Pickleball was started in America but is now the fastest growing sport in the UK. The paddleball sport combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis, where players use short-handled bats (called paddles) to hit a ball over a net.
Alan Coley, county representative for Pickleball England, wanted to develop the sociable game in Leyland and Chorley and applied to our community grant initiative, linked to the Willows Green development.
Alan, who lives in Clayton-le-Woods, said: “Pickleball is a very social game which, although competitive, is particularly kind to the body and therefore good for players of all ages. It’s a sport that not a lot of people know about so it was really important for me to provide suitable local facilities in order to give people more options for exercise.
“Receiving the £500 grant from Redrow enabled me to buy new equipment including paddles, balls and nets that are now being used by groups at Clayton Green on a Tuesday and All Seasons Leisure Centre in Chorley on a Friday.
“Although the game is growing exponentially in the North West area, with proper transportable equipment we can now introduce it to local schools, outdoor play at tennis centres and other sports halls. The aim is to make pickleball part of the community’s weekly activities.”
Sian Pitt, sales director at for Lancashire, said: “Redrow supports communities close to where we build through community funds and grants such as the one that has supported Pickleball. Exercise and improving mental well-being has been at the forefront of many people’s minds during lockdowns so this new exercise club has come just at the right time and we’re really pleased we could help get it off the ground.”
Four groups and good causes from the Clayton-le-Woods area shared £2,000 from our community grant project.
If you would like to know more about the game or wish to 'give it a go’ please email Alan: acoley@sky.com.
Find more details about our homes at Willows Green, or call 01772 340601.
