Hi, my name is Terri McPhail, and my husband Scott and I are hoping to raise some funds to help ease the financial load of getting our daughter, Abbie McPhail, to Queensland to play in the All-Girls Nationals Baseball Tournament in July 2025. 

Abbie started her baseball journey in September 2024 playing for Essendon Baseball Club (EBC) U13 Minors. With so much love and determination for the sport, mid-season Abbie tried out for two State teams (Twins and Belles) and was so excited to be accepted into the Twins Development team. Whilst she wasn’t successful getting into Belles, (an all-girls team) she was offered a wonderful opportunity to train with them and be one of their backup players. Abbie jumped at this opportunity and trained with both State teams as well as finishing the summer season at EBC.

Over 11 consecutive weeks, Abbie attended baseball 32 times (27 training sessions and played 5 games). She enjoyed every session, loved making new friends and worked hard to improve her skills. She showed a tremendous commitment for an 11-year-old and as the State tournament got closer her training increased. Between both State teams, Abbie trained 16 times in one month, with each training session ranging from 2 to 2.5 hours, and some sessions going over time (which she absolutely loved).

Early April, both the Twins and Belles teams competed against each other at the State Tournament. The following week, Abbie commenced the winter season with EBC U13 Majors and training for the Belles team resumed at the beginning of May. A couple of days later the coaches from Belles asked Abbie to officially join the team and head to Nationals with them. To say Abbie was excited would be an understatement.

Now the planning begins. Abbie will be flying up with her team and staying with them for the entire tournament. The cost to get Abbie to the tournament (just for her and not her family) is $3000 which is paid to Baseball Victoria. This includes her flights, accommodation, food, vehicle hire, laundry and some downtime activities. We have until early October to pay this off. Abbie would appreciate any support she can get, whether it is through donations or sharing her story. Please note that donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible making your contribution even more impactful.

Abbie has many dreams with her baseball and hopes to one day make it to America to play. If the Belles are successful at Nationals, then this dream may just be around the corner!

Thank you for reading this far and for your support xx