PICKLEBALL CONTINUES TO GROW IN POPULARITY

There will soon be more opportunities to play the fastest-growing racquet sport in the world thanks to a grant from Manx Lottery Trust.

It has awarded a Smaller Grant of £1,152 to Ellan Vannin Pickleball Club to mark outdoor pickleball courts at Noble’s Park in Douglas. This will fund line painting, surface repairs and equipment so more people can enjoy the popular sport locally. Combining elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors on a court smaller than a tennis court.

John Harris, Chairman at Ellan Vannin Pickleball, said: ‘Pickleball is growing at pace all over the world. With a low net, paddles and wiffle ball it can be played and enjoyed by all ages and abilities, and importantly, it is a lot of fun! As it grows in popularity in the Isle of Man, we wanted to create further opportunities to play the sport and are very grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for its support in making this happen.’

Sarah Kelly, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, said: ‘Pickleball is evidently a fast-growing sport enjoyed by many so we were keen to support its development in the Isle of Man. Hopefully the outdoor court in Noble’s Park will encourage more people to give the sport a go and try their hand at this enjoyable racquet activity.’

Manx Lottery Trust’s Smaller Grant Programme provides community funding between £300 and £2,500. Information and application forms can be found at www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes.