Middleton Park All-Rounders (MPAR) ladies Rounders Group was set up back in 2016 with the aim of getting more women into playing sport. A couple of months after starting, the team played in their first tournament and have never looked back.
Two years on and they have been going from strength to strength and will be playing in their third league against other teams across West Yorkshire this year entering not just one but two teams to compete. Here, the group’s lead activator Hannah Fletcher tells us more…
“I joined the group a couple of weeks after it had started way back in 2016 after seeing it advertised on Facebook. I hadn’t played Rounders since being in my school team, but I was looking at doing something a little bit different and an outdoor sport seemed just the thing! Once I started playing again I was hooked. The great thing about Rounders is its one of the most inclusive sports to play. You don’t have to be fantastic at every position, which makes it really suitable for ladies who want to increase their fitness and have fun at the same time.
“I took over leading the team in early 2017 and have since seen everyone come on in leaps and bounds. Some people think Rounders is just an outdoor sport, but we play all year round and move inside to local sports halls during the winter months. We’ve been known to play in all weathers too; nothing fazes us!
“This year has been a really exciting one for us so far. We’ve teamed up with Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club to use their grounds and facilities for our training and fixtures. We’ve also got enough ladies playing with us now to be able to set up two teams; Red & Blue. We have lots of social events planned for throughout the season and in this year’s league there are 8 other teams to play against too; I just can’t wait! I may be ambitious, but over the next year I’m hoping to see the group grow even more and have enough ladies for a third MPAR team in 2019!
“The main reason I love playing Rounders is feeling like I’m a part of something; and the support I receive from my team – both on the pitch and off of it!
“We always have room for more people to join us here at MPAR and we train on a Tuesday 6:30pm, Thursday 6:30pm and/or Sunday 10am. Times are subject to change based on team fixtures so anyone who is interested is best to join our Facebook group ‘Middleton Park All-Rounders’ for updates and information. I’d encourage anyone to come along and give it a go, you’ll be met with a warm welcome and you won’t regret it!”
It seems Hannah is not the only one to enjoy playing Rounders and we heard from two of the teams members: Aly & Becky about the reasons they love to play Rounders. Aly said:
“Joining my Rounders team back in 2016 is the second best thing I’ve ever done in my life and it’s the second love of my life (a very close second to joining POF where I met the first love of my life). I loved Rounders at school and always kept my eye out for a team to join when I left. It took about 9 years, but I finally found it! It’s something just for me, and never fails to brighten my day no matter what else is going on. The ladies in my team are the most supportive, friendly bunch and I have never felt so included and part of a group in my life. Rounders is my absolute favourite thing to do in the world!”
Becky added:
“I joined my Rounders team in 2017 and this will be my first league. I love playing because it’s something for me to look forward to rather than being a mum, maid and wife all the time! It’s some me-time and it’s just so much fun!”
So there you have it! If you are looking for something new to start – Rounders is just the thing! You can contact Hannah on 07875 194564 or on Facebook for more information.
