July 17, 2026
By: Greater Des Moines Partnership
Musco Youth Sports Exchange Welcomes China Softball Team to Oskaloosa
The Musco Youth Sports Exchange is underway with a group of 13-and-under softball players from Shanghai, China. They’ve been in Iowa since Friday, July 10, 2026 for unforgettable experiences that highlight how sports bring people together, create lasting friendships and bridge cultures.
Now in its second year, the program connects young athletes from different countries through competition, community activities and shared experiences, helping them build relationships that reach far beyond the playing field. The exchange began in 2025 when players from Oskaloosa, Iowa, traveled to Shanghai. This exchange continues to grow as an opportunity to promote cross-cultural understanding through youth sports.
![girl enjoying a softball game]()
Creating Connections Through the Musco Youth Sports Exchange
The Musco Youth Sports Exchange was hosted in three locations, including Fareway Fields in Norwalk, the Field of Dreams in Dyersville and at the Lacey Recreation Complex in Oskaloosa. The program's participation included 87 softball players ages 11-14, with 19 Musco Team Members having a daughter on one of the teams and four Musco Team Members also coaching. Other fun stats? Eleven Chinese players are a part of the Musco Youth Sports Exchange and four Oksaloosa area teams played as part of the program.
“Sports connect all nations and softball builds a bridge of friendship. A small softball serves as a universal language that crosses borders and gaps. The teamwork and perseverance on the field are the most sincere way of communication between teenagers of China and the United States. Two years ago, the first exchange game built a platform for teenagers of our two countries to make friends through sports. Today, we meet again, for fierce but friendly competition, continuous youthful friendship and mutual exchange of sports cultures between Chinese and American teenagers.” - Shanghai Sports Bureau Jun Yang
![Iowa Cubs game]()
The Musco Youth Sports Exchange attends an I-Cubs game.
2026 Program Highlights
The Musco Youth Sports Exchange program has included a number of fun events for participants, including an Iowa Cubs game where girls were recognized on the field, participated in the ceremonial first pitch and took part in several in-game activities.
![Michele Smith Softball Clinic]()
ESPN Commentator and Olumpian Michele Smith
China and Iowa girls also took part in a softball clinic led by ESPN Commentator and two-time medal-winning Olympian Michele Smith. During the clinic, Smith shared an inspiring message centered on leadership, perseverance and personal growth.
![William Penn Softball Field]()
William Penn Softball Field
At the Opening Ceremony, Smith said, “My hope is that every athlete, regardless of the level they compete at, understands that the true value of sports isn’t measured by trophies or medals. It’s measured by the character you develop, the people whose lives you touch and the relationships you build along the way.”
Other highlights included playing under the lights at the new William Penn softball field and experiencing the Field of Dreams with a local Dyersville team. And that's not all — participants in the Musco Youth Sports Exchange will attend a Chicago Cubs game on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Read the full press release here, or find more information on Musco at musco.com.
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