This year’s GB Slowpitch Open, a fun tournament for B-grade and C-grade teams designed to raise money for the GB Slowpitch Team programme, will take place on Sunday 17 April at Farnham Park.
And as GB Slowpitch Head Coach Stephen Patterson says, “This is not your normal everyday softball tournament!”
New look
The GB Slowpitch Open will return to Farnham Park this year and will take on a new look, with each team being provided with a member of the GB Slowpitch Squad to act a “mentor” for the entire day. This player will offer support in any way that’s needed: fetching drinks, base coaching, offering technical and tactical advice etc. Just don’t ask him or her to play!
The GB Open has gone from strength to strength, with the number of participating teams increasing each year. In 2016, there will be places for 12 B-grade or C-grade?teams, and the entry fee is only £125.
To register your team, please email Mike MacDowell on gmm315@gmail.com – and contact Mike early so you don’t miss out! The deadline for registration is 1 April, but entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
If your full team can’t participate, you can still get involved by registering as an individual. Last year, a successful team was built from individuals who wanted to play.
Key fundraiser
The GB Slowpitch Open is one of the primary fundraising activities organised by the GB Slowpitch Team each year. After a long history, the tournament took a brief hiatus before resuming in Manchester in 2014 and at Farnham Park last year. No matter the location, the feedback from the event has been very positive and the support for the Great Britain Slowpitch Team has been fantastic.
The tournament and all its additional activities are fully organised by the GB players themselves, along with a few valuable volunteers. For the GB players, it offers the opportunity to increase the team’s profile and give something back to the British softball community. The tournament is designed to be both competitive and fun, along with a few little twists thrown in.
Added extras
In addition to game play, the tournament will offer “bite-size” coaching, skills competitions and a Home Run Derby. Music, game commentary and a raffle will all add to the atmosphere of the event.
Catering will be provided on-site, with a delicious menu not often seen at other events, as well as the usual variety of snacks, refreshments and beverages.
Thanks
Participation at the GB Slowpitch Open will go a long way towards supporting Team GB. By registering and playing in this year’s event you will be doing what you love to do -- playing softball – but you and your team will also be supporting Team GB’s continued success at international championships.
The GB Slowpitch Team GB is almost entirely self-funded, and the dedication of GB players, both in terms of financial outlay and their commitment to training and competitions, is significant.
In advance of your participation, Team GB thanks you for your continued support!