Joseph Partridge, an under-16 football player from Ilminster Town, is taking a new athletic direction after being selected for both the under-16 and under-18 Great Britain Fastpitch Softball squads. This young Somerset athlete transitioned from football boots to softball spikes following his standout performance at national trials held in Cardiff last November.
Partridge secured a place in the provisional squad of 24 players for each age category, positioning himself for potential participation in the upcoming European Championships in Czechia this June. His dedication to the sport was further showcased last weekend when he joined a UK-based team competing in an indoor softball tournament in Prague.
Facing off against national-level players, the team used the tournament as a crucial part of their preparation for the summer championships. Looking ahead, Partridge and his teammates are scheduled to participate in additional training sessions and tournaments at the National Baseball and Softball Complex at Farnham Park, Berkshire, as they sharpen their skills for the challenges ahead.