on improving individual skills, teamwork and competitive readiness.
  • Teamwork and Camaraderie: Representative baseball emphasises not only competition, but also building strong team culture and lifelong friendships.
  • Growth and Resilience: The competitive nature of representative baseball provides valuable opportunities for young players to build resilience, perseverance and personal growth in the face of challenges, developing skills that will help them in all areas of life.

To understand the expectations for players, parents and coaches in the Junior Representative Program, please visit the following dedicated pages:

Association & Sydney Cup Programs

Overview
The Sydney Cup and Association Cup Programs offer exciting opportunities for players to represent MWDBA at different levels of competition. Sydney Cup is the highest level of play, designed for the most skilled players. Association Cup provides an additional pathway for a broader group of players to train, develop and compete at a representative level. Both programs focus on player development, teamwork and competitive readiness, with fortnightly games against other Sydney area clubs.

Program Details
MWDBA will be entering teams in the following Baseball NSW events:

  • Sydney Cup: U12, U14, and U16 divisions, for higher-skilled players.
  • Association Cup: U12 and U14 divisions, providing developmental opportunities for a broader group of representative-level players.

Both programs allow players to experience high-level competition while focusing on skill development and teamwork.

Format & Game Schedule
Both programs follow a five-round regular season format with home-and-away games, offering players consistent opportunities to compete and develop their skills. Games are held roughly every second Sunday from mid-September to late-November.

  • Regular Season Schedule
    • Sydney Cup: 14 Sep, 28 Sep, 12 Oct, 26 Oct, 9 Nov
    • Association Cup: 21 Sep, 28 Sep, 19 Oct, 2 Nov, 16 Nov
  • Finals Rounds (for successful teams)
      • Semi-Finals: 23 November 2025 @ Location TBD.
      • Finals: 30 November 2025 @ Location TBD.
  • Locations: Games will be played at various locations across Sydney.

Trainings

  • Training will occur on alternate Sundays and one weekday.
  • Training location is TBD.

Costs and Registration

  • Cost: $300 per player for Sydney Cup and Association Cup teams, which includes training sessions and specialist coaching.
  • Additional Items: Players will need to purchase a Manly Rep Helmet.
  • Active Kids Vouchers: Vouchers not already used this year can be applied to this program.

Trials and Selection

  • Trial Dates:
    • U14s and U16s (Junior & Senior Leagues): 8.30-11.30am, Sat 16 Aug.
    • U12s (Minors. & Majors): 8.30-11.30am, Sun 17 Aug.
    • Note: Please attend the assigned day and time for your age / league level. If you cannot, contact the Reps Coordinator for permission to attend on the other trial day at repcoordinator@manlybaseball.com.au
  • Location: Rat Park (North Narrabeen Reserve), Warriewood.
  • Eligibility:
    • Players must be league age 10 to 16 this season.
    • Players must not wear Manly Representative, Club or Travel Baseball gear during trials. Instead, plain caps or MLB caps are recommended, along with baseball pants, shirts, belts and cleats.
    • Players unable to attend trials due to conflicts should contact the organisers to discuss alternate arrangements.

Rookies Cup Program

Overview
The Rookies Cup Program is a fantastic entry point to representative baseball for young players. It provides a supportive environment to develop skills, build friendships and prepare for higher levels of competition. The Rookies Cup Tournament provides a focal point for a month-long program of player development, helping participants improve their game while enjoying the experience of representative baseball.

Rookies Cup Tournament
The Rookies Cup is a one-day Zooka tournament, offering young players the chance to compete and showcase their skills. Depending on the number of skilled players and coaches available, we can enter teams in up to 4 division levels, in addition to an all girls division. 

  • Tournament Date: 22 February 2026.
  • Training: Players will be expected to attend weekly Sunday morning training sessions leading up to the tournament.
  • Age Requirements: Eligible players must have a date of birth between September 2015 and August 2017 (League Ages 9 and 10)*
    *League Age 8 players will be considered for Rookies Cup by exception only.
  • Trial Information:
    • Date & Time: Saturday 8th November, 2pm
    • Location: Rat Park, Pittwater Baseball Club
  • Registration: Regisration Form – Closes 1 November 2025

All Stars Program

Overview
The All Stars program is for MWDBA’s elite players selected to represent Manly at the State Championships. The All Stars season is centred around rigorous training and skill development in the lead up to the tournament. This highly competitive program prepares players to showcase their talents and take their game to the next level, with opportunities for both personal growth and team success. Participating players are expected to bring their best to every session and game, maintain a positive attitude, and support their teammates.

State & National Championships
Teams only proceed to the National Championship tournament if they qualify through the State Championship. Typically the top two teams from the NSW State Championships proceed to Nationals, though an invitation may also be extended to the 3rd place team. The State Championships are held during the April school holidays, with specific locations and dates provided below as soon as that information becomes available. Players and parents should be prepared to be available for the National Championships if their team qualifies.

  • Little League Division II (LL Minors) / Little League Invitational:
    • State Championships: 7–12 April 2026 @ Blacktown International Sportspark
    • Nationals: TBD (mid-July) @ Redcliffe Baseball Club, Kippa-Ring QLD
  • Little League Division I (LL Majors):
    • State Championship: 7–12 April 2026 @ Blacktown International Sportspark
    • Nationals: TBD (early June) @ Blacktown International Sportspark
  • Intermediate League:
    • State Champs: 13–16 April 2026 @ Location TBD
    • Nationals: TBD (late-May / early-June) @ Location TBD
  • Junior League:
    • State Champs: 13–17 April 2026 @ Castle Glen & Knights Fields
    • Nationals: TBD (late-May / early-June) @ Location TBD
  • Senior League:
    • State Champs: 8–11 April 2026 @ Blacktown International Sportspark
    • Nationals: TBD (late-May) @ Geelong Baseball Centre

Teams who win their respective National Championship (other than the Little League Invitational) earn the opportunity to represent Australia at World Series competitions in the United States.

Training, Schedule & Commitment

  • Training Commitment:
    • Two mid-week training sessions.
    • Sunday mornings: Either training or a game.
  • Player Expectations:
    • Players are expected to attend all scheduled training sessions and games, arriving on time and fully prepared.
    • Commitment to the team, effort, and a focus on continual improvement are key to success in the All Stars program.
    • For detailed expectations, see the Player Expectations and Parent Expectations pages.

Trials and Selection

  • Trial Date: 7 December 2025.
  • Trial Times:
    • Minors and Majors: 8am -11am
    • IL/JL/SL: 11.30am – 2.30pm
  • Location: Rat Park, Pittwater Baseball Club
  • Age Divisions:
    • LL Minor: DOB between September 2014 and August 2016 (League Ages 10 – 11).*
      *League Age 9 players will be considered for LL Minors by exception only
    • LL Major: DOB between September 2013 and August 2016 (League Ages 10 – 12).
    • Intermediate League: DOB between September 2012 and August 2015 (League Ages 11 – 13).
    • Junior League: DOB between September 2011 and August 2014 (League Ages 12 – 14).
    • Senior League: DOB between September 2009 and August 2013 (League Ages 13 – 16).
  • Registration: Registration Form – Closes 1 November 2025
    • Players must nominate for a specific Age Division
    • Players must be available for the state championship tournament dates for the age division they nominate (during the April school holidays).

Costs and Registration

  • Cost: $250 – $300 per player, which includes training sessions and specialist coaching.
  • Additional Items: TBD.
  • Active Kids Vouchers: Vouchers not already used this year can be applied to this program.

National Championship Costs (For Qualifying Teams Only)

  • Travel & Accommodation: Approximately $3,000 per player regardless of tournament location. Baseball Australia assesses the same amount to all players, regardless of where the tournament is held and where players are traveling from.
  • Players stay in accommodation with their team and coaches for the duration of the tournament.
  • The Rep Committee and parents typically endeavour to raise funds to defer a portion of these costs for players, however this varies by team and season.

All Girls Teams

Overview
The All Girls Team programs are an exciting and growing part of MWDBA’s commitment to our female athletes. These teams provide players with opportunities to compete, develop their skills at a representative level, and enjoy the camaraderie of playing in girls-only squads. Recently introduced teams and programs have shown the value of providing dedicated pathways for female athletes.

Girls Rookies Cup

In recent years there has been an all girls competition at Rookies Cup and Manly-Warringah Baseball has entered a team. Girls interested in playing should register and trial through the general Rookies Cup Trial process (details above).

Gaynor Cup Team

The Gaynor Cup Team offers an exciting opportunity for young female players to compete in the Baseball NSW girls representative competition. This team focuses on development and competition while building camaraderie among players. 

All registered players will be included in a Girls-Only Training Squad, providing opportunities to improve skills and bond as a team. A Competition Squad will be selected each fortnight to participate in games held every other Sunday.

Format & Game Schedule
A five-round regular season format with home-and-away games, offering players consistent opportunities to compete and develop their skills.

  • Regular Season Schedule: 2 Nov, 16 Nov & 30 Nov 2025, 18 Jan 2026
  • Finals Schedule (for successful teams)
    • Semi-Finals: 15 Feb 2026
    • Finals: 1 Mar 2026
  • Locations: Games will be played at various locations across Sydney.

Trainings

  • Training will occur on alternate Sundays and one weekday.
  • Trainings will be held at Rat Park, Warriewood.

Trials and Selection

  • Trial Dates:
    • TBD: 8.30-11.30am, determining between Sat 9 Aug, Sat 16 Aug or Sun 17 Aug.
  • Location: TBD.
  • Age Eligibility: There will be one U15s team, in which eligible players must have a date of birth between September 2010 and August 2014 (League Ages 12 – 15)

Girls U13 State Championship

The Girls U13 State Championship team offers an incredible opportunity for young female players to represent Manly and compete at a high level.

  • Tournament Date: TBD (expected 24-26 January 2026).
  • Training Commitment: Mid-week training sessions and alternate Sunday mornings.
  • Trial Information: TBD
  • Age Requirements: DOB between September 2012 and August 2016 (League Ages 10 – 13).
  • Eligibility: Players not already part of the U15 Gaynor Cup team are welcome to trial.