Coaching and umpiring courses strengthen baseball and softball on St. Maarten

GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Sports Federation (SMSF), in collaboration with the St. Maarten Baseball & Softball Federation (SMBSF), the Koninklijke Nederlandse Baseball en Softball Bond (KNBSB), and the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), hosted a three-day Coaches Training Course and Umpires/Officials Course from July 4 to 6, 2025.

The program, certified by the KNBSB, was organized to provide practical training and international certification to local coaches and officials, helping to strengthen sport development through skill-building and standardization.

A total of 40 participants attended the training: 30 from St. Maarten, 6 from Saba, and 4 from Statia, representing clubs and leagues such as SUSA, Pelican League, and Little League.

Participants were trained by experienced instructors from the Kingdom of the Netherlands:

• Ben Thijssen, Trainer/Coach for Team Kingdom of the Netherlands and Academy Manager in Curaçao

• Randolph Oduber, Trainer/Coach for the Netherlands U18 team and Academy Manager in Aruba

• Marwin Kleinmoedig, international umpire and educator from the Netherlands

• Giovanni Meulens, international umpire and educator from Aruba

Stefaan Eskes, Director of KNBSB, visited the island as part of the initiative. He joined a site visit of the John Cooper Jose Lake Sr. Ballpark and expressed his appreciation for the work being done to improve facilities, stating that NSI has built “one of the best batting cages in the Kingdom.” Eskes also participated in a meeting with the Sports Tripartite — comprising SMSF, NSI, and the Department of Sports — to discuss joint opportunities and ways to strengthen cooperation between the islands and the Netherlands.

On the eve of the training, coaches observed the St. Maarten Little League youth selection teams as they prepared for the upcoming regional championship. Throughout the weekend, trainers connected with local coaches, met players, and attended Pelican League games to get a deeper sense of the baseball culture on the island. They stressed the importance of staying engaged with developing athletes, noting that talented players from St. Maarten and the region have the potential to represent the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the future.

In parallel, discussions are ongoing between SMBSF, NSI, and KNBSB about potential upgrades to the John Cooper Jose Lake Sr. Ballpark to bring it in line with international specifications — a development seen as vital for the next phase of local sports growth.

Naomi Korstanje, President of the SMSF, said: “This initiative is a clear example of SMSF’s commitment to strengthening our member federations through regional and international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building. By investing in our coaches, trainers, and officials, we are investing in the future of sport on our island. This training also contributes to our ongoing work to build and maintain a comprehensive national Coaches & Sports Professionals Database, ensuring quality standards, safeguarding, and sustainable athlete development.”

Natasha Richardson, President of the SMBSF, added: “This training was a milestone for our baseball and softball community. It not only empowered officials and coaches with new skills but also strengthened ties across the Kingdom. We are proud to see this level of dedication and to keep raising the standard together.”

This effort represents a larger step toward improving the structure and quality of baseball and softball across the Dutch Caribbean. Follow-up Level 2 and Level 3 courses are already under consideration to continue this momentum.

SMSF and SMBSF expressed their thanks to all involved, including the Department of Sports for providing use of the Government Building conference rooms and the St. Maarten Little League Association for use of the field. They also acknowledged the support of DR Catering, Carl’s and Sons Unique Bakery, and the many volunteers who made the weekend possible.

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