24-05-2025
Weekly Pickleball sessions launching at three locations
Abbeycroft is launching weekly Pickleball sessions across three Suffolk locations.
Residents are being offered an opportunity to try the sport, which is growing rapidly in the UK.
The sessions will take place at Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre, Mildenhall Hub, and Haverhill Leisure Centre.
Abbeycroft members and non-members are welcome.
All equipment will be provided, including paddles, balls and nets.
The sessions will take place once a week (Image: Abbeycroft) Pickleball is played on an area the size of a badminton court, using a solid paddle and lightweight plastic ball.
It combines aspects of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, with a typical focus on doubles games.
Charlie Potter, active communities manager at Abbeycroft, said: "We're delighted to bring Pickleball to our range of activities.
"It's an inclusive, easy-to-learn sport that appeals to people of all ages and fitness levels.
"You don't need any experience, just a willingness to give it a go.
"The sessions are sociable, fun, and already proving popular and we'd love to welcome more people to come and try it out for themselves."
Pickleball is played on an area the size of a badminton court (Image: Abbeycroft) Mark Webb, from West Row, participated in the launch session.
He said: "It was much more enjoyable than I expected, and it was good to meet some new people.
"I've been missing playing racquet sports, but this is a great way to be social."
Pickleball's swift rise in popularity is credited to how easy it is to take part in and the sociable environment it encourages.
The small court size encourages interaction and chat among players, making it a good way to stay active and form community connections.
Pickleball offers multiple physical and mental health benefits.
These include improved cardiovascular health, balance, and coordination.
Its low-impact movement makes it suitable for older adults or those seeking gentle exercise.
The social and tactical aspects of the game can also help lower stress levels and support cognitive wellbeing.
