Pre-season training returns this March in anticipation of the start of the league season later in April/May. We are delighted to be able to announce the full details for training here!
Summary
Location: Trinity Fields, Wandsworth, SW17 7DP (https://goo.gl/maps/D6pdvJHxJofYPj3b9)
Dates: every Saturday, 5 March to 9 April, and 23 April
Time: 12.30pm - 3.00pm (followed by drinks in the clubhouse)
Everyone welcome!
Location: Trinity Fields
New for this year, we are holding pre-season training at Trinity Fields, a private sports field only a stone's throw away from our previous training ground, Wandsworth Common. The field is fenced off (so no pesky dog walkers roaming the outfield!) and beautifully maintained by their groundskeeper (i.e. flat running surfaces!).
We want to build a positive partnership with the charity that runs the field, so please take note of these rules regarding use of the grounds and facilities:
Dogs are not permitted on the field at any time.
Smoking is allowed in designated smoking areas only. Please use the bins provided and do not drop butts onto the grass.
Bikes may be kept only on hard areas.
No glass or bottle lids on the field.
No alcohol and food on the playing field areas.
No studded or muddy footwear inside the pavilion.
Street parking only without prior booking; access must be available for emergency vehicles at all times.
Do not litter - please use the bins provided or take with you.
Clubhouse
Trinity Fields also has a massive clubhouse that we are invited to use. This provides toilets, changing rooms, showers and storage space, as well as a kitchen and - most importantly - a bar! Drinks are at a discounted rate and so everyone is encouraged to stay after training to socialise. Outside there are also covered benches, so should it drizzle during training, we have somewhere dry to shelter.
Access
Trinity Fields (238 Beechcroft Rd, London SW17 7DP) is a 10-15 minute walk from Tooting Bec tube station (Northern Line), or a 10 minute walk from Wandsworth Common train station. For those who have attended training in previous years on Wandsworth Common, it's a five minute walk from there! On Google Maps it is also labelled as Sir Walter Saint John's Sports Ground. For a map, click https://goo.gl/maps/D6pdvJHxJofYPj3b9, or What Three Words: ///daisy.hung.learns.
The entrance to the field is at the southern side via Beechcroft Road (there is a gate on the northern side along Trinity Road but this isn't expected to be open). Beechcroft Road has on-road parking spaces for those wishing to drive (however we recommend public transport where possible!)
Training
As usual, pre-season training will be a mix of refresher drills, general fitness and playing some pick-up games. A good dose of warm ups and cool downs will be thrown in too!
What to Bring
We all know the weather in the UK can be dicey, so please be prepared for rain, sun and wind - a few layers are always a good idea! Please also bring some water and a snack or two. And of course, don't forget your softball kit (football boots with plastic studs or trail running shoes are great for training if you have them!) and a change of shoes for the clubhouse.
Weather and cancellations
We try to train and play in most conditions, but training may be cancelled if there is very bad weather on the day or grounds are in poor condition. The field groundskeeper will notify the committee on the morning of training if the field is closed, in which case we will notify club members as soon as possible through our WhatsApp and Facebook groups (and email where timing allows). If you don’t hear anything, assume training is still on!
New Players
If you're new to Raiders or softball in general, you are of course very welcome to join us! We have coaches who will teach you the skills and rules of the game and we have plenty of kit for you to borrow. Head on over to our New Members area of the website for further details on what to expect, what to bring and who to get in touch with if you have any questions.
We really look forward to seeing all our Raiders family at pre-season training. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Training Manager, Kat, at training@londonraiders.co.uk.