2026 Manchester Tournaments

Yes: we’re biased, but we think Manchester is an ideal location for hosting slow-pitch softball tournaments. This is because of its vibrant, inclusive atmosphere, outstanding facilities like Wythenshawe Sports Ground and Parrs Wood high School, and a welcoming, social community drawn from the largest UK slow-pitch league outside London. That’s exactly why the Manchester Softball League provides competitive and recreational play across multiple divisions and levels, ensuring everyone from seasoned teams to newcomers can join in. Ultimately, every Manchester Softball Tournament is a must-visit in your softball calendar.

Each season features two celebrated tournaments: Manchester Firstball, an exciting pre-season event to kick-start the year in late April, and Manchester Main in early August. Both consistently offer top-level play, great spirit, and excellent organisation.

2026 Manchester First Ball Tournament

25th- 26th April 2026
Parrs Wood High School

Gold – Silver – Bronze

Gold

Silver

Bronze

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LOOKING BACK: 2025 Manchester First Ball Tournament

26 – 27 April 2025
Wythenshawe Sports Ground

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More Information About Manchester Softball Tournaments

Manchester First Ball

• Hosts: Manchester Softball League
• Time of Year: April, usually the last weekend of the month

The outdoor tournament season (for the North West and much of the British Isles, in fact) kicks off with Manchester First Ball at Wythenshawe Sports Ground. Rec and Comp tiers play over both days across the full stretch of the Wythenshawe fields. Teams play a series of round robin games before progressing to the knock-out final. Contact our events exec, N-J for details.

Manchester BeeBall (formerly Main)

• Hosts: Manchester Softball League
• Time of Year: August, usually the first weekend of the month

Manchester’s late season tournament sees teams travelling from all over the UK, including Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London for a two-day tournament at both Comp and Rec levels. Formerly known as Main, MSL BeeBall is the new name for the 2025 season, an honorific to the worker bee symbol of the city we love.

Other tournaments in the area

North West Series

• Hosts: BaseballSoftballUK

Previously , the North West Series serves as a three-tournament series in Parrs Wood School, East Didsbury, Manchester.

The Alex Hall Memorial Tournament

• Hosts: The Alex Hall Memorial Fund for Christies

This is an annual memorial tournament for passionate softball player Alex Hall, who sadly died of cancer in 2003. Alex was treated for her illness at the Christie’s Hospital. All monies that the tournament raises goes to the Christie Hospital Charity Fund. Entry is for individual players, not whole teams, and teams are designated by the organisers. In fact, fancy dress is encouraged and there is a picnic half way through.

In short, the Alex Hall Tournament is a celebration, and all about having fun. Additionally, with the randomised teams there is the opportunity to meet new players. Teams are chosen to include players of all levels of ability, so it is a great chance for new players to play with and learn from more experienced team-mates.

Away Day Tournaments

Most leagues across the country host their own tournaments. In short, softball is inclusive and friendly and players love to travel to play other tournaments. Well known tournaments include those in Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, and Liverpool.

LGBTQ+ Tournaments

Several leagues run LGBTQ+ tournaments each year. The atmosphere is relaxed and fancy dress is encouraged! 🌈

Tournament News