MIchigan Awarded 2016 ISF Junior Men’s World Championship

The International Softball Federation (ISF) has announced today that Midland, Michigan will host the 2016 ISF Junior Men’s World Championship following approval by the world governing body’s Board of Directors and ISF Congress Members.

It will mark the second time a World Championship has been held in Midland.

“We are excited to welcome national teams from around the world to Midland in 2016,” said tournament host committee co-chairman Jeff Servinski. “Midland has a storied history in hosting fastpitch softball events. It is our intent to build upon this legacy as we host these young, international athletes for the junior men’s world championship.”

The United States has not played host to an ISF world championship since Midland was the site of the 1996 ISF Men’s World Championship. The only other Junior Men’s World Championship in the United States took place in Fargo, N.D. in 1985. Team USA finished second falling to New Zealand 2-1 in the Championship game that year.

“We very excited to have the 2016 ISF Junior Men’s World Championships right here in our backyard,” said USA Softball Junior Men’s National Team Head Coach Tim Lyon. “Midland is a great city for men’s Fastpitch and they will do a tremendous job hosting that event.”

Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, was also awarded with the 2016 Women’s World Championship and Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada won the bid to host the 2017 Men’s World Championship on Friday.