A Brief History of the Richings Park Softball Club

In 1995 four Softball Players had a vision to change the way that softball should be played and organised in the UK coming away from the “once a night in the park and a couple of beers afterwards” mentality to an organised and structured Club environment that would accelerate the skills and success of their two teams. They realised that if the sport was to be developed further in Berkshire, and indeed in the UK that a formal Club needed to be organised. That Club would then act as a platform for players that had the ability to play at the highest level by providing both facilities and funding for domestic and international play, whilst still encouraging and introducing the “grass roots” players into the game who would be the life blood of the Club. On that basis the Thames Valley Softball Club was officially started.

From the beginning it was apparent that the development strategy to find a permanent home rather than the local recreation ground was of paramount importance to the Clubs survival and growth. This would enable a bespoke Softball Diamond to be constructed and new players would be attracted by the facilities that we could provide.

After much searching and assistance from the then management of the local League, Churchmead School in Datchet was identified as having everything that was required. After much negotiation with the School and the Sports Club affiliated to them a deal was struck that would enable the Club to develop a dedicated softball diamond with dugouts and full back fencing and to use their changing room and sports bar facilities on each evening that softball was played. Thames Valley continued a great seven-year relationship with Churchmead School and The Datchet Sports Club until the sports club was sold and new owners took over the running of the home ground. The Club unfortunately was served 12-months notice and the Club came to a big turning point in its history.

The Club started looking for that perfect new home, taking up residency at a temporary home in Slough at a local school that provided the minimum requirements of a dedicated field and changing rooms. The Club realised very early on in the year that they spent in Slough that the Club membership missed a central focus point and they became aware that they needed to find an equal to or better venue than Datchet.

The Committee were very lucky to find a perfect venue for the Club based at Richings Park Sports Club in Iver, only 4 miles from the previous “home ground” at Datchet. Richings Park was ideal for the Club and they gained permission to construct the first dedicated softball diamond in 2004 for the 2004 season. The diamond was and still one of the best in the League with back fences and dugouts added for 2007. Richings Park has good changing facilities, two subsidised bars, patio and deck over looking the field.

The Club had 5 League Teams in Windsor from the all conquering Thames Valley Mavericks to the rookie side the Thames Valley Rangers who were the starting point for many great softball careers. In January 2009 Thames Valley Softball Club changed its name to Richings Park Softball Club following incorporation with the Sports and Social Club at the home ground.

For the 2009 season Richings Park Softball Club had 3 teams in the WMDMSL as well as a girls fastpitch team. We currently also field a Co-Ed tournament team as well as mens and womens single sex teams.