Each year, the BaseballSoftballUK LGBTQ+ Committee runs a series of LGBTQ+ Tournaments across the United Kingdom, giving anyone and every one an inclusive, fun-filled event where are all welcome. As the events have gained in popularity, the Committee set a goal of expanding the series each year, bringing in cities and partners from across the UK to help make sport more inclusive. Last year, Liverpool joined Manchester and Birmingham to host three fun-filled days of inclusivity. 

This year, the BaseballSoftballUK LGBTQ+ Committee is excited to announce four LGBTQ+ Tournaments, with tournaments expanding to Leeds and Cardiff in addition to Manchester and Liverpool!

Manchester has hosted an LGBTQ+ Tournament since 2015, and will again host the first tournament of the year on 13 May, with the full schedule of dates and locations as follows:

The Cardiff event will be supported by LGBTQ+ Committee member Holly Ireland of RBI Wales, while the event in Leeds will be hosted by the Leeds Softball Association.

All tournaments are in partnership with Pride Sports, with Pride Sports Cymru coming on board in Cardiff. The events also help raise funds and awareness for the Pride Youth Games.

North West Development Manager Luis Arrevillagas, who leads the LGBTQ+ Tournaments, remarked, "BaseballSoftballUK and the LGBTQ+ committee organise these fun tournaments to increase LGBTQ+  visibility both in the softball community and the wider world of sports, and is a vital pillar of our Inclusion strategy.  We want to make sure our LGBTQ+ players and volunteers feel at ease and at home whilst participating in our sports, as well as to encourage other members of the LGBTQ+ community to join in!"

If you have any questions or are interested in your city hosting an LGBTQ+ tournament/event, please get in touch with Luis here.