A SPORT that originated at the home of a future lieutenant governor for the US Congress has seen a rise in popularity in Cumbria.

Pickleball was created in 1960’s Washington DC when Joel Pritchard organised a game with friends after a round of golf.

The sport has continued to grow in popularity, and there are now ten groups across the county that take part in sessions each week.

 

News and Star: RETURN: The growing popularity in pickleball has resulted in 10 groups being formed in Cumbria. (Picture: Eden Valley Pickleball)RETURN: The growing popularity in pickleball has resulted in 10 groups being formed in Cumbria. (Picture: Eden Valley Pickleball)

 

Discussing how the sport is played, Maisie Wise from Eden Valley Pickleball said: “It’s a bit like you’re playing table tennis on a badminton court. You have the hard paddle like you’d use to play table tennis and use a hollow, plastic ball.

"You play on the badminton court with the usual badminton lines; however the net is at the same height as a tennis net.

“It’s different to other racket sports, and there’s a limit to the number of bounces you can allow. For instance, you aren’t allowed to volley until three shots are played.

“You can play single matches, but we tend to play doubles during our sessions.”

When asked how she became involved in pickleball, Maisie answered: “About five years ago, my dad, Richard brought it to Wetheral having played it in the US and invited a few people to play along. I ended up joining in and we would play once a month.

“Now more and more people have joined in and the number of hours that have been spent playing the sport at Wetheral is ridiculous! We have sessions and groups everywhere who play every day of the week and it’s great to see.”

Speaking about the rise in interest in the sport, Maisie continued: “It's absolutely brilliant knowing that we have helped out, not just in the county but also in the northeast as dad has been supporting groups in Hexham. Knowing that we’ve played a part in helping it grow, having lots of people get in touch about taster sessions, is very pleasing.”

Eden Valley Pickleball will hold taster sessions on Monday, March 14 from 10:30am – 12:30pm and on Thursday, March 17 from 7-9pm at the Heads Nook Village Hall in Brampton. Interested parties can just turn up or can email edenvalleypickleball@gmail.com for further information.