South Central Florida Pickleball League

Submitted by:
Dave Majic -
Highlands Ridge, Avon Park, Fl

Just sending along a note relating to our South Central Florida Pickelball League play. This year finds us losing one team, Rainbow RV, but adding an excellent addition in Riverbend Motorcoach Resort.

Once again, the concept is team oriented ( eight players) and based upon each opposing team facing each other team, one time. The four matches are used to set up the championship tournament brackets. The winner of the league play, is to receive a first round bye. The other four teams play off against each other in a double elimination format. Last years' champion was Solivita.

This year the league championship will be held at Solivita.

Our first action through Jan. 27th, had the following results:
Lake Ashton - 46 Highlands Ridge - 21
Tanglewood - 48 Solivita - 19
Highlands Ridge - 52 - Riverbend - 10

League Standing: Tanglewood 1 0
Lake Ashton 1 0
Highlands Ridge 1 1
Solivita 0 1
Riverbend 0 1

I'm forwarding you what (Ambassador) Larry Judd from Lake Ashton writes related to their match with Solivita. It embodies what I've wanted to create, a "team concept" in pickelball that is more than just about one or two people. You can sense his pride in Lake Ashton as it as grown from last year when they were the weakest team to being about to push Solivita to the limit.

Dear Pickleballers: 1/28/12

Today, under beautiful blue skies, with a slight breeze, mighty
Solivita came to Lake Ashton to play pickleball. Last year, Solivita,
League Champions, gave up only 2 points to the Lake Ashton 8. It was a
different story today, going down to the final 1 versus A match.
Despite incredible play Tim Noffsinger and Mike Calveard lost their
match, going to the third game, to Solivita's Sid and Don K. This
resulted in a 34 to 33 win by Solivita. The teams of Mike Calveard and
Tim Noffsinger, Marilyn Noffsinger and Mike Holden, and Bill Dentler
and Larry Judd won 3/4 of their matches, sometimes in 3 games. It was a
great day for pickleball and I want to thank all the players and their
supporters for coming out, bringing fruit and cookies and cheering us
on. The next 2 meets are away, followed by the Championship Tournament
at Solivita on 3/3/12.

Larry Judd

Highland Lakes - trains new community..

Don Gullakson, Harry Yorgensen,  and Manny  and Marie  Cardoza  take to the road for the Spruce Creek Preserve in Dunnellon, Fl  

They were invited there to introduce pickelball to the residents of the community where the tennis courts were recently resurfaced modate those ready to learn to play.

The story and pictues can be seen on the Highland Lakes Pickleball Clubs website.

 CLICK HERE

4th Annual Cypress Cove Pickleball Fun Tournament

Submitted by:
Mike Sullivan

Nineteen teams of avid Pickleball players as well as over a dozen spectators turned out on Saturday, January 21 for the 4th Annual Cypress Cove Pickleball Fun Tournament, sponsored by the pickleball players at beautiful Cypress Cove Nudist Resort & Spa in Kissimmee, FL.

A spectacular day of spring-like weather rewarded all the players with idyllic temperatures, blue skies and calm winds for the tournament, which saw entrants from as far away as Nashville, TN. A strong contingent of players from Solivita in nearby Poinciana turned out to play, as well as about a dozen resident players from Cypress Cove. All teams were selected through random draw, and play was conducted on four courts under perfect weather conditions with temperatures in the low-80s.

The double-elimination tournament was exciting, to say the least. Thirty-nine games were required to determine the champions, with the eventual winners playing 10 games to claim the title, defeating strong competitors who advanced all the way through to the championship round with a perfect 4-0 record, only to fall 0-2 in the finals.

RESULTS

3rd Place Bronze Medalists:
Lee Wessel - Cypress Cove
Diane Reynolds - Tanglewood, Sebring, FL

2nd Place - Silver Medalists
Don Kelleher - Solivita
Lora Furrow - Solivita

Champions - Gold Medalists
Alice Tym - Nashville, TN
Susan Borchini - Solivita

Everyone had a wonderful time at the tournament, which was capped off by a fabulous picnic lunch and free homebrew draft beer served court side under the brilliant Florida sun. Many players took full advantage of the gorgeous weather to relax the rest of the day at Cypress Cove, and we're all looking forward to the 5th Annual Cypress Cove Fun Tournament, coming up in February of 2013.

Thanks to everyone who came out to play. Watch for details on this Web site for info on next year's tournament, online registration and more, coming this fall.

Pictured below are the Gold Medalists Alice Tym (L) & Susan Borchini

Semi-final action on Court 4 during the 4th Annual Cypress Cove Pickleball Fun Tournament, January 21, 2012

Spectators court side at Court 4 enjoy the action

 

Tournament Central was a busy place during the tournament, but things ran smoothly and all 39 games in the double-elimination tournament were completed in a snappy 3.5 hours.

 

Are You Ready for Some Pickleball?
Stone Mountain Patch -  January 25, 2012

Stone Mountain City Council member Steve Higgins would like to bring the game of pickleball (see video) to the city.

"It will attract people to town because there's not many places doing it," Higgins said during the council's recent work session.

Higgins said it doesn't cost much for the equipment or the materials to create the courts -- under $500 -- which he said could be set up at Medlock Park or the Rock Gym, for example. He's also looking into other possible venues in the city.

Collier County Games - Deadline - February 2nd

Hi to all Pickleball Players,

We would like to remind you about the upcoming tournament in Naples, Feb. 10, 11, and 12th. The deadline for entry is February 2nd. We have attached an entry form and information sheet for your convenience.

The men's and women's singles will be played on Friday night, Feb. 10. The men's and women's doubles will be played on Saturday and the mixed doubles on Sunday.

Play will be outdoors at East Naples Community Park. We will have 12 courts available to use and we do have lights at the facility. There will be a food vendor on site during the day on Saturday and Sunday. We hope to see you all there and we look forward to a weekend of great Pickleball and lots of fun.

This is a USAPA Tier 4 Sanctioned Tournament.

Please call if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Nancy Meyer
Cindy Eddleman

CLICK HERE for Tournament Information

CLICK HERE for Registraion Form

2012 Geezer Meister Tournament

"Aside from losing early on, the tournament was great. Well organized, well run, good weather, nice facilities and nice people. I look forward to returning and not losing early! "

Jan Pasternak - Houston, TX

"Yvonne and I commend Jim Claycomb and his staff on an excellent tournament. Very well run, lots of food and refreshments for players and spectators, a great venue and excellent competition."

Jim Hackenberg - Kalamazoo, MI

Tom Henry  from Maryland shared more good comments about the games and was surprised with the great level of play. The Hackenbergs from Michigan took the gold in the mixed over Florida's Deb Harrison and Bill Freeman.  But in the men's doubles, Jim Hackenberg and North Carolina's Paul Coletta could only muster bronze in the Men's doubles behind Florida's Art Severn and Jim Claycomb (silver) and Barry Gee and Don Piper (gold). The two feature matches of the tournament:   The  60-64 mixed with Hackenbergs vs Freeman and Harrison --they split 3 matches in the double elimination and had a huge spectator crowd!  The other was the 60-64 match with Don Piper and Barry Gee against Art Severn and Jim Claycomb.. Again, they split 3 matches and had everyone watching and cheering.

"The Geezer Meister Pickleball Tournament was held January 19th - 21st at Del Webb Spruce Creek near Summerfield, Florida.

This year saw a growth to 282 entries from 190 individuals. The USAPA granted a tier 3 status to the tournament.

Players came from Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and throughout Florida.  Several national champions were present. Players and spectators were entertained with fabulous pickleball, and plenty of good food.

The tournament featured a double elimination format in men's, women's and mixed doubles. 12 courts were kept busy throughout the day on Thursday and Friday. In two age divisions, play continued into the evening, under the lights.

In the end, we saw very few repeat champions. That's a great testament to the players, and to the sport."
Jim Claycomb, Tournament Director

CLICK HERE for tournament results

CLICK HERE for photo gallery

Registration is open for the Gaston/Lincoln County Games

The Gaston/Lincoln County Senior Games will include pickleball this year and is open to NC residents age 55 years and older.

Doubles Competition Only
Thursday April 5, 2010
8:30 am




Pickleball will be played at the Phillips Center at 2031 Echo Lane in Gastonia, NC.

Early Bird Entry Deadline - 2/3/2010
Final Entry Deadline - 2/10/2010

Pickleball practice will be on Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm at the Phillips Center and from 6:30p to 8:30 p at the Bessemer City Gym.

CLICK HERE for more information and REGISTRATION

Del Webb, Ponte Vedra Pickleball Tournament

Submitted by:
Bob Dean
Ambassador, Ponte Vedra, Fl

The pictures below of the Riverwood Pickleball Club were taken at their very first in house pickleball tournament at the Del Webb Community in Ponte Vedra, Florida. 

The pickleball courts were just opened at this community back in July of 2011, but on December 4th - pickleball was in full force, with a blind draw, double elimination tournament.

The winners are pictured below:

Men first place-Ric Porter and Bob Dean

Men 2nd place-Lin Smith and Jack Shober

Women first place -Beverly Lovings and Diane Solms

Women 2nd place-Maureen Naldzin and  Judy Dean

Mixed first place- David Herring and Linda Kracker

Mixed 2nd place-Michael Dudley and Judy Dean

 "Everyone had a great time and displayed excellent sportsmanship. I am very pleased with the way everyone has progressed here after only 6 months."

This Del Webb communtiy is still growing, and there are only about 260 homes so far in the entire community.  So to reach 50 pickleball members in their club in such a short time is fantastic.  Congratulations to Bob and the entire Pickleball Club.

Here, Bob presents Carole Dominick with a free pickleball paddle as the 50th member of their club. I 

 

5th Annual Winter In Paradise Wing Ding

On Saturday, January 14th, pickleball players headed out early for the Winter In Paradise Pickleball Wing Ding held at Kings Point in Sun City Center, FL. Most of us have been there before, and we keep coming back.  It's always a great time, with recreational and competitive play for all skills levels.


Louann Dubendorf, of the Kings Point Pickleball League is the planner and organizer of this yearly event that draws people from across the state to play. More than 70 pickleball players braved the 40 degree temperatures and blistering winds.  USAPA Space Coast Ambassador, Scott Nelson drove three hours again this year to meet up with this year's competition and brought along his son, Joshua.   Also taking to the road to meet up with the local competition were groups from the RV Resorts in Wauchuala and Bowling Green,  players  from the Sarasota/Bradenton and Ft. Myers areas to the south,  and from Lutz and Wesley Chapel north of Tampa. Other ambassadors at this event were Ambassadors-at Large Ron and Connie Monson, and Local and Regional Ambassadors Rich and Donna Donald.

Everyone arrived bundled for the blast of cold weather that set in over night.  First order of business- get your morning goodie bags with breakfast bars, juice, crackers, cookies or candy bars, plenty of coffee and water, and a guaranteed good time.  Below players arrive and prepare for the day - passing the awards table and hoping they go home with at least one, checking out their competition and scheduled play, setting up their chairs for the day and then settling in to watch the competition.

The competition was set up a little different this year allowing for both recreational and skilled competition. In the men's draw there were two competitive groups and one recreational.  The drive from Satellite Beach was worth their while as father/son team Scott and Joshua went home with the gold.  Below the men take to the courts.

In the mens' recreational group we had players in age from 12 to 80 and both finished with a medal. Congratulations to Art Carpouzis from Wauchula, and 12 year old Zachary from Wesley Chapel.

The ladies' draw was set up the same with one recreational and two competitive groups.  Below the ladies take to the courts.

 

The afternoon was more of the same with the mixed doubles competition. Remember 12 year old Zachary?  Well he and his mom Karen finished first in the recreational division.

And to make sure that everyone who wanted to play got to play - there was another group set up for anyone who did not have a partner and just wanted to play.   And a little more proof that this is a "family" game - another father and son team from Sun City Aaron and Jordan went home with Second Place.

The weather could have been a little more accommodating - but the sun did finally shine on a fun filled day of pickleball.

CLICK HERE FOR WINNERS

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY



Bluffton - Sun City

Fast and hilarious
savannahnow.com - By Gwyneth J. Saunders
January 18,2012

The most serious thing about the Monday morning gathering of pickleball players on the new courts by the Sun City North Lake House was the determination to have a good time.




Photo by Gwyneth J. Saunders/The Sun Today "Good game!" Barbara Stern, left, Jan Fierick, Patty Smith and Jenny Willis finish a laugh-filled and fast-paced game of pickleball.

......They've all been bitten by the pickleball bug and it is obviously contagious because the club now numbers about 800 members and is growing. The new courts that just opened near the Lake House in Sun City North have greatly eased the panic for playing time.

READ MORE

Obscure sport a growing hobby for county residents
by William Bretherton
wbretherton@cherokeetribune.com
January 14, 2012




William Criswell, a Holly Springs resident, plays a game of pickleball with friends Friday morning at the east Cherokee home of Tom and Ann Earley.

Tribune photo by Todd Hull



 “One of the things we do is have potlucks,” said Bill Hess, about his group’s game in the Lake Arrowhead neighborhood. “It’s even more of a social thing because people come around the table with their wine, and some of the wives will come and sit around. Then, eventually, they will come to a court and hit the ball back and forth.

“It’s just a very relaxed atmosphere. You come to play, but playing is just part of it.”

Read more: Cherokee Tribune - Obscure sport a growing hobby for county residents

IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR

 2011 Significant Accomplishments

Regional Growth

• Membership: 26% growth with 131 new members. Largest Growth in South Carolina
• Ambassadors: 54% growth with 22 new Local Ambassadors appointed. Now have a total of 63 local ambassadors for our Region
• PTP - 45% growth with 48 new locations across the Region.

Tournaments

• More than 60 tournaments held across the Region. (These are the ones that we KNOW about, and that were celebrated on our ASR Website.
• Three USAPA Sanctioned Tournaments scheduled for 2012  and our very FIRST Skill Level Tournament was played in December in Labelle, FL.
• North and South Carolina both experienced significant growth in pickleball at their local Senior Games/Olympics, and  pickleball was included very successfully, for the first time this year in the South Carolina Senior Sports Classic ( State Games)

Community Outreach/Benefit Events 

• Pickled Pilgrim and Halloween Tournaments - Canton GA -  Local Humane Society.
• Pickleball For Paws - Wauchula, FL - Local Animal Rescue Team. 
• Spruce Creek Charity Tournament - Summerfield, FL
• The Villages - Toys for Tots, Wildwood Soup Kitchen
• Veterans Day Tournament, Carolina Lakes, SC - Hidden Wounds - ($5000 in donations)
• Jacksonville, NC Benefit Tournament
• Choose to Lose Program - Myrtle Beach, SC
• KROC Center Grand Opening - August, GA

Pickleball For-All

For the Kids

• North Davidson High School, Davey County, NC
• Socastee High School - Myrtle Beach, SC
• St Andrews Catholic School - Myrtle Beach, SC
• After School Program, Jacksonville Commons Gym, NC
• Riverside Recreation Center Boys and Girls Club of York County, SC
• Kids Fitness Festival - Palm Beach, FL
• Indian Land Middle School - SC

For the elderly and Special Needs

• Brightwater Assisted Living , GA
• Adult Special Needs consumers of Horey County, SC
• Health Week at the Continuing Care Retirement Community - NC
• Health Day @ Ocean Lakes Resort, Myrtle Beach, SC
• Health First - Space Coast, FL

In The News

• CBS Morning Show - from The Villages, Fl
• PBA30 - Atlanta, and the Cherokee Tribune features the North GA, Pickleball Club
• St. Petersburg Times features Pickleball Guinness Record
• WXII, NBC TV - Winston -Salem - Pickleball featured on “Girl Talk”
• Channel 10 News - Pickleball in Pinellas Park, FL

Going the extra mile

• Dave Majick of Avon Park, FL took the lead in setting up the South Central Florida Pickleball League (SCFPL). The first year was an absolute success as players from Highlands Ridge (Avon, Park), Solivita (Poinciana), Tanglewood (Sebring), Lake Ashton (Winter Haven and Rainbow RV Resort (Frostproof) competed during the 2010/2011 winter season. The Solivita Team emerged as the Championship Winners. Everyone is hoping that the Leagure resumes this season. Link to story
• Guinness Record for the Longest Pickleball Game - Jeff Baker and Justin Lawrence, both employees of the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center, attempted a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous play at the game of Pickleball—quite a feat. And on June 25th and 26th they played for 24 hours straight - achieving a Guinness World Record.  Link to story

The Atlantic South Region celebrates pickleball growth across the country through the ASR Website and their monthly ASR Pickleball Newsletter.  A special THANK  YOU to our Ambassadors, and to all the players across the Region!

Pickleball Comes to Corporate America

Southwest Florida Ambassadors Nancy Meyer and Cindy Eddleman were recently invited to the corporate headquarters of Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy in Flint, Michigan.  They were asked to introduce Pickleball to the IT Department as a team building activity on December 12-15. 2011.

Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy set up two pickleball courts inside the building, using painters tape and the USAPA portable net systems. This company has grown significantly in the past two years and they have many employees who do not really know each other. We were asked to do a clinic one day, and allow a practice timee after work hours, for those who were interested and then set up a round robin tournament for Wednesday.

Diplomat paired the employees into teams for the tournament, pairing employees who did not work closely together on a day to day basis.  For example,  a software specialist with a hardware specialist.  This formula seemed to work out perfectly as employees played together and helped each other out duringboth  the clinics and the open play.

The first day, Tuesday, was an introduction to Pickleball since not many of tthe employees had ever heard of it before. One and one-half hour clinics were held during the day to teach basic strokes, scoring, etc. Everyone seemed to have a great time so we invited them to practice with us  after work hours on Tuesday night. We did four one and one half hour clinics on Tuesday and several half hour “quick clinics” and the open play was from 5:00 pm to ??? on Tuesday night. We had no idea how many would actually stay after work for open play, but we were stunned when both courts were full and 12 more people were waiting to play. Wow!! Finally, after a very long day, at 8:00 we had to initiate closing up shop for the day.

On Wednesday, we had two round robin tournaments that included all the clinic participants from the day before. The winners from each tournament played in a finals at 2:30 on Wednesday. The company awarded gift cards and prizes for the winners. The IT Department had been promised a Pizza Party for all participants that scored at least two points during the tournament. Needless to say, they all scored two or more points during the competition.

The IT Department used this as a team building and fitness event. Other departments in the company were invited to several “quick clinics” during the day on Tuesday so that they could be introduced to Pickleball. All of the company executives participated in the clinics and really enjoyed seeing their employees compete and work together as a team.

Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy has left the two courts set up for employees to use during lunch, breaks, and after work. The IT employees have been teaching other departments how to play, and they are now working on organizing a league on Tuesday and Friday nights.


A congratulatory email was sent to all the executives at Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy by Jeanne Ann Stasny, Vice President at Diplomat and the visionary who thought that Pickleball might be the one thing that would bring her team closer together and produce positive work results for  the company. 

Submitted by: Cindy Eddleman, Ambassador, Ft. Myers, Fl

Lee County should give pickleballers a fair break

Many of us across the Region - from North Carolina to Florida enjoy playing pickleball outside..............If you have any ideas that can help our folks in Lee County, Fl........please pass them along.


Guest Opinion
Written by: Julie Yates
News-Press.com, January 11, 2012

Pickleball in Lee County has exceeded the capacity of the two Lee County facilities presently available. Although we very much appreciate the Estero and WaKe Hatchee gymnasiums, they are mostly filled beyond capacity whenever pickleball is made available, with at times over 80 people vying for the few courts the few hours available for pickleball. It is difficult for two parks to accommodate that amount of players, but having more courts available would certainly help alleviate this problem.


Lee County players compete
in Florida Senior Games Championships.

 In Lee County, as in tennis, we have a complete array of skill-level players ranging from beginner at 1.0 to top national players rated at 5.0. Most pickleball tournaments held in Florida as well as the Nationals in Arizona are held outdoors. However, Lee County Parks and Rec has refused to allow pickleball lines be installed on any public tennis court, saying they have no money, even after being offered $2,000 to paint a few courts. 

CLICK HERE to read Julies complete OPINION.

Meet Marcia Bingham - North Carolina's newest Ambassador

"Pickleball became my game in February 2011 in Sarasota,FL.  My husband and I were staying at Sun n Fun Resort while he played in senior tennis tournaments in the area.  While I had been an avid tennis player earlier in my life, I had not played in a long time and had lost interest.  Pickleball was just the answer; I was immediately addicted.  The question was where would I play after Sun n Fun?  I had never heard of the game before and had no idea where else it was played.

Fortunately, the USAPA has an excellent website which identifies places to play all over the country. I am from Wilmington NC and found two places to play there on a regular basis. In addition, I petitioned the Board of Directors of our Homeowners Association to line one of the two newly resurfaced tennis courts for pickleball.

Rick Laskey, Ambassador from Jacksonville, NC, came down and gave a clinic for residents. Since then, we have lined the other court and held a playday for nonresidents as well as residents; it was a lot of fun and very successful.


I also play with an active group in Cary, NC.  We have two sons and three grandsons in the Raleigh area so are there often. Prior to moving to Wilmington in 2005 we had lived in Cary for 35 years; I taught psychology at North Carolina StateUniversity and Duke University and actively competed with my Portuguese WaterDogs in obedience, agility, water trials and conformation.



My goals are to encourage USAPA membership, introduce new players to the game and seek additional venues in the Wilmington area for play.  I am also interested in promoting PB in Raleigh – the capital of NC – where there are no courts/programs.  They do have a very good rec program so it should be possible.  I am also recruiting players for Cary because I lived there so long and have many tennis- playing friends.

Atlantic South Players Comments on the USAPA Nationals

Jim Wright
For the second time my wife Janice and I made the trip west to Arizona. The long flight, travel, rental car, hotel... but all the work was worth it. The USAPA Nationals tournament is simply the best there is. Despite a day of rain and some wind, it ran perfectly. The level of play was just outstanding. When I was not playing, I had so many great matches to watch. I only wish I had 10 sets of eyes to watch them all. I really enjoy the feeling of comradeship that develops over the week we spend in that beautiful desert setting. People that I had not met on Monday were friends by Friday. And getting to watch those young kids (19 to 49) run and jump and hit and yell was a real treat. To sum it up, the USAPA National Pickleball Tournament just cannot be beat."
Jim, from The Villages in central Florida, played Men’s Doubles 65+ (Gold medal) and Mixed Doubles 60+

Jeff Shank
"2011 was my third Nationals and it just keeps getting better each year. I am always amazed that more players don't make this event a priority. What other sport can you go and watch and play against the best players in the world? Every year my game has improved just by watching and talking with these top players. These cream-of-the-crop players are so diehard that most evenings after already playing for 8 hours, they go play at other local venues.
The highlight of this year’s Nationals for me was not the winning a medal, but getting invited to go and play with/against these top players after hours."
Jeff, from The Villages in central Florida., played Men’s Doubles 55+ (Bronze medal), Men’s Singles 65+, Mixed Doubles 55+, Open Men’s Doubles and Open Mixed Doubles.


Laura Patterson
"This was my third year at Nationals and I think this was the best one yet. We stayed in the Del Webb Vacation Villas and that was a real treat; it was good to be so close to the courts. I only made it through two rounds in mixed doubles, but missed the medal round by one match in women's doubles. In addition to playing, the highlight of the tournament for me was being able to help out by serving as a line judge for several matches. It's a great way to see and learn from some of the best players in the game! I enjoyed my experience again this year and am very much looking forward to playing in next year's National tournament."
Laura, USAPA Board Secretary from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, played Women’s Doubles 55+ and Mixed Doubles 55+

Kelly Recreation Center, Lakeland, Fl

This photo appeared on line at theledger.com on January 8th.

The Kelly Recreation Complex was the venue (outside) for the Florida State and International Senior Games in December 2011 and is a great place to play if you are visiting near the Lakeland, Tampa, Fl area.  Check the 'places to play' page on the USAPA website for scheduled play times.


Bob Yuhas serves during a game of pickleball at the Kelly Recreation Center in Lakeland. Kelly Rec is offering singles and doubles versions of pickleball, played on both indoor and outdoor courts.

Photo by Scott Wheeler
The Ledger, January 8, 2012

 



Pickleball in Norcross, GA

Paddles Up! Pickleball has Arrived at the Y
Peachtreecorners.patch.com
January 6, 2012

"One of the good things about pickleball is you can learn it in one session,” said Peggy O'Toole, one of the Fowler Pickleball players. Come join in on Mondays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.

Join in on the fun at the Robert D. Fowler YMCA in Peachtree Corners

READ MORE

And the Cold Weather reaches the Space Coast

The cold of winter doesn't stop pickleball players from taking to the courts!. 

Last week the cold weather moved through Georgia.  Recently the temperatures in Florida reached well below freezing.

Scott Nelson, Florida's ambassador for the Space Coast, shares these
pictures of his group playing at their newest facility.   

"Things are rocking on the Space Coast, we currently have 70 people that are playing Pickleball on the Space Coast.

Our newest venue is our first outdoor facility. The City of West Melbourne has welcomed this new game and we are now utilizing the tennis courts at the Veterans Memorial Facility in West Melbourne. Attached are some pics of the play on the coldest night this season.

We are also scheduling a series beginners clinics to begin this month at all of the host facilities."

Frostbite Pickleball Players - North Georgia

Happy New Year!

"I thought you might like to run one of these pictures of our hardy Pickleball players (left to right) Ken Riordon, Dale Flores, Tom Earley, and  Jason Ahrens.They braved the 40 degree temperatures and 20 mph winds this morning to play for two hours while a "Blue Norther" hit North Georgia!"

Ann Earley