Following on from the success of Sonning CC’s first women’s Soft Ball cricket team in 2020, there seemed no better time to take the step into Girl’s cricket, and 2021 saw us announce the formation of Sonning Stingers U11 Girls' Soft Ball Cricket Team.
As a junior section, currently boys and girls play in the same side, but not all girls like the idea of ‘hard ball’ cricket and so we often lose them as they make the move up to U11s when the hard ball is first introduced into the junior game. Soft ball cricket offers a ‘pairs’ format of the game that affords itself to those looking to give the game a try without the complication of lots of kit and rules. A team sport, soft ball cricket encourages teamwork but most essentially is centred on fun and engagement – a sport for all abilities – this may lead to a move into hard ball cricket, but we are totally committed to this format of the game for the long term.
Following a season of friendlies and a home tournament which was thoroughly enjoyed by all, the 2022 season saw us entering a team into the U11 Challenge league. An 8 a side game with the Berkshire Youth Cricket League, and for girls in school years 4 through 6 - this was a step up from the usual pairs scoring but fun was had by all. 2023 will see us back to the more traditional and inclusive pairs cricket however, due to their training and experience, some of the 'older' girls have joined the mixed teams for hardball as well as attending the Berkshire training sessions through the Winter, hoping to play for County Under 11s.
Our junior section is thriving and we promote cricket for all in a friendly and enjoyable environment where all children have an opportunity to take part in the game, developing new skills irrespective of their starting ability.
We are an entirely volunteer-run club with all funds being used to support the cricket. This isn’t possible without parental support and if you are considering our soft ball team for your daughter, feel free to get involved too.
Please feel free to get in touch to find out more by emailing [email protected]. To register please visit our Junior Squad availability page.
