Sessions around the Region
Please contact the teams directly as these sessions may be superceded by league fixtures taking place on the days below.
Tuesdays
6-8pm - Henry Cort School - Solent Oddballs
Wednesdays
6-8pm - Oaklands Park - Chichester Falcons (Adult Slowpitch)
6-8pm - Tangier Field - Portsmouth Pirates and Solent Seals
6-8pm - Hunts Pond Road - Vikings Softball
6-8pm - Wide Lane Sports Fields - Southampton Spitfires and Hurricanes
6-8pm - Testlands Hub - Redbridge Raiders
Thursdays JUniors (12-16 y/o)
6-8pm - Oaklands Park - Chichester Falcons (Fastpitch) - Starting May 9th
Saturdays Little League (8-12 y/o)
10:30am-1:30pm - Oaklands Park - Chichester Falcons (Baseball) - Starting May 17th
Sundays
10am-12pm - Hunts Pond Road - Vikings Softball
11am-1pm - Tangier Field - Portsmouth Pirates
What is Softball?
Co-ed slowpitch softball is a recreational, social and enjoyable game that's easy to learn and play, even for people who are not “athletes” or don't have much experience of team sports – and the game offers particular opportunities for women.
It's a lot like baseball in terms of the rules, but because the ball is pitched slowly to each batter (as the name implies!), it's easy to hit the ball and succeed at the sport's central skill. The fact that men and women play together in the same team and on an equal level gives the sport a social buzz.
We welcome anybody that wishes to give softball a try and actively recruit all year round. The league runs free taster sessions at the beginning of the year allowing you to give it a go. There is often a development team headed by a qualified coach, preparing novices to join a competitive team the following year.
Alternatively, all SSL league teams are happy to include any new players into practices, and should a new player want to join the league, teams will happily add new players to their roster at any point in the year.
We are always happy to accommodate any new teams to the league also. If you have a works team that would like to compete in the league, just contact us and we will happily discuss it with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve never played/even heard of Softball before. Can I still join?
Most players joining softball teams have never played the game before, and most don’t know the rules. The game is very simple to understand, and with our coaching and training sessions, you will pick up the game in no time.
What do I need to wear?
Sports attire is recommended, as are comfortable trainers. Studded boots can be used on some fields, but generally aren’t needed. We are a summer sport, but judge the weather accordingly; chillier days will necessitate jumpers or hoodies, hot summer days require caps and sunglasses (and sun cream).
What about a fielding glove? Do I need to buy one?
We provide fielding gloves for all new players for training and practice. Most, if not all, players eventually buy a personal glove as they get hooked on the sport. We can point you in the right direction if you want to purchase your own, as prices vary wildly, and baseball gloves may not be suitable for larger softballs. Check out the links section of this website for our recommended retailers. As a note to remember, in softball, you wear the fielding glove on the opposite hand to which you throw the ball. Right handed players wear gloves on their left hand and vice versa.
When and where is practice?
Practice and training generally take place on Sunday mornings at the various locations above. Some teams may also train during the week. The league is made up of a wide range of people, many with families and various other commitments. All teams are flexible when it comes to getting the most out of their spare time, the evening light, and the weather.
How much does all this cost?
The league and governing body each have registration fees as well as compulsory insurance. The team may also have to pay to use a pitch in the area. There are nominal game-days fee to pay umpiring staff, who usually donate this fee to our designated charity. Each team is free to set its own annual subscriptions, so you will have to contact the team captain to get more information. However, the fees are shared between the players, so the more players a team has, the cheaper it should be for everyone.
When is does the season start and end?
Softball is seasonal, so the season starts when the weather starts to get sunnier and the evenings get lighter. Since most teams play at a Tangier Field in Portsmouth, which only opens on April 1st, the league season kicks off in April. Expect to see league-wide taster sessions running at this time of year.
Want to dive a little deeper and extend your knowledge? Take a look at the Softball Explained series of videos below.