Travel Suggestions for Entering the US for 2025 Season
Blair Setford • April 18, 2025
Travel Suggestions for Players Coming Into the US
Reminder for all out-of-region (OOR) players that they must send an email to iscfastpitch@gmail.com stating their name, their hometown, state/province and country that they currently live in along with the name of the team that they intend to play for and the ISC region of that team. The deadline for OOR player registration is June 15, 2025.
With the heightened emphasis on security at the U.S. border, the following are suggestions for teams and players to potentially smooth entry across borders.
- Flying vs driving - while potentially not as affordable, travellers may find flying from airports with U.S. pre-clearance is more convenient than crossing at a land-border.
- Using the CBP Mobile Passport Control (MPC) App to expedite clearance through U.S. customs. Available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with approved ESTA. The app is free to use and is available for both Android and Apple devices.
- Enrol in the Global Entry Program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers from selected countries upon arrival in the United States.
- The SENTRI Program provides a streamlined arrival process for international travelers coming into the U.S. from Mexico and the NEXUS program provides similar, streamlined arrivals and is available for Canadians. The wait time to successfully enrol in any of the Trusted Traveler Programs may be 12 months or more, however your SENTRI or NEXUS card is good for five years from the date you are approved.
We urge all international players to arrange required travel documentation early to avoid disappointment.
The 2025 ISC Guide is here! Featuring reigning ISC MVP Alan Peker, Hill United Chiefs, on the cover, the Guide has 150 pages of photos, stories and stats covering last year's ISC World Tournament. Fans will remember Alan's Championship Saturday performance as one of the best in ISC history as he went 6-9 with four 2-run home runs and nine RBIs to lead the Chiefs to their sixth ISC World Tournament title. There's plenty of coverage of the first international team - Sydney Tropics - to win an ISC Championship in ISC II, along with Cobourg Force's come-from-behind walk-off win in ISC Legends. You can order your copy today on the ISC Webstore for $18.50 including shipping.
At just 21 years old , Ryan Earley is already turning heads as a rising outfield talent with the STK squad heading into the 2025 season. Wearing jersey #24 , Ryan’s blend of speed, athleticism, and genuine passion for the game is hard to miss. Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand , he’s been around a ball diamond his whole life—and now, he’s gearing up for what he calls the “coolest event of his life”: his first ISC World Tournament . A Diamond From Day One Ryan’s connection to fastpitch softball started almost from birth. “I’ve been around the diamond since I can remember,” he says. “My dad and brother were both involved, so it was always part of my world. I fell in love with the game, the community, and especially the mates I’ve made along the way.” Growing up, his brother Max and his best mate Oscar were constant motivators. “They’ve always pushed me,” he says. “And of course, playing with guys like Cole Evans and Nathan Nukunuku —who also coached me—was huge for my development.” Goals for 2025 and Beyond Ryan’s goals for the upcoming season are as team-focused as they are personal. “I just want to be as impactful as I can to help the team win ,” he says. “If I can lock down a starting spot and become a go-to guy , that’s a huge win for me.” He’s focused on his mental approach at the plate , simplifying at-bats, staying in the moment, and learning from every pitch. “Confidence is everything. I’ve been guilty of putting too much pressure on myself before, so now I’m working on trusting my game.”