Softball NSW is excited to note the appointments of Peter Rainer, Jamie Barrington and Tony Jackson among the set of team officials named for the 2022 Under 23 World Cup in Argentina. Peter Rainer will join Scott Sunley as an Assistant Coach, while Jamie Barrington has been named Team Manager. Tony Jackson will join the national team as Video Analyst, following his involvement in gathering video footage at the Open Men and Under 23 National Championships. 

Australia's Under 23 Men's squad for the World Cup was announced last week and featured some NSW representatives as well.

We reached out to Peter, Tony and Jamie for more on their appointments. 

What was your first reaction upon receiving the news?

Peter: I'm very excited and thrilled at the same time, and feel blessed to get the opportunity.

Jamie: I was initially quite shocked to hear about my appointment -  my phone went ballistic earlier this afternoon! It's an absolute privilege to represent Australia. 

Tony: Just over the moon to hear about my appointment! 

Since this is your first time at a Softball World Cup event, what are you looking forward to the most?

Peter: I'd attended the Junior Worlds in New Zealand a couple of years ago and recall how much tougher and significantly more professional the level of competition was. Attending a Softball World Cup event as a coach for the first time is definitely an opportunity for me to enhance pre-existing skillsets I've amassed across different levels in NSW over the years. 

Jamie: I'm looking forward to seeing all the best talents from around the world in one venue. I'm especially keen on observing how other countries receive softball as a sport. 

Tony: I've attended a couple of World Cup events as a parent and I recall how awesome the experience was - it gave me a basic idea of how it all plays out on a global level. For now, I'm looking forward to getting right into it as a video analyst, receiving and utilising enough inputs, sharing videos and playing my part in team plans and strategy.

What role has your involvement in National Championships as well as Softball NSW State Championships played in shaping you up to assist your national team behind the scenes?

Peter: Coaching the 2022 NSW Open Men's team played a pivotal role here, especially the help I received from senior players during my stint.

Jamie: Having been involved in professional sport over the last twenty years, I've been fortunate to gain a huge amount of experience in travelling with teams domestically and internationally. My role as Team Manager of the 2022 Under 18 Men's State team allowed me to better familiarise myself with the requirements specific to our sport as well.

Tony: I've keenly observed how the sport is evolving with technology, and have always taken the opportunity to jump into that area during state and national events over the years - the benefits of the same are plenty and I can't wait to use it at a global competition.

We wish Peter, Jamie and Tony and the rest of the team the very best for the World Cup.