The WBSC Academy concept was presented to the Executive Board in August, when it received approval.

The platform is set to help athletes, coaches, officials and federations with educational sessions on various topics related to baseball, softball and Baseball5.

Courses initially will be open to WBSC-registered affiliates, who will have access to all content, learning courses and sessions available on the platform.

"This new online learning platform adds another powerful tool to further develop our sport globally, particularly in new and emerging baseball/softball territories," WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari said.

"Whilst the pandemic has accelerated our need to create online e-learning tools for our Member Federations, the WBSC Academy is also part of our goal to reduce our carbon footprint across all of our activities.

"It is also important that we continue adapting to the new norm and that we find new ways to support our community at a time when COVID-19 continues to restrict peoples’ movements.

"I want to thank all the WBSC Commissions and staff involved in developing this useful tool for their continuous efforts to add value for our Member Federations, so together we can continue to evolve and globalise our sport, even under challenging circumstances."

Courses will be led by specialists in each subject, with the WBSC saying they will serve as a platform for the transfer of knowledge, expert training and sharing of technical advice.

The WBSC hopes the online courses will help to provide the development tools necessary to further expand the sports’ popularity and practice in both traditional and emerging countries.

The first online courses in November cover Baseball5, coaches and baseball for the blind.

Dates for webinars on baseball and softball courses for technical commissioners, baseball umpiring, softball umpiring and scoring, will be announced at a later stage.

Anti-doping, safeguarding, communications and administration support for WBSC members will be covered by upcoming courses.