Pickler’s Park, Roodepoort, held a special pickleball event at their pickleball courts in Winifred Street on Saturday, January 17, to attract some youth.

“The aim is two-pronged,” says community manager Ray Cassim.

“On the one hand, we want to introduce the sport of pickleball to the next generation of potential players.

“On the other hand, as a local sports club, it is important for us to be a part of and to support the youth in our community.

“Education is the cornerstone on which the lives of these young people will be built and a crucial focus point for Pickler’s Park.

“Therefore, we combined these two focus points.”

More than 40 children got to spend the morning at Pickler’s Park with dedicated coaches showing them the ropes on the pickleball courts.

“They had so much fun,” adds operations manager Chris Cassim. “In between lessons, our staff also took part in several games and activities with the children.

“They received delicious snacks and treats, and at the end of the day, each child was given a stationery pack for school.”

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sport disciplines in the world, and is quickly taking root in clubs across South Africa.