WOMEN'S SOFT BALL CRICKET

What is Soft Ball Cricket and who is it for?

Women’s Soft Ball Cricket is a short format of cricket, using a soft cricket ball and non-wooden bats. The game is designed to give everyone a fair opportunity to bat, bowl and field, in a supportive environment; which makes it a brilliant way for women of all ages, abilities and experience levels, to get involved. The journey is broken down into manageable steps:

STEP 1 - WOMEN'S SOFT BALL CRICKET FESTIVALS

Festivals are fun, sociable and only slightly competitive; these are all about getting active, learning new skills, laughing with friends and meeting new people. Expect to receive a free t-shirt at your first festival, expect to have equipment provided and expect to play short matches with supportive and helpful pitch hosts.

Festivals are a great option for clubs who want to start women's teams or recruit new players, to ensure their existing teams last well into the future.

They're EXPECTACULAR!

When and where?

Women’s Soft Ball Cricket Festivals take place right across England and Wales. Just search the below list or map for a Festival near you and use the link to register. Registration is open to both individuals and small groups, so you can enjoy the game with friends or embrace the chance to make new ones.

Clubs can express interest in hosting a festival by contacting the SCF Women's Soft Ball Cricket Lead, Lara Johnson, at lara.johnson@sussexcricket.co.uk.

2023 Festivals & Tournaments

Sun 2nd Jul - Edenbridge CC, TN8 - past festival

Sun 9th Jul - Ansty CC, RH17 - past festival

Sun 16th Jul - Wisborough Green CC, RH14 - past festival

Mon 31st Jul (evening) - West Wittering CC, PO20 - past festival

Wed 9th Aug - Rottigdean CC, BN2 - team entry via RCC*

Sun 13th Aug - Haywards Heath CC, RH16 - past festival

Mon 28th Aug - Eastergate CC, PO20 - team entry via ECC*

*please contact lara.johnson@sussexcricket.co.uk to be put in touch with these clubs if you would like to enter a team

STEP 2 - SOFT BALL SUPER SERIES

The Soft Ball Super Series is a series of tournaments which sees local clubs together to provide plenty of opportunities for women to play soft ball cricket together. Tournaments are similar to festivals; players still play lots of short, soft ball, pairs cricket matches while now representing their club, being part of a team and experiencing a more competitive but equally supportive environment. This series provides the stepping stones which allow women to progress from "I've given it a go" to "I regularly play cricket".

Clubs are placed into local groups and each club hosts one tournament, on a date of their choosing. For help finding a local team to join, or to register your club, please contact the SCF Women's Soft Ball Cricket Lead, Lara Johnson, at lara.johnson@sussexcricket.co.uk.

Soft Ball Super Series FAQs

STEP 3 - SOFT BALL CRICKET LEAGUES

SUMMER - The Sussex Cricket Foundation Women's Soft Ball Cricket League starts in May and runs through the cricket season. The pairs cricket format complements both our Festivals and the Super Series, providing every player with opportunities to contribute to the game. Teams play home and away fixtures within their local groups.

2021 League Results

2022 League Results

WINTER - Women's Indoor Soft Ball Cricket Leagues run from November to March, indoor cricket is a fun, fast paced game in which batters are rewarded for hitting the ball onto the different walls and running. We use a slightly softer ball indoors, giving fielders more confidence to field quickly, with the added challenge of it rebounding off the walls - it's a lot of fun! In 2022/23 there are 6 different leagues, played in:

Chichester

Midhurst

Horsham

Hurstpierpoint & Brighton

East Grinstead

Battle

Resources for cricket clubs

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To find out more about hosting a Women’s Soft Ball Cricket Festival at your club or to enter a team into the Soft Ball Cricket League, please contact lara.johnson@sussexcricket.co.uk