The London Mets Baseball and Softball Club, based in Finsbury Park, have hired a former head coach of the Great British and South African senior men’s softball teams as their under-16s coach for the upcoming season.
South African Colin Barrett will take charge of the highly international “Junior” Mets, which boast players from Japan, the United States, the Dominican Republic and continental Europe.
Following his experience playing at two softball World Cups and head coaching the under-12 South African baseball team that competed at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships in Taiwan, Mr Barrett hopes his background playing and coaching the game in many different countries will help him connect with his players.
“I want to give back everything I’ve learned playing and coaching the sport around the world at the highest level,” he said.
Mr Barrett, 51, will be working closely with the Mets’ youth director, Stuart Stanley, who is delighted to have him on board: “Colin is going to bring a wealth of coaching experience, especially with young people. He’s someone we know can show leadership to the kids and be a role model.”
Mr Stanley also believes that Mr Barrett is a good personal fit for the organisation: “He shares the ethos of the Mets club and the youth programme which is creating a worthwhile and positive experience for the players in learning, developing, having fun and competing.
“We want the kids to have fun but we want them to work hard, too. Colin provides the perfect mix [to lead the youth team],” Mr Stanley said.
When offered the position, Mr Barrett said he “jumped at the opportunity to give back to the sport that I love.”
He explained that the Mets remind him of the club he used to coach in South Africa and is looking forward to experiencing the “family vibe of going to the ballpark on the weekend, seeing everybody happy, smiley and playing ball”.
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