The fledgling Bronco baseball team Northwich Majestics from Rudheath High School in Cheshire is preparing for the adventure of a lifetime when they head off to Northern Ireland from August 5-9 for a week of baseball and friendship-building with their sister team, the Portstewart Eagles.

Portstewart was the second team after Halton to offer equipment and support to Rudheath High School and were a great help when the club was being set up.

Ever since, Majestics players have been wearing Portstewart Eagles badges on their school bags and a large version of the Portstewart logo is always on show on the club's news board.

The trip will be the first foray out of England for many of the Cheshire team members, comprising mostly Year 7-9 students who joined the team as part of a transition project that Rudheath High School has with its feeder primary schools. Through being members of the team, the students have developed friendships and built confidence to carry them through the trials and tribulations of high school.

It is hoped that the trip will broaden the horizons of team members and provide motivation so that, going forward, they can develop personal goals and take on future challenges with confidence. The trip will also give the team the chance to meet and cement many of the long-distance friendships that have blossomed through this partnership.

Both teams are part of the Little League structure in the UK, which plays a significant part in this success story. The Little League ethos and motto --"Character, Courage, Loyalty" -- has inspired the players and helped them feel part of a successful yet inclusive worldwide organisation. In addition, local businesses in Northwich and Cheshire have shown their support to the team by providing funding and sponsorship, without which the trip would not have happened.

This team has also benefited immensely from sponsorship from the Majestic Athletic Corporation, which has donated equipment and uniforms.

For more information on the Northwich Majestics, please contact Ioan Said on
07904-362830 or by email.