BASEBALL: It's a home run!

But, an American man from Portstewart is doing his best to promote the sport in the area.

Gene Powers is the man behind Portstewart Eagles, the only junior baseball team in the Province.

With over 50 kids meeting up in Flowerfield every week, Gene says that the sport is really taking off.

He told Times Sport: "It all started about 13 or 14 years ago. When I moved here my kids were 2, 4 and 6.

"I wanted to teach them baseball, as I had played it growing up as a boy in America.

"I took them to the park, and as they got older, they invited their friends along, so we decided to set up the club."

Now three of Gene's young stars have been selected for the Ireland team to play in the European Championships in Poland later this summer.

And, Gene's own son, Colin, has been called up for the Ireland development team, who will travel to Rhode Island to play teams from across America.

"Through the year we have been travelling to the South to play Little League Baseball. In the past, players from our 10 to 12 age group have competed at the European Championships. This year we decided to push the 13 to 14 year olds.

"Four players were picked originally, Ronan Hammond, Josh McCartney, Matt Campbell and Dylan Coyles, however Dylan is unable to attend due to family commitments.

"These boys travel once or twice a month to Dublin to train with the 12 other Irish players.

"My own son, Colin is part of the senior team. He attended trials earlier this year and was lucky enough to be selected for the team."

Gene added: "There is an adult baseball team in Belfast, the Belfast North Stars, we are hoping to get a link up with them, so that when our players reach 16, they can move on to them.

"We see baseball as an opportunity for kids, from any religious or ethnic background, to play and work together in teamwork, discipline, respect and good sportsmanship. "

Portstewart Eagles train three nights per week - Tuesday, 6 to 9 year olds; Wednesday, 10 to 12 year olds and Thursdays for children aged 13+. For more information visit the website at www.eteamz.com/portstewarteagles.

STORY: Nichola Forgrave