Press Release
Partnership Curaçao Baseball Federation and UStudy Sports
On September 1st, 2021, FEBEKO, the national Curacao Baseball Federation, and UStudy Sports entered into a unique partnership to give all youth players the opportunity to further their baseball development in the United States while advancing their studies.
This collaboration means that UStudy will become an integral partner in the development, promotion and providing opportunities and experiences that allow individual players across Curacao to maximize their potential to become tomorrow’s leaders in the game while keeping an eye on their personal development. It extends from the National Team to grass root initiatives such as local camps and showcases.
UStudy offers players advice, provides expertise and enhances the relationship between amateur and professional baseball in the US. The Federation’s objective is to create and develop a long-term student-athlete development program and encourages all players on the island to make use of this partnership.
Any player over the age of 15 on Curacao who would like to know his options in the US and enrolls in this “Go USA Get Recruited Program” will provide video material and stats to UStudy. The player will then receive a list of coaches in the US who would like to get in touch with him to discuss a place on their team.
The Curacao Baseball Federation will provide its own baseball advice and vision to the player for the most appropriate options. The costs for participating in the program are 750 euros incl. VAT. If the player wishes, UStudy can also support the player with the next steps – helping with the school application in the US, securing a visa, etc. Curacao players in this program will also receive a discount on this support package.
Another UStudy program that could benefit some Curacao players is the PIE Academy which provides online American education with personal guidance and support. Through the PIE Academy players may obtain a US high school or college diploma while playing professionally in the US or may increase their GPA for NCAA academic eligibility, if needed.
This unique collaboration is in line with FEBEKO’s own development in the further professionalization of youth players and supporting them in their ambition to fulfill their American dream. By engaging with UStudy, the Federation can provide players and parents with expert information about the many baseball and academic opportunities in the US, funding options, NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA eligibility, etc. The Curacao Baseball Federation will therefore offer its own international development program, a unique commodity in the Caribbean region.
Jedrek Magdalena, the Federation President, is pleased with the collaboration: “We can now offer all Curacao players increased opportunities for a fruitful dual career in baseball and academics in the US. UStudy Sports has been successful in advising and placing youth players in the US for over 16 years and with their vast knowledge, experience and network in the US they can serve all interested youth players.”
The initial duration of the partnership will be three years. UStudy will regularly offer an information webinar especially for players and parents on the island. Cooperation in other areas is currently under discussion, such as participating with a dedicated UStudy Curacao team in showcases and tournaments in the US.
If you would like more information or want to sign up for the Go USA Get Recruited Program, please contact Marina Meijer, Director at UStudy. Email: marina@ustudy.nl, Phone +1 778 723 2973, WhatsApp +31 6 1416 2972.
For information about Curacao Baseball Federation visit http://baseballcuracao.com
For information about UStudy Sports visit https://ustudysports.world
For information about PIE Academy visit https://www.pieacademy.org/pre-college-courses
