Brief History
Softball was "invented" in the US in 1879 as a mass participation version of baseball, but has grown to outstrip baseball in numbers, with 43 million players in 112 countries. Organised Softball began in the UK in 1984, and there are now more than 20 leagues and 500 teams in cities and towns around the country, plus youth Softball clubs and a growing number of school programmes.

Facilities and Equipment
Softball is mainly an outdoor summer game, and can be played on any relatively flat and level grass surface or on astroturf. The playing field is within a right angle, and adult Softball requires dimensions of about 300 feet on each side of the angle. Equipment required for a game includes a Softball bat and ball, a set of bases and at least 10 fielder's gloves (one for each member of the defensive team). An Indoor version of Softball, played in sports halls, is becoming increasingly popular during the winter (rules for both versions can be obtained from Baseball Softball UK).

Benefits of Participating
The majority format of Co-ed Slowpitch Softball is easy to access for beginners, and combines both sporting and social aspects. It is played both recreationally and competitively. Women's Fastpitch Softball is a potential route to the Olympics for top players.

Variations of the Sport
Softball formats played in the UK include Women's Fastpitch, Men's Fastpitch and Co-ed, Men's and Women's Slowpitch — though Co-ed Slowpitch is by far the dominant format. There are senior and junior National Teams in all these formats.