With the sun beaming down at the beginning of August, what better to organise than an outdoor softball workshop so everyone could learn a new sport in glorious weather? Around 15 UP for It members came along on the day and had a great time.

Mandy Slade, a professional softball player, coached our UP for It members in the skills need to play softball. Members who attended the workshop had never played softball before - so there was a lot to learn. We were working with complete beginners with the aim of getting them to play a mini tournament by the end of the day.

Mandy and her fellow coaches Clare Hunter and Bev Brockway put our members through their paces. They practiced throwing and catching, infield and outfield drills, pitching, base running and batting.

We ended the day by splitting the group into three teams and playing a tournament. Two of the teams played against each other at any one time, while the third team watched the play and offered advice on any improvements.

The members had a fantastic day, the sun was shining and the tournament showed the members had picked the game up very quickly. Everyone was very enthusiastic about the fun new sport they had picked up!