Rookie and Beginner Sessions

Here at Manchester Softball League we believe that we are the number one social sport. Are you new to softball? Looking to give it a try? We’ve got an avenue for you with our Rookie and Beginner Sessions. Find information here on our rookie sessions and what our friendly and inclusive sport is all about.

Beginners sessions (held Tuesday nights at Parrs Wood High School) welcome new players from all over Greater Manchester to our glorious sport. Slowpitch in the Manchester Softball League is coed: these sessions introduce the game to men, women and non-binary players.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Do I Sign Up?

Join us on WhatsApp or Spond.

Where Does It Happen?

Parrs Wood High School Playing Fields, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 5PG

When Does It Happen?

Every Tuesday, 6:30–8pm

How Much Is It?

Costs are £6 per session.

What Will the Sessions Involve?

These sessions are designed to be a welcoming space to develop your softball skills at your own pace, less pressured than jumping straight into a game. Led by local players with support from experienced Division 1 players across the league. You can turn up and hit some balls, but you’ll also get the chance to play in game-condition settings and become comfortable with our inclusive sport.

Do I Need to Bring Anything?

Just come dressed to play sport outdoors on grass. Any essential equipment you might need will be provided.

Is There a Minimum Age?

Yes, 18+

Is Softball for Me?

Whether you’re brand new to softball or a seasoned player looking to develop specific skills, these sessions are for you. They’ve been a big success in leagues around the country, and we’re excited to bring them to Manchester.

We’re launching regular women’s training sessions to help develop skills, confidence, and community across the league. Sessions run every Thursday evening at Parrs Wood and your first one is completely free. Equipment provided if needed. Just turn up!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Do I Sign Up?

It’s easy – you can sign up via Eventbrite.

Where Does It Happen?

Parrs Wood High School Playing Fields, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 5PG

When Does It Happen?

Every Thursday, 6:30–8pm

How Much Is It?

Costs are £5 per session. Your first session is completely free no commitment needed, just come and give it a go.

What Will the Sessions Involve?

These sessions are designed to be a welcoming space to develop your softball skills at your own pace, less pressured than jumping straight into a game. Led by and for women, with support from experienced Division 1 players across the league. We’ll be focusing on skills that don’t always get much time in coed games, including pitching and middle infield, to help raise the standard of women’s play and build interest in single-sex softball across the league.

Do I Need to Bring Anything?

Just come dressed to play sport outdoors on grass. Equipment is provided if needed.

Is There a Minimum Age?

Yes, 18+

Is Softball for Me?

Wanna learn more about softball?

What is softball?

Softball is very similar to baseball, played with a larger ball on a smaller diamond. The “soft” part comes from the underarm pitches. Manchester Softball League is a co-ed, slow pitch league.

Manchester Softball League prides itself on being a fully inclusive league.

Co-ed slow pitch softball is a recreational, social and enjoyable game that’s easy to learn and play. Teams consist of five men and five women. We have inclusivity rules for to cater for non-binary and other genders. Games run throughout the year with an outdoor and indoor season. The sport has a social buzz and games are followed by a debrief in the pub!

How can I play as a beginner?

We run rookie sessions throughout the outdoor season (April – August) at Parrs Wood on Tuesday evenings. Indoor sessions run during winter.
Indoor sessions:
When: Sundays from October – April, 2pm – 4pm
Where: Platt Lane Sports Complex
Sign up via the Spond app with Group code: BGZFP

Outdoor:
When: Tuesdays from April – July– 7pm
Where: Parrs Wood High School
Sign up via the Spond app with Group code: JMBPU

£6 per session.
Equipment is provided. All abilities welcome!

How can I join a team?

Across our four divisions teams are always on the lookout for new players. Depending on how competitively you want to play, there will be a team right for you. Contact recruitment@manchester-softball.co.uk, message our Facebook page or view our Team Directory.

Where do you play?

Divisions 1 & 2 play at Wythenshawe Sports Ground on Wednesday and Divisions 3 & 4 and rookie sessions are at Parrs Wood High School on Tuesdays. We also run two tournaments a year, usually at Wythenshawe Sports Ground.

What equipment do I need?

At our rookie sessions, all equipment is provided.
Should you wish to join a team, teams often have equipment for their players to share. As a minimum, it will be useful to buy your own glove. We also recommend a pair of football/hockey boots. Some players like to wear shin guards.

What does it cost?

Rookie Sessions are £6 each payable by cash or card on the day.
Indoor sessions are £6 available on the day.
When you join a team, there will be a fee that goes towards the team’s BSF and league fees and also a weekly game fee, payable to your team captain (or treasurer).
There is an entry fee, divided between the team, for tournaments.

Is there a minimum age?

The minimum age for rookie sessions and games is 14. BSUK sometimes run youth sessions for those under 14.

Can I bring my kids to watch?

Of course! The umpire may advise you to keep children behind the line of spectators and possibly wear a batting helmet in case of stray balls.

My child is under 14. Where can he train?

BaseballSoftballUK run junior indoor sessions over winter.
Facebook: BSUK Junior Sessions – North West
For 2023:
North West Junior Baseball and Softball Sessions are back for 8-16 year olds!
11th September – 4th December 2023
Mondays from 5pm.
Move Leisure Centre, Urmston, Manchester, M41 5RR

Manchester Baseball Club run weekly junior training sessions.
Wednesdays – from 18:00
Wythenshawe Park (behind Athletics Track), Manchester, M23 0PH

Can I bring my dog?

It is the policy of both Wythenshawe Sports Ground and Parrs Wood High Scholl that they do not allow dogs on site.

Where else are there leagues?

In the North West there are leagues in Leeds, Liverpool and Lytham St Annes. There are other leagues across the country. Check out the British Softball Federation to find your nearest league.

Do I need to be very fit?

A reasonable level of fitness is required for softball. The game involves short bursts of energy, running between bases and running to the ball. It is not as strenuous as other team sports that require running for long periods e.g. football.

Updates

Indoor Softball Sundays are Back!

When the outdoor season winds down, indoor is a great way to keep your swing, glovework and arm in shape.

Sundays from 2-4 pm, starting 28 September.
Platt Lane Sports Complex, M14 7UU. Only £6.50 per session. Sign up through Spond using group code BGZFP.