The Abu Dhabi Softball League is returning in autumn and is sure to be a home run with its mix of fun, competitiveness and inclusivity.
Running from mid-September to mid-December, the slow pitch league, under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of UAE Culture, Youth and Community Development, provides two versions for co-ed teams to play in.
The competitive division, with up to five teams, will take place on Monday evenings from 18:00 to 23:00 with two games per night. It’s recommended only for experienced players with a suggested minimum of eight years of baseball or softball background.
However, even if you’re new to softball or just wanting to get familiar with the sport, a recreational division, with up to eight teams, is also available. Taking place at the same time as competitive but on Wednesdays with one game per night, recreational allows players of any skill level to enjoy the game.
“Slow pitch softball is an extremely inclusive sport; anyone can play. The recreational division is perfect for anyone – from complete beginners to experienced players,” said Flo Caro, commissioner of Abu Dhabi Softball League.
“What’s great about the recreational division is that we ask players to rate themselves as beginners, intermediate or experienced, so that we may place them on teams in order to make them as equal as possible in skill level. This enables a fantastic synergy within each team and creates a fair and fun environment.”
Games are 55 minutes long and with the slow pitch format, anyone over the age 18 is encouraged to join.
“It’s such a great sport to learn as an adult because you don’t necessarily have to be extremely fit or extremely athletic to play,” Caro added.
“What’s also really amazing about it is the fact that both men and women play together, which is pretty unique for the UAE. In general, you can’t do that in many sports."
The softball field is located at Zayed Sports City and all equipment, including gloves, balls, bats and batting nets, are free to all members of the league.
Because the interest to sign-up for the league is at a high, a waiting list for players is common. That’s why Caro suggests anyone wanting to play register as soon as possible with sign-ups opening on Monday, August 18 at 19:00 and closing on Thursday, August 28 at noon.
The joining fee is approximately Dh35 per person, per game and must be paid in advance before the league starts.
To get in on the softball action and swing your way to some fun, visit Abu Dhabi Softball’s Facebook page and fill out a short form to get added to the league’s contact list to receive important updates.
What: Abu Dhabi Softball League
Where: Softball field at Zayed Sports City
When: Registration opens August 18 with the competitive division taking place on Mondays and recreational division on Wednesdays
Contact: Visit www.facebook.com/abudhabisoftball
