Hartfield Ladies Stoolball Club has been playing in the village for many years and competes in a league against local villages through the summer months on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Recently we have also played mixed indoor stoolball through the winter at Crowborough Leisure Centre and we also play occasional friendlies and tournaments. Stoolball has been played for over 500 years, and perhap
s much longer. Baseball, and probably cricket too, developed from our ancient sport. Stoolball has a long and fascinating history. Nobody knows for sure how and when it started. The earliest record in 1450 is to a game being played regularly, and it may already have been around for a long time. A team is comprised of 11 players. The match is usually 15 overs per innings with rules similar to cricket. We play with short handled wooden bats and square wickets on a post at head height. As with many other team sports, stoolball clubs often find it difficult to find enough players and we are currently having a recruitment drive to encourage more people to get involved in the sport. It’s a great form of exercise, is fun and great stress buster! It is also great to get outdoors in the fresh air on summer evenings. Welcoming new members aged 13+. Play as little or as much as you like – no need to commit to every game. We are also looking for umpires – full training provided (and free tea and cake!)
