LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – BaseballSoftballUK (BSUK) is delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Bazeley OBE as the new Chair of the organisation. Matt officially took up the role yesterday, 24 February 2025, when he was appointed at the BSUK General Meeting. He succeeds Phil Veasey, who has served with distinction over the past three years.

Matt Bazeley brings a wealth of experience to British baseball and softball, having had a highly successful and distinguished 30-year career in the Armed Forces. Often working alongside US forces, his leadership roles have included service in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, across Africa, and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, Matt has been serving as the Chief Executive of the Civil Service Sports Council, where he has been instrumental in driving strategic growth, governance change and enhancing member engagement.

Commenting on his appointment, Matt said: "I am honoured to join BSUK as Chair. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and the wider baseball and softball community to continue the development and promotion of these fantastic sports across the UK."

 BSUK CEO John Boyd added: "We are thrilled to welcome Matt as our new Chair. His extensive experience in leadership and strategic development will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our sports towards and beyond 2028."

Two further directors were also appointed to the BSUK Board following nomination by the British Baseball Federation – Richard Evans and Oona Ylinen. Paul Convoy stood down from the BSUK Board after three and a quarter years of service, in favour of the two new directors from baseball.

Richard is celebrating his 10th year of involvement in British Baseball. Elected as the NGB's President in November 2024, he joined the BBF board as Marketing and Communications official in 2022. He joined Bristol Baseball Club in 2015 and was club chairman for five years from 2016.

Oona was elected BBF's Treasurer at the 2023 AGM. She has been playing for 9 years since discovering baseball at university. She has played for a variety of clubs spanning from Norwich to Guildford and is currently playing with Essex Archers at AA and Belles Baseball in the WBL as well as representing Great Britain with the Women's Senior National Team.

Evans commented, “We firmly believe that with the proper relationship now in place and by working closely with BSUK and the British Softball Federation, we can make a valuable contribution to push the sport forward both domestically and on the international stage."

 "We already work closely with both BSUK and BSF so it is only right we formalise the relationship as a first step towards one organisation that will allow us to do more for both sports - from the grassroots up to the elite programmes," added Ylinen.

Board appointments to BSUK are made on two-year terms, up to six years.

All three members were approved by the current board unanimously, as well as BaseballSoftballUK’s members, the British Baseball Federation and the British Softball Federation.

The BBF returned as a member of BaseballSoftballUK to conclude Monday’s board meeting.

Please join us in welcoming Matt Bazeley, Richard Evans and Oona Ylinen to the leadership of British baseball and softball, and thanking Phil Veasey and Paul Convoy for their service to the sports.