The Bostonet Catchball Association (Bostonet) was founded in 2015 with the goal of providing an enjoyable team sports experience for women in the Greater Boston area.
What started as a single Facebook post asking if anyone wanted to play a team sport has blossomed into a thriving regional organization. Today, Bostonet provides an active, inspiring network where women from all walks of life can thrive, prioritize their physical health, and build lasting friendships.
What is Catchball?
Catchball is a fast-paced, high-energy team sport derived from volleyball. Played on a standard volleyball court with a net, the primary difference is that players catch and throw the ball rather than hitting it.
Because it is easy to learn, the sport is incredibly accessible to women of all ages and fitness backgrounds without requiring previous athletic experience. However, at a strategic level, it demands deep teamwork, quick communication, and sharp positional play. It is a sport where every single player on the court matters, making it the perfect catalyst for building deep trust, camaraderie, and community.
Our Values
- Empowerment: Providing a supportive environment where women can rediscover the joy of competitive sports, stay active, and build personal confidence.
- Inclusivity: Welcoming players of all skill levels—from seasoned athletes to women who haven’t stepped onto a sports court since high school. If you want to play, there is a place for you here.
- Community & Connection: Creating a diverse and energetic network of individuals who lift each other up both on and off the court.
How Is the League Structured?
Our league comprises 8 teams from several towns within the Greater Boston area. Every team practices once a week, combining warmups, skill development, and play time within the team setting.
- League Games: Matches are typically held on Sundays, featuring friendly yet competitive games between different teams throughout the season.
- Weekly Pick-up Games: In addition to formal team practices, Bostonet offers weekly open pick-up games where players from all different teams and towns play together in a relaxed setting. These informal gatherings provide a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the sport, stay active, and further build deep connections within our broader community.
👉 Click Here to View Our Current Season Page to check out our recent timeline, tournaments, and see what a typical year in the league looks like!
New Players & Skill Development
Whether you are stepping onto the court for the very first time or looking to sharpen your competitive edge, we provide structured pathways for every player to grow:
Catchball School (For Beginners): To support beginners in their Catchball journey, Bostonet offers dedicated training sessions specifically tailored for those new to the sport. Offered league-wide, these sessions help establish a strong skill baseline for all players, preparing them to dive into advanced skills, game strategies, and teamwork within a team setting.
Clinics & Workshops: For our players looking to enhance their abilities, we regularly organize specialized clinics and workshops. Led by experienced coaches, these sessions are designed to sharpen specific aspects of the game—such as serving techniques, ball control, positioning, and on-court communication—to take your game to the next level.
Our Recent Journey & Growth
While we remain deeply committed to our founding mission, the last few years have marked a period of exciting milestones and expansion for our association:
Official 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Status: To better serve our community, secure sponsorships, facility partnerships, and expand player resources, Bostonet successfully transitioned into a fully registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Expanding Into New Towns: Our community is growing! In addition to our established groups in Brookline, Cambridge and Newton, we have recently launched brand-new teams, including The Lionets in Needham and our Lexington team, bringing the joy of Catchball to entirely new neighborhoods.
The Bostonet Tournament: We successfully established our flagship annual event —bringing together teams from across North America for a weekend of competition and sportsmanship. What started as a friendly collaboration between Bostonet and Torronto Catchball teams grew to include 16 teams from North America!
National Representation: Bostonet has proudly taken its talent beyond local play, representing our New England Catchball community at major regional events and competing in the national Mamanet Tournament.
Looking ahead, we are actively looking to expand into even more towns next year!
Join us at Bostonet and become part of our thriving community. Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned player, or someone looking to improve their skills, our league offers an exciting platform for you to embrace the sport, form lasting friendships, and experience the joy of being part of a supportive team. See you on the courts!
