“We believe in improving the quality of people’s lives, both physically and socially, by enabling them to play the sport we love in a friendly and inclusive environment “
Here at the Swindon Softball League we see the capacity of softball to bring people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and abilities together.
Softball provides a new way to get exercise and learn new skills, to take part in competitive sports, to join a team and compete with your friends and family. There are even opportunities to learn leadership skills through captaining and coaching; and if you like umpiring, we need those too!
Through the Swindon Softball League, people meet new friends and become a valued member of a team and local community. You can even start your own team if you want! Create a team for your group of friends, work colleagues, or neighbours – we will make it fit, no matter your experience level.
Softballers love to introduce new people to their sport; to help people learn where to stand and when to run … and we all love to see you get your first big hit! The League reserves the right to not feel guilty if softball becomes your new obsession!
But you don’t have to take our word for it! You can check out this great Buzfeed article and see what some of our league members think about softball below:
What do you enjoy most about softball?
“Softball and SSL have met all my sporting needs and much, much more. I have fallen in love with a sport, that includes a wide diversity of people, keeps me fit and active and gets me out in the fresh air and sunshine.”
“The people”
“Weekend tournaments”
“Softball has introduced me to an amazing group of likeminded people, who enjoy the competitive nature of the sport and helped build some great friendships too.”
“It’s playing catch with special rules!”
“What I enjoy most about Softball is the social aspect. But I also enjoy the sporty aspect and how it keeps me fit even at my age, and it is something that I’ve done for a very long time.”
“I enjoy the fitness it gives me and of course the social aspect of the game and training. Playing together with all my friends.”
“The sociability of it and the fact I can be having fun while also staying fit and being active!”
“What I enjoy most about softball is the atmosphere and people I play with. The rush of smashing the ball out or getting an amazing catch.”
“I enjoy the encouragement and support we give to each other and the knowledge passed down to help us learn the game. With this I’m now enjoying it more with what I know”
“Playing softball is like stepping onto a stage, waiting for the moment to deliver a splendid performance”
“What I enjoy most about softball. It’s one of a few sports that men and women of all ages and abilities can play together, and that makes it a great social sport.”
“I really enjoy softball for the exercise, doing something out of my comfort zone, meeting new people and helping new people when they start!”
“It’s a fun competitive sport where you can build great friendships. Nothing beats the sound of making perfect contact on the bat or the ball hitting your glove.”
“It is the best active meditation ever! You can’t think about work, or kids, or other life stresses whilst playing softball. It’s the epitome of ‘getting away from it all’ for me. Plus I have made some amazing friends!”
What is the best thing about the Swindon Softball League?
“The competitive and open league at all levels”
“It provides a fun and supportive environment to learn a new sport”
“You can challenge yourself in the game and feel supported by the great people around you. We are able to learn and develop the skills to progress to higher levels of softball”
“The people”
“The best thing about the Swindon Softball league is that it’s inclusive, organised, passionate about the sport and with very kind and willing people that are happy to give their time and effort to those that want to learn.”
“It’s a whole community of different people”
“How we have grown and are growing and the friendships we have formed on and off the pitch”
“The best thing about the Swindon Softball League is definitely the people. They are so welcoming, supportive and fun.”
“I love how welcoming everyone has been since day one, from meeting me at the gate so I didn’t have to go in on my own, to people constantly stopping their own game to offer tips/ tricks and advice. Learning a new sport has been all the less intimidating thanks to Swindon Softball League!!!
“Specifically about Swindon Softball is the development! Everyone is so welcoming and you are never pushed too far. You are able to play at your own pace and make your own decisions. It does not feel like I am being made to play or do things I am uncomfortable with.”
“Friendly and passionate players throughout the year”
“The best thing is the community. Everyone’s so friendly and it makes playing more fun when you can relax and have a laugh.”
“It’s very well run and managed, and everyone is made to feel welcome. The leadership cares about its members and actively encourages people to play.”
“The community of people, with a variety of softball abilities, with one goal in mind, to enjoy softball. As a result of softball and SSL I have made friends for life, that support me and have huge laughs with on and off the playing fields.”
“The people! They make it the wonderfully friendly and supportive environment that it is, with a collective mindset grounded in optimism and growth.”
“The combination of friendliness and competitiveness that SSL brings is a really rare one. You are welcomed whatever your background and ability and are encouraged to improve at a pace that works for you throughout your time in the league. While softball is a naturally competitive game, I’ve been in many matches where the opposite side cheers if someone does a good hit or makes an amazing catch. That team spirit is so special and is what keeps me coming back.”
Why did you start playing softball?
“I was new to the area and had given up playing football. I wanted to get fit and try a new competitive sport. One of the best decisions I’ve made!”
“I started representing my office at lunchtime games and it grew from there!”
“Started playing to have a hobby and to feel like part of a team, also to help me with my work life balance”
“I started playing softball for my mental health. I was really ill and wasn’t leaving my home. A family member played and convinced me to join in. The minute I started I loved it, started getting better and never looked back.”
“I began playing softball after retiring from playing rugby and looking for a local team sport to play. I was looking for something new and loved playing rounders at school so thought why not give it a go and have never looked back”
“I joined to do something active together with my family”
“Why did I start playing softball. 1987. I watched a bit of Baseball on Channel 4 so my friend convinced me to umpire the first ever game in the Windsor league … next few weeks he was a player short so I played, and haven’t really stopped since.”
“I saw an ad on social media and thought it looked fun! I had played cricket for many years and this was a new sport I could join with my husband. It was a great decision!”
“I started playing softball as I was looking to join a team sport, which I had done previously, playing with both women and men. While looking for nearby rounders teams, I came across the Swindon Softball League (SSL).”