Introducing Pickleball to a New Centre

What is the best way to introduce Pickleball to a new senior centre? Bring in players from another club to do a demonstration.

This is exactly what happened when Pickleball for Seniors was introduced to Heydenshore Recreation Centre in Whitby. From left to right, Cathy, Jane, Michael, Tony, and David travelled from Milliken Park Recreation Centre in Scarborough to do a demo back in March for new players in Whitby.

The arrangements were set up by Sheri Subden the Seniors Program director of Whitby and Tony Sequeira, the usapa ambassador of the Greater Toronto area. The five players from Milliken went to Whitby and demonstrated the game. New players were then teamed with the experienced players to learn the rules and play a game.

Last week the five players pictured above were welcomed back to play a friendly round robin with the players they had taught ten weeks earlier. There was friendly play and refreshments enjoyed by all.

This is one of many ways Pickleball players give back to the game of Pickleball. Players teach lessons to new players. They remember that when they started, someone spent time teaching them, and they are eager to share. Pickleball is more than a game, it is a social experience that everyone enjoys. It is a time to meet new people and most important, have fun.

Thanks to Cathy, Jane, Michael, and David for sharing your time and expertise. And special thanks to Tony for acting as a true ambassador and setting this all up. I was at the Whitby Club this week and I know how appreciative they were for all the help you gave them. The Whitby Club would like to do the same for some one else.