Frequently Asked Questions
What is softball?
Softball is a sport much like rounders or baseball – teams take it turn to bat a ball and score runs by running across a set of bases.
What is Leeds Softball about?
We’re a league of around a dozen teams playing softball in Leeds, catering for around 300 registered players in the city.
What types of softball are there?
There are several types including fastpitch. Here in Leeds, we play co-ed slowpitch, which means teams consist of 5 men and 5 women, with the ball pitched to the batter slowly underarm. This makes for action-packed games with plenty going on in the field, but also with a unique social aspect.
I’m completely new, can I join in?
Of course! We run open weekly training sessions during the spring and summer months, with indoor sessions in the winter. Please check out our Facebook group for more info on training sessions or feel free to email LeedsSoftball@gmail.com.
The good thing is that softball is a fairly new niche sport to many of our players, so you’ll be in the same boat as a lot of people. Give us a go – we aim to give all new players a warm welcome.
I’m not that fit/sporty! Can I still take part?
Softball is a sport that rewards teamwork and communication, rather than just individual ability. No matter what your physical prowess, age or experience, we’re confident you can get a lot out of it.
I can’t catch/throw for toffee! Will I get help?
Everyone starts from somewhere; throwing a ball and swinging a bat are fairly unnatural movements to begin with, but our qualified team of friendly player-coaches will mentor you and offer help and advice when you need it.
What can I expect from playing softball?
If you’re looking for an easier way to get a little more active without joining an overly competitive or exerting sport, or you’re just bored of the gym, softball might be for you. You might also be looking to expand your social circles with a really friendly bunch of players, of which we have many!
Where do you train?
During the spring/summer, we train on Tuesdays from 6:30pm until dark at Bedquilts Playing Fields, Adel Lane, Leeds LS16 8BY www.leeds.ac.uk/luscc/bedquilt.htm
Price per session is a very wallet-friendly £1.
During the winter, we train indoors - please get in contact and we'll send you more details.
Players of any level including beginners are welcome to attend. Further details about training sessions are posted on our Facebook group.
Where do you play?
League nights are Wednesday evenings from 6:45pm at Adel Bedquilts, Adel Lane.
How much can I expect to pay?
Training sessions vary from £1 for outdoor practices to £5 for indoor sessions. Team subscription fees are usually around £35-45 per person for the year – this pays for umpires, kit usage, registration, league fees, insurance plus other benefits.
What do I need to bring?
During matches you will need a softball glove, which you can buy yourself, or put down a deposit to borrow one for the season.
Clothes-wise, jogging gear is fine, plus sunglasses or a cap and a drink.
What kit can I buy?
Most of our players get decked out with their own fielding glove, bat, batting gloves, caps, shinpads and cleats (must be rubber, not plastic or metal studs). You can also buy trousers and team jerseys, and we'd recommend investing in a helmet to protect that noggin if you're going to become a regular player.
For online shops, try:
www.baseballandsoftball.co.uk/index.html
www.thesoftballshop.co.uk/
What if it rains?
We try and play come rain or shine - if we halted play for a bit of water we'd hardly get any games underway! When there's a heavy downpour, we inspect pitches for safety and we aim to make a call on games going ahead by 5pm on our Facebook group. We tend to avoid thunderstorms however - lightning and metal bats just don't mix.
When does your outdoor league start?
Exact dates vary each year, but we aim to start in mid-April and finish in late August.
How do I join a team?
Once you come down to our training sessions and fancy joining a team, let your coach know, or find a committee member. We’ll try and find you a squad that's a good fit for you.
How can I set up a team?
All you need is a minimum of 5 men and 5 women, though we'd recommend a squad of 12-14 to cover holidays/illnesses. Then just email us for an entry form and pay the team subscriptions before the deadline (usually end of March) and you're in!
What about socials?
We’re big into socials at Leeds Softball. We hold regular events, including bowling, pool and laser tag, with the customary food & drinks. Plus, we have a fancy end of season awards do in the autumn, perfect for those who want to dust of their tuxes.
I’ve got the softball bug! How do I get to play more?
We send teams out to many weekend softball tournaments nationally and even some internationally. These are great fun and a fantastic way to boost your skills over a really short space of time. Plus, road trip!
Is there a rulebook?
A brief beginner’s play guide can be downloaded here. Geek out with the full ISF rulebook here.
Still interested? Got another burning question? Email Steph or Matt: LeedsSoftball@gmail.com
Softball is a sport much like rounders or baseball – teams take it turn to bat a ball and score runs by running across a set of bases.
What is Leeds Softball about?
We’re a league of around a dozen teams playing softball in Leeds, catering for around 300 registered players in the city.
What types of softball are there?
There are several types including fastpitch. Here in Leeds, we play co-ed slowpitch, which means teams consist of 5 men and 5 women, with the ball pitched to the batter slowly underarm. This makes for action-packed games with plenty going on in the field, but also with a unique social aspect.
I’m completely new, can I join in?
Of course! We run open weekly training sessions during the spring and summer months, with indoor sessions in the winter. Please check out our Facebook group for more info on training sessions or feel free to email LeedsSoftball@gmail.com.
The good thing is that softball is a fairly new niche sport to many of our players, so you’ll be in the same boat as a lot of people. Give us a go – we aim to give all new players a warm welcome.
I’m not that fit/sporty! Can I still take part?
Softball is a sport that rewards teamwork and communication, rather than just individual ability. No matter what your physical prowess, age or experience, we’re confident you can get a lot out of it.
I can’t catch/throw for toffee! Will I get help?
Everyone starts from somewhere; throwing a ball and swinging a bat are fairly unnatural movements to begin with, but our qualified team of friendly player-coaches will mentor you and offer help and advice when you need it.
What can I expect from playing softball?
If you’re looking for an easier way to get a little more active without joining an overly competitive or exerting sport, or you’re just bored of the gym, softball might be for you. You might also be looking to expand your social circles with a really friendly bunch of players, of which we have many!
Where do you train?
During the spring/summer, we train on Tuesdays from 6:30pm until dark at Bedquilts Playing Fields, Adel Lane, Leeds LS16 8BY www.leeds.ac.uk/luscc/bedquilt.htm
Price per session is a very wallet-friendly £1.
During the winter, we train indoors - please get in contact and we'll send you more details.
Players of any level including beginners are welcome to attend. Further details about training sessions are posted on our Facebook group.
Where do you play?
League nights are Wednesday evenings from 6:45pm at Adel Bedquilts, Adel Lane.
How much can I expect to pay?
Training sessions vary from £1 for outdoor practices to £5 for indoor sessions. Team subscription fees are usually around £35-45 per person for the year – this pays for umpires, kit usage, registration, league fees, insurance plus other benefits.
What do I need to bring?
During matches you will need a softball glove, which you can buy yourself, or put down a deposit to borrow one for the season.
Clothes-wise, jogging gear is fine, plus sunglasses or a cap and a drink.
What kit can I buy?
Most of our players get decked out with their own fielding glove, bat, batting gloves, caps, shinpads and cleats (must be rubber, not plastic or metal studs). You can also buy trousers and team jerseys, and we'd recommend investing in a helmet to protect that noggin if you're going to become a regular player.
For online shops, try:
www.baseballandsoftball.co.uk/index.html
www.thesoftballshop.co.uk/
What if it rains?
We try and play come rain or shine - if we halted play for a bit of water we'd hardly get any games underway! When there's a heavy downpour, we inspect pitches for safety and we aim to make a call on games going ahead by 5pm on our Facebook group. We tend to avoid thunderstorms however - lightning and metal bats just don't mix.
When does your outdoor league start?
Exact dates vary each year, but we aim to start in mid-April and finish in late August.
How do I join a team?
Once you come down to our training sessions and fancy joining a team, let your coach know, or find a committee member. We’ll try and find you a squad that's a good fit for you.
How can I set up a team?
All you need is a minimum of 5 men and 5 women, though we'd recommend a squad of 12-14 to cover holidays/illnesses. Then just email us for an entry form and pay the team subscriptions before the deadline (usually end of March) and you're in!
What about socials?
We’re big into socials at Leeds Softball. We hold regular events, including bowling, pool and laser tag, with the customary food & drinks. Plus, we have a fancy end of season awards do in the autumn, perfect for those who want to dust of their tuxes.
I’ve got the softball bug! How do I get to play more?
We send teams out to many weekend softball tournaments nationally and even some internationally. These are great fun and a fantastic way to boost your skills over a really short space of time. Plus, road trip!
Is there a rulebook?
A brief beginner’s play guide can be downloaded here. Geek out with the full ISF rulebook here.
Still interested? Got another burning question? Email Steph or Matt: LeedsSoftball@gmail.com
About the LSA
Leeds Softball Association (LSA) was set up the aims of both raising interest in and awareness of softball as well as making sure adult players and their supporters are able to maximise their interest in this rapidly developing sport.
History The league was formed in 1992 as a corporate league with four teams, mainly representing surveyors' firms. Since its early beginnings Softball in Leeds has developed into a 21-team, three-division league. Due to its roots, Leeds has remained a mainly corporate league but also has an increasing number of independent teams as well. The Leeds season runs from the start of May to the end of August and includes a knockout Cup competition in addition to the league schedule. Other Sites For the most up to date information about the league, see our Facebook page. The Coyotes website is www.leedscoyotes.com Dynamite's website is leedsdynamitefirecrackers.weebly.com |
Games are currently played at Roundhay Park. The Association has a mix of both corporate and independent teams, and encourages new teams and new players to join. In addition to a warm welcome, all equipment is provided. Individual Leeds League teams sometimes enter national competitions, but in general players from the league are pooled to form tournament teams and are selected based on form and reliability. The main Leeds tournament teams are the Terriers and Leeds Lightning. LSA are always pleased to hear from individual players and new teams who wish to join the league. If you'd like find out more, contact us via the league email address. |
