How softball is helping combat loneliness in London

"Softball for us and for me became my social circle - it's super social, everyone's really friendly with each other."

"It's unique because if you go back to the States, it's a very single-sex-driven game, just guys playing guys and girls playing girls. Over here, because of the balance of that it adds different strategy, different tactics and different levels of value across the board."

"creates an atmosphere of quality and tolerance"

Softball in London attracts nearly 5,000 players each week and offers both fastpitch and slowpitch formats, with slowpitch more popular in the UK. Slowpitch rules enable mixed-sex teams, which many players value for social inclusion and strategic variety. Local clubs such as MI6 provide welcoming communities and social networks, helping newcomers build friendships and stay active. Co-ed play introduces different tactics and promotes tolerance while offering competition for a range of abilities, from novices to seasoned players. The sport functions as both a hobby and a social outlet for adults across London.

Read at www.bbc.com