FREEPORT — For years, Freeport has welcomed numerous international baseball teams for friendly competition.

Russian softball will be added to the list this summer and the girls will soak in a few American experiences off the diamond while they’re at it.

Dave Brestensky, a board member for the Freeport International Baseball Invitational, came across the opportunity while seeking for a baseball team in Russia.

The wheels were soon set in motion for what turned out to be an extensive process.

“That was way back in October,” Brestensky said. “It’s been quite an ordeal, especially for Russia.”

After some difficulty making the visit come to fruition, the Russian teams are set to visit in two separate waves.

Two groups arrive later this month, before two more start play July 20 and continue throughout the Freeport International Baseball Invitational slated for July 22-27.

The first day of softball for the Russians will take place at Swartz Memorial Field on Saturday, June 22 with five games starting at 10 a.m.

Russia will have 22 under-13 girls split into two different teams, along with an under-18 squad with 15 members.

Larry Meta, an assistant for Freeport High School softball who also coaches a summer travel squad, put together a team to play the under-18 Russians.

It will feature many players from the Freeport High team, along with a handful from other schools. His travel team will also offer competition.

“Nobody cares about winning. We’re just playing to have fun,” said Meta. “They’re really excited to play kids from another country.”

Although nothing is finalized, Meta mentioned the possibility of mixing the teams so the girls not only play against the Russians, but also with them.

“I think it’s going to be a great experience for these girls, no doubt about it,” he said.

Softball will only be part of the fun for the visitors.

The June 22 event at Swartz will double as a fundraiser to send the foreigners to Kennywood Amusement Park.

“The biggest thing that they wanted to do is ride an American roller coaster,” chuckled Brestensky. “That’s the honest to God truth.”

Kennywood isn’t the only perk of the trip, though.

Brestensky’s sister, Renee, called the Pittsburgh Pirates to inquire about bringing the girls to PNC Park. The Bucs obliged with 40 tickets to the July 2 contest against the Philadelphia Phillies.

“They were more than willing to help us out,” said Brestensky of the Pirates.

The Russians will also receive pointers from the Penn State New Kensington softball team.

“That’s a plus,” said Brestensky. “They would like to watch a few softball games and find out where their weakest points are and then they’re going to set this clinic up and concentrate on those weak spots for them.”

Although the trip is approaching, ironing out logistics took plenty of time and effort from both sides since it was initially proposed in October.

“They had to actually go to give interviews in Moscow — all the kids and everything— once they decided to come here,” Brestensky explained. “We’ve had to write tons of letters for the kids.”

Once the girls cleared the proper hurdles for permission, paying for the trip was another issue.

“They had to do some fundraising and they got sponsors and everything else,” Brestensky said. “It’s pretty tough for them.”

Maintaining communication throughout the process presented challenges, as well.

“There’s been a language barrier since the first email,” said Brestensky with a laugh. “There’s several different meanings for different words. They’ve been thinking we’re talking about one thing and we’re talking about another thing.”

But the frustration was soothed by some members of the community who were familiar with the Russian language. The teams will bring an interpreter with them for the journey.

“We’re hoping it’s going to be a really positive experience. We have several area teams here that want to play them,” said Brestensky. “They wanted a taste of everything America provides. ... It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for these girls.”