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, and most softball games are followed by sessions at the local pub!
But there is also a competitive side to the sport, with serious tournaments and national championships, and there is a Great Britain Co-ed Slowpitch National Team that has won ten straight European Championships.
There are softball leagues and teams in major cities and town throughout England and also in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. League play tends to be on weekday evenings after work during the summer, and there are weekend tournaments for keener teams. During the winter, many leagues run indoor taster sessions, training sessions and tournaments. Most leagues run beginner sessions and offer coaching to help people learn to play and find a team, and many of the activities listed below are designed for that purpose.