TWO Ipswich athletes have earned national selection to represent Australia at the NSL Nations Cup in the Netherlands this July, marking a major milestone for the emerging sport of speedsoft.
The pair, William McAlinden and Cody Adams, are among seven players chosen for Team Australia, which will take on the world’s best in the fast-paced, tactical 5v5 skirmish competition.
Speedsoft, often compared to paintball for its energy and pace, combines strategy, physical endurance, reflexes and precision in a sport that’s rapidly gaining international attention.
Both local players got their start at Hardcore Blasters, an indoor gel blaster venue in Camira that opened in 2019.
Originally playing casually, they quickly progressed through the ranks and now stand on the brink of competing on a global stage.
Hardcore Blasters has since become a training ground for Australia’s top speedsoft players and is now an official sponsor of Team Australia.
“It’s incredible to see how far they’ve come,” a spokesperson for Hardcore Blasters said.
“To think it started with casual weekend games and now they’re representing the nation – it’s a proud moment for Ipswich.”
Queensland remains the only state in Australia where gel blasters can be legally owned for recreational use, making it the heartland of competitive speedsoft in the country.
However, in line with international competition rules, Team Australia will use airsoft replicas in the Netherlands – equipment known for its increased accuracy and velocity.
The NSL Nations Cup is the pinnacle of speedsoft competition, bringing together elite teams from around the world. Team USA won last year’s event, while Australia finished in a respectable fifth place. This year, the Australian team is hoping to break into the top three.
The full tournament will be streamed live on YouTube, allowing local fans to follow the action and support their hometown representatives.
Team Australia is currently seeking additional sponsors to assist with costs including travel, uniforms, equipment, and tournament fees. Interested businesses are encouraged to reach out via the team’s official Instagram page: @teamaustralia.nsl.
The team will depart for the Netherlands on July 12.
