Vicki Carter
“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America,” declared NBC News last summer. Just a short time ago, everyone was asking, “what the heck is pickleball?” In ten short years, the PebbleCreek Pickleball Club has grown to a membership of about 1,400 and from one converted basketball court to 20 dedicated courts.
Now is your chance to come out to cheer on your friends and neighbors in the sport with the funny name. We will host the Third annual PebbleCreek Pickleball Tournament on February 14, 15 and 16, 2018. There is a record number of participants from across the country and Canada for the February event. In fact, over 500 players registered for the tournament within 17 minutes of opening, including 137 members of the PebbleCreek club.
You will be able to watch games played within five different skill levels: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5. Each of these skill levels will have age groups of 50-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70+. The Women’s Doubles will be on February 14 so watch for a Valentine’s theme. Then, it’s Mixed Doubles on February 15 and Men’s Doubles on February 16.
You will have lots of opportunities to shop at a variety of vendors’ tables for the newest pickleball paddles and accessories. Estrella Pkwy Medical Centre will be on site to provide a complimentary massage for the participants.
And, of course, there will be food! We have a reputation in the tournament world for providing the best home baked treats for the players. There will also be delicious breakfast and lunch items available for purchase by participants and spectators.
“We are able to send a sleeve of three Franklin X-40 pickleballs to most participants courtesy of Franklin Sports and our pickleball club” says Mike Crabtree, Chair of the Tournament Committee. The X-40 is the official ball of the tournament, so participants will have a chance to practice with it prior to the event. Additional financial support is being provided by local merchants.
Do you think you have what it takes to become the next pickleball champions? Then why not give it a go. If you look into something like pickleball paddles amazon, you’ll be able to find and purchase the necessary equipment you will need in order to get to grips with this new phenomenon. You can even get the whole family involved too!
Make sure you come out February 14, 15 and 16 to watch great pickleball and to see what all the hype is about. If you’re new to pickleball, come out any time and take advantage of the free novice instruction. For more information, go to www.pcpbclub.org or contact Art House at [email protected].