Every year, over 120 girls descend on the fields at Wormwood Scrubs in West London to play softball from late April through early June as part of the London Sports Girls' Softball League -- and this league is proving to be a rich source of players and competition opportunities for the GB Under-13 programme.
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The London Sports Girls' Softball League, one of the largest in the UK, is open to girls aged 9-14, regardless of ability levels. The league also takes girls from 5-8 years of age into their teeball and coach-pitch programmes, with most participants coming from the Greater London area.
Last year, around two-thirds of the players recruited for the GB Under-13 Fastpitch Team pool played in the London Sports League, and a good relationship has been developed between the league and GB Under-13 coaches.
This year
In 2014, the league is planning to have six girls' teams at Junior level (ages 9-11) and six teams at senior level (ages 12-14). Games will be played every weekend starting on 26 April and running through 8 June.
While the primary format for the leagues is slowpitch, the intention is also to hold some fastpitch sessions for girls who are interested in the format and in the GB programme.
While the games are competitive, the ethos of London Sports is all about helping girls develop skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. The main emphasis for the league is on teamwork, good sportsmanship and fun!
Want to get involved?
Any girl who wants to learn more or play in the London Sports League this year should go to the organisation's website: www.londonsports.com.
