Who are we?

The Vikings are a slow-pitch softball team based in Fareham, Hampshire. Slowpitch softball is a recreational, social and enjoyable game that's easy to learn and play, even for people who are not “athletes” or don't have much experience of team sports – and the game offers particular opportunities for women.

It's a lot like baseball in terms of the rules, but because the ball is pitched slowly to each batter (as the name implies!), it's easy to hit the ball and succeed at the sport's central skill. The fact that men and women play together in the same team and on an equal level gives the sport a social buzz.

We play in the Solent Softball League as well as at tournaments around the country. We train regularly on Wednesday evenings from 6pm and Sundays from 10am throughout the warmer months (typically April through September).

History

During the mid-2010s, a former Zombies player and coach ran training sessions for complete beginners. A group of people got together with the intention of joining the local league as the "Gosport Gargoyles". As a Gosport resident, the Zombies player-coach got involved and offered to coach this new team with the idea to join them and fulfil his wish of starting a new team from scratch. The Gargoyles never got off the ground, but the seed was planted. Throughout following 2018 season, beginners from the training sessions, as well as more seasoned veterans, came together and later in that year the Vikings were formed. We have played in the Solent Softball League ever since.

Softball FAQs

I’ve never played/even heard of Softball before. Can I still join?

Most players joining softball teams have never played the game before, and most don’t know the rules. The game is very simple to understand, and with our coaching and training sessions, you will pick up the game in no time.

What do I need to wear?

Sports attire is recommended, as are comfortable trainers. Studded boots can be used on some fields, but generally aren’t needed. We are a summer sport, but judge the weather accordingly; chillier days will necessitate jumpers or hoodies, hot summer days require caps and sunglasses (and sun cream).

What about a fielding glove? Do I need to buy one?

We provide fielding gloves for all new players for training and practice. Most, if not all, players eventually buy a personal glove as they get hooked on the sport. We can point you in the right direction if you want to purchase your own, as prices vary wildly, and baseball gloves may not be suitable for larger softballs. As a note to remember, in softball, you wear the fielding glove on the opposite hand to which you throw the ball. Right handed players wear gloves on their left hand and vice versa.

How much does all this cost?

The league and governing body each have registration fees as well as compulsory insurance. The team may also have to pay to use a pitch in the area. We set our fees to cover these outgoing costs and to make a little surplus as possible. It is our intention to make this sport as cheap as possible. Currently, we charge £75 for the year. We usually spread this out over the course of our active months, but people often choose to pay this up front. There are optional activities we take part in during the course of the year that carry an additional cost of £10-20 per event.

When is does the season start and end?

Softball is seasonal, so the season starts when the weather starts to get sunnier and the evenings get lighter. Since most teams play at a Tangier Field in Portsmouth, which only opens on April 1st (due to migratory geese!), the league season kicks off in April. Expect to see league-wide taster sessions running at this time of year.