About us
What is Sporty Girls*?
Sporty Girls started as a group of friends getting together to play informal, pick-up-type outdoor sports and games. We encourage women* of any age or skill level -- including beginners or "never played" -- to come try a new (or old) sport and "just play," without an emphasis on being "good" or winning. Everybody is involved; nobody sits on the sidelines unless they want to. Most important -- when we play team sports, we don't do schoolyard picks, so nobody is ever "last."
What do we play?
Frisbee/Ultimate, badminton, kickball, flag football, street hockey, bocce, pickleball, and more. We're always open to suggestions for new things to play.
When do we play?
In 2025 we have scheduled at least one event per month (except for December).
Where do we play, and how much does it cost?
The location depends on what we're playing. We play at parks and schools throughout the South Bay -- usually public venues so that it's free. If a fee is ever required, we'll tell you.
Note: Since the Organizers pay to maintain this site and occasionally have to purchase equipment and replenish supplies, we do accept donations at our events to offset these costs. Or you can donate on the Home page. Many thanks!
*Who can play?
We are an inclusive, LGBTQ+-friendly group. If you identify as a woman or a nonbinary or trans person, you are welcome!
Why "no guys allowed"? (By "guys" we mean cisgender men.) Our events provide (among other things) a confidence-building environment for people, especially women, to learn and play sports and games that they might not have felt comfortable trying in school or were actually excluded from because they were female. Our atmosphere differs from a co-ed one: we promote inclusion, equality, and acceptance of each person's level of experience; whereas when cisgender men are present, those age-old gender roles can sneak in and change the dynamic -- introducing, e.g., an increased level of competition, more intense physicality, or simply that subtle (subconscious?) expectation about abilities between the traditional sexes. Even if your cisgender male partner wouldn't do this, if we let one play, we'd have to let them all play. Thank you for understanding!
Can I bring my kids?
Yes, feel free to bring your children -- girls of any age, boys age 12 and under, and nonbinary and trans teens. If what we are playing is kid-friendly and you want them to try the game, they can join in. But we probably won't let little ones play if we think they'll get run over in fast-paced games like ultimate frisbee or big ball soccer.
What kind of shape should I be in, or what if I have an old injury that slows me down?
We DO NOT discriminate, period. You can play with us no matter your age or physical condition.
Although some of the sports and games we play do require physical exertion (running), you should always only play to your comfort level. We will not judge you for taking a breather as often as you need to. (In fact, please do!)
If you have a bad knee or ankle, bring your brace or other support, especially if we are playing on natural grass, which can have hidden divots, clumps, sprinklers, and gopher holes. If you have a disability, we'll try to modify how we play so you can get in the game.
We will huddle up before each game to stretch, warm up, and talk about ways to play safely and minimize the risk of getting hurt. We also try to take three to four water breaks per hour (depending) to keep everyone hydrated. Ultimately, however, all Sporty Girls events are "play at your own risk."
What should I bring and wear?
Always bring water and maybe a snack.
We provide most of the equipment, but we'll let you know if you should bring something. Also, if you have extras of any equipment, please bring them to lend out. (Put your name on your stuff with a Sharpie.)
Wear comfortable clothing for the expected weather and type of event (shorts or sweats, t-shirt or sweatshirt). Jeans are not great for running but are OK for, say, bocce. Wear any type of sneakers for most events; if you want more traction, you can wear sneakers with "turf"-type soles (but please, no cleats).
Follow Us
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SportyGirlsSJ/
On Twitter: @SportyGirlsSJ
Questions or Suggestions?
- If you have trouble finding us on the day of an event, call or text 408-313-6930.
- To suggest a sport, game, or location, or if you have a question, email sportygirlssj@gmail.com.
- If you want to be a co-organizer, send me an email to discuss! We want more people to organize Sporty events.
Upcoming events
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Slow-Pitch Softball Sign-Up Day
Arcadia Ballpark, 2208 Quimby Rd, San Jose, CA, USYou're invited! Whether you've played softball before or are a beginner, come out to see what our all-women's+ slow-pitch softball league has to offer!
Sign-Up Days are relaxed events in which to learn or brush up on basic skills (throwing, fielding, hitting), meet other players, and (if you like the experience) sign up to be placed on a team.
It’s not a tryout—everyone who wants to play will be placed! We hold these practices so you can be matched with a team that suits your skill level.
Bring your glove if you have one (if not, that's OK—we have a few to lend out), and get ready to play a little ball!
It’s free to attend, but if you want to take the next step toward joining a team, you can pay a deposit of $80 toward the total seasonal fee. (Balance TBD and payable after assignment to a team. We can take cash, check, PayPal, and Venmo.)
Registration is required (for liability reasons, please). To register, go to
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfvaTv_Bkz.../viewform
If you cannot fill out the form in advance, we will help you register online at the field.
PS - Wear comfortable clothing for the weather, and bring plenty of water and maybe a snack!
IN CASE OF WET WEATHER: If we get rained out, we will do our best to give timely notice, but you can also call Arcadia's Field Conditions Hotline at 669-275-4938 to check the status of the fields.
In the event of cancellation, you can still sign up to be drafted by following these three steps:
- Fill out the above registration form thoroughly.
- Submit your $90 via Venmo (@SJWSL) or PayPal (Danny Gilmore).
- Send an email to our league director, Danny Gilmore, at sjwslcommissioner@gmail.com letting her know you've done the above steps.
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/SJWSoftball/
Slow-Pitch Softball Practice
Arcadia Ballpark, 2208 Quimby Rd, San Jose, CA, USThe San Jose Women's* Softball League holds open practices for all adult (18–100+) softball players. Whether you are on a team or just want to come out and take some swings—all are invited to attend.
We will practice fielding, hitting, baserunning—whatever the group wants to work on. If we have enough people, we might scrimmage a little.
Registration is required (for liability reasons, please). To register, go to
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScoqzgu6HFGUd.../viewform.If you cannot fill out the form in advance, we will help you register online at the field.
Bring your glove and cleats/turf shoes, visor/cap, plenty of water, and maybe a snack! Wear comfy clothes and sneakers with traction if you don't have cleats.
IN CASE OF WET WEATHER, please call Arcadia's Field Conditions Hotline at 669-275-4938 to check the status of the fields.
*SJWSL is a public benefit, non-member, 501(c)4 Social Welfare organization, offering softball events to women and people who identify as transgender or nonbinary.
Past events
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