Pickleball has taken off like wildfire with adults, with courses and gym time filling in minutes.
Now the kids want in.
"We specialize in adult pickleball and lessons, but we are getting a lot more requests for youth programs," said Stephanie Merrick, lead administrator for Elevation Athletics, a non-profit company based in Newmarket.
Youth pickleball lessons will be offered for the first time in Oro-Medonte in February for children between the ages of 10 and 17 by Elevation Athletics. The pilot project is scheduled for Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m., from Feb. 20 to March 20, at East Oro Public School.
“If it goes well, we will offer more,” Merrick said.
"Pickleball is very inclusive. It's a great sport for any age. It's easy to pick up and it's a very social sport, too. It teaches a lot of co-ordination. It's not high impact. There is cardio, but it's not intense, so you can play longer. It also gives you a large range of motion."
The company has run youth pickleball programs in Bradford and York Region, but this is the first time it is offering it farther north.
"We are hoping to grow it into Orillia, Midland and Barrie as well because we've had a lot of requests," said Merrick.
Elevation Athletics is the largest pickleball club in Newmarket and has spread across York Region. Recently, the company has also expanded into Simcoe County with adult programs.
There is a league running at Severn Shores Public School in Cumberland Beach. Elevation Athletics ran an adult league and lessons through the Township of Oro-Medonte earlier. Last year, it had lessons in Barrie, and it has had a league in Midland but didn't have enough registrations to continue.
The company rents gym space from schools or partners with municipalities' recreation departments for its programs. Merrick said it has tried to get into the City of Orillia but hasn't been successful so far.
"They don't have room to add more recreation. There is no extra gym space time," she said.
The eight hours of instruction and play at East Oro Public School costs $130.30. Two pickleball courts will be set up at the school and balls will be provided. The instructor, from Barrie, will have a few paddles,but it's recommended students bring their own.
A minimum of eight players are required to run the program. There is room for up to 12.
Elevation Athletics also offers pickleball tournaments, multi-sport summer camps, and programs in badminton, basketball, golf and soccer.
More information is available on the Elevation Athletics website or by calling 289-500-6277.
