Become a Member of the Full Count Girls LEAD NIKE RBI Youth Academy today and receive updates on all our upcoming youth programs. Your child will also be eligible for free enrollment in the Short Hops Kids Club and the Rip City Kids Club, and your family will be eligible to receive a free subscription to MLB.tv for the season!
For more than 20 years, Friends of Baseball has used the power of sports to create opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and thrive. Along the way, we have witnessed firsthand the growing demand for meaningful opportunities specifically designed for girls.
Friends of Softball represents the next chapter of our commitment to serving girls and young women throughout our community. Building upon the success of our Girls LEAD program, Friends of Softball will serve as the home for all softball-related programming, partnerships, events, and leadership initiatives under the Friends of Baseball umbrella.
What began as a small effort to increase participation and access for girls has grown into a comprehensive initiative that now reaches hundreds of young people each year through camps, clinics, mentorship opportunities, leadership development, career exposure, and competitive softball experiences.
At Friends of Softball, our vision extends beyond the field. We believe softball can be a powerful tool for building confidence, developing leadership skills, creating lasting relationships, and inspiring young women to pursue their goals both in sport and in life.
We will continue to expand opportunities for girls through:
• Girls LEAD Camps and Clinics
• Softball Skill Development Programs
• MLB Nike RBI Softball Opportunities
• Leadership and Mentorship Experiences
• Career Exposure and Workforce Development Pathways
• Community Engagement Events
• Partnerships with Schools, Community Organizations, and Professional Softball Programs
The launch of Friends of Softball comes at an exciting time for women's sports. As participation and visibility continue to grow nationwide, we are committed to ensuring that girls in our community have access to the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Most importantly, Friends of Softball is about creating a place where every girl feels seen, supported, and empowered to become the best version of herself.
Together, we are building more than athletes—we are developing confident leaders, engaged students, and future changemakers.
Welcome to Friends of Softball.
EVENTS
Play Softball Portland
Play Softball Portland is a free community event designed to introduce girls to the game of softball in a fun, welcoming, and empowering environment. Hosted by Friends of Softball in partnership with Major League Baseball’s PLAY BALL initiative, the Seattle Mariners, and the Portland Cascade, the event provides girls ages 5–12 an opportunity to learn fundamental skills, build confidence, and connect with positive role models through sport.
More than just a clinic, Play Softball Portland serves as an entry point into a broader pathway of opportunities for girls. Participants are introduced to local programs, mentors, and resources that help them stay active, build friendships, and continue their development both on and off the field. By removing barriers to participation and creating positive first experiences, Play Softball Portland is helping inspire the next generation of players, leaders, and changemakers.
No experience required. No equipment needed. Just come ready to play.
Want to bring Full Count RBI to your school or organization? Contact info@friendsofbaseball.org
