Sydney Outfielders is more than just a sports league, we’re a community. Since 2001, we’ve been running our summer slow Pitch softball league, introducing (and often re-introducing) hundreds of people to the joy of the game. At our core, we’re about creating an inclusive, safe, and fun space for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to connect, play, and belong. Some people join us for the thrill of competition, others for the amazing social events, and many just to meet new friends and have a laugh. Whatever your reason, you’ll find a place on the diamond and in the community. For more detailed information about our history, committee, and how we operate, head over to our about page.

Slow pitch softball is a fun, social variation of softball that’s easy to learn and perfect for mixed-ability play. The main difference is that the ball is pitched underarm in a high arc, which makes it easier to hit and keeps the game moving at a friendly pace. Teams usually have 10 players on the field, and games are shorter and more relaxed than traditional softball. For many of our members, Sydney Outfielders has been their first introduction to the sport – and plenty of people come to us with no prior experience at all. Slow pitch is designed to be accessible and inclusive, so whether you’re a seasoned athlete or have never picked up a bat before, you’ll be able to join in, learn the basics quickly, and most importantly, have fun.

Not at all! While the league was founded within Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community—and that remains central to our identity—we warmly welcome everyone. Many of our members are allies, and their support is a valuable part of who we are. What really matters is embracing inclusivity, showing respect, and living by our code of conduct. If that sounds like you, then you’ll fit right in, no matter how you identify.

Our summer league runs each year from October through March. Registration opens in the months leading up to the season, and spots often fill quickly—so keep an eye on our website and socials for announcements and key dates. In addition to the league itself, we host social events throughout the year and in the off-season, so there are always opportunities to stay connected with the community.

Our league games are usually held on Tuesday evenings at the Robertson Road Fields in Centennial Park. As the league has grown, and due to field availability, some of our competitive round games this season will also be played at Upper Kippax and Alexandria Park Oval. The full schedule and game locations are published on our Player Resources page, where you’ll also find directions and maps to each field to make getting there as easy as possible. We also run training sessions and social pick-up games at Alexandria Park Oval for players who want to sharpen their skills or just enjoy a casual hit-around. Check out our events page for dates and times!

Of course! We love having spectators—it’s a fun way to get to know the sport and the league. Keep an eye out for upcoming season details and drop by to cheer us on. Even better, consider signing up as a social member to be part of the community without playing!

No—everyone plays together in mixed-gender teams. We don’t separate players into men’s, women’s, or non-binary leagues because our aim is to create a truly inclusive space where people of all genders play side by side. To make sure teams are welcoming and balanced, we use a 40:40:20 gender model, meaning each team is made up of roughly 20% gender-diverse players, 40% female-identifying players, and 40% male-identifying players. This approach celebrates gender diversity while also ensuring fairness, respect, and equity across the league.

That’s absolutely fine—most of our members started as complete beginners! Before each season we run That’s SO Open Days designed especially for new players, where we cover the basics of hitting, catching, running bases, and understanding the rules. During the season we also hold regular Friday training sessions and casual pick-up games, which are perfect for practising in a friendly environment. Softball is a sport that’s easy to pick up and fun to improve at. All you need to bring is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

You don’t need to bring anything to get started. The league provides bats, balls, bases, and helmets. Many players eventually buy their own glove, but you’re welcome to borrow one from the shared equipment until you’re ready. Comfortable sportswear and sneakers or cleats are recommended. Head on over to our Player Resources page for more information on where you can buy gloves, your team kit and more!

Our league strikes a balance between competition and fun. We love a good game and play to win, but the emphasis is always on inclusivity, good sportsmanship, and making sure everyone has a great time. Think of it as social competition, you’ll improve your skills, play some exciting games, and still finish the night with laughs and post-game drinks.

The Sydney Outfielders play under our own set of rules, adapted from the standard slow pitch format. You can find the full details in the League Documents section of our website.

Yes some teams do, and no you don't! We know life is busy, so the main expectation is to show up for your weekly games. This year, the league is kicking off monthly training sessions and pick-up games on Fridays at Alexandria Park. Members with a social membership are also welcome to join in, meet other players, and have fun on the field. Refer to our events page for more information. Some team captains may run optional team practices too. These sessions are a great way to swing a bat, catch a ball, learn strategies, and hang out with your teammates. Ask your team captain for more information!

We’re committed to making the league as inclusive as possible. Because we currently play on a grass pitch, we aren’t able to safely cater for wheelchair users or players with significant mobility needs. That said, we’ve proudly welcomed players with neurodivergent conditions and sensory disabilities in the past, and we’ll always do our best to adapt and support where we can. If you have specific access needs, please get in touch—we’d love to chat about how we can make you feel included, whether that’s on the field or through our wider community.

We’re finalising the details for the upcoming season and will share full information on what’s covered, how to make a claim, and who to contact if you’re injured very soon. We want everyone to play with confidence, knowing that their wellbeing is supported on and off the field.

All players agree to our Code of Conduct when registering. If you see or experience behaviour that breaches this Code, please report it to your team captain and / or a committee member. We take all concerns seriously and will address them promptly. You can also find further information in the League Documents section, which includes policies and guidelines outlining what we expect from our members and guests at events. We encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with these resources to help us maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive community.

Registrations open via our Membership page on the website. There you’ll find all the details about the different membership types, pricing, and what’s currently available.

Registration happens in two rounds to keep things fair and organised: • Round 1 is for returning players from the previous season, giving them the chance to secure their spot. • Round 2 then opens to new players and social members, filling the remaining spaces. This system helps us maintain a balance between our existing community and welcoming new members into the league.

Don’t worry, there are still plenty of ways to be involved. You can join as a social member at any time, join the player waitlist in case spots open up, and come along to our many social events. Even if you’re not on the field straight away, you’ll still be part of the Outfielders family.

Membership comes with a lot of perks: • Playing Members get weekly Tuesday league games, monthly training sessions and pick-up games, free or discounted entry to our main social events, a digital membership card with discounts at partner venues, and voting rights at the AGM. • Social Members enjoy all of the above except participation in competitive league games. Whichever option you choose, you’ll gain access to a welcoming community and lots of opportunities to connect both on and off the field. For more information on our membership options please visit our memberships page.

As a not-for-profit organisation, every dollar goes straight back into running the league, and we’re committed to being transparent about where it all goes. On average, your membership fees are split like this: • 32% – Field hire & equipment • 32% – Event costs for season members • 23% – Website, registration platform fees, insurance & liability • 13% – Marketing & promotion We also share AGM minutes with members, and starting in 2025 we’ll publish an annual report at the end of each season so you can clearly see how funds are managed. On top of that, we’re always seeking sponsorships and grants to help keep costs as affordable and our league as accessible as possible.

Yes! Social membership is perfect for anyone who wants to be part of the Outfielders community without playing softball. Social members get event access, community involvement, discounts, and the same welcoming experience as players. It’s a great option if you’re keen on the socials, love cheering from the sidelines, or just want to meet new people.

Our registration system is designed to support and uphold the 40:40:20 model. By asking players to register within a gender category, we can maintain balance across teams and ensure that no group is under- or over-represented. These categories are self-selected—we trust players to register in the way that best reflects their identity. This system helps us make sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to join, play, and feel safe on the field, while also promoting inclusion and representation across the whole league.

Team selection is designed to balance fairness, inclusivity, and community spirit. • Round 1 registration gives returning players from the previous season priority to secure their spot. • We then confirm with captains how many players they can take for the new season. This tells us how many spaces are available for Round 2 registration, which opens to new players. • Remaining spots are allocated while making sure we maintain our league’s 40:40:20 gender balance across every team. We’ll always do our best to accommodate requests to play with friends, but team placement works on a first-come, first-served basis within each registration stream, and sometimes teams may already be full. That said, don’t worry if you and your friend end up on different teams—you’ll quickly make 15 new friends on your team, and the league’s strong social culture means you’ll still spend plenty of time together at league events, after-game drinks, and team dinners.

Right now, our league is based only in Sydney. However, we love seeing interest from people outside the city. If you’re travelling, you’re welcome to join our ticketed social events, or stop by to cheer us on. If you’d like to help grow LGBTQIA+ softball in your own city, we’d be excited to connect and share what we’ve learned about running a welcoming, inclusive league. Drop us a message via our Contact page—let’s grow this community together!

No one is required to attend every event, but socials are a big part of what makes the Outfielders special. From team dinners and post-game drinks to themed parties and league-wide events, they’re a great way to connect outside of games.

Players can earn community points by volunteering at selected events during the season. These points contribute to your team’s competitive score—meaning that getting involved off the field is just as valuable as your performance on it. For details on how community points are awarded, please see Rules 3.11–3.15 in the Game Rules document, available in the League Documents section on our Player Resources page.

These open days are the Outfielders big open community events that welcome anyone curious about softball. Whether you’ve never played before, are returning after a break, or just want to get a feel for the league, these sessions are for you. They’re relaxed, fun, and designed to showcase what being part of Sydney Outfielders is all about. You’ll get hands-on experience of the game—hitting, catching, pitching, running bases—and we’ll cover the rules and flow of play. After a skills session, we put everything together in a friendly game. It’s a no-pressure way to learn and meet the community. Keep an eye on our events page for more information about all our events, including our 'That's SO Open Days'.

No. Open Days aren’t try-outs, and attending doesn’t affect registration. They’re purely about giving people a taste of softball and helping new and returning players feel more confident before the season starts.