Fun sport of Pickleball coming to One Sixth Form College in September

The fun sport of Pickleball combining elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis is a fast growing, accessible sport played with lightweight paddles and a perforated polymer ball made popular in the USA and now spreading across the world.

Mel Wakefield, from ActiveSuffolk,  Mandy O’Sullivan Teacher of Sport at One Sixth form College and Sue Nichol, Chair and Founder of South Suffolk Pickleball,  organised a networking event for teachers from across the region to introduce the sport to schools and make it the racket sport of choice. “It can be played by all ages together so children can learn it at school and go home and play it with parents and grandparents” said Sue who came across Pickleball on holiday and was so taken with it that she set up South Suffolk Pickleball club in 2018, now a vibrant club with members from the ages of 21 to 78.  Sue will be setting up a Pickleball club at One Sixth Form College in September. 

“Getting this fun and accessible sport into schools is key” said Mandy.  “It can be especially hard to get young children into tennis as they struggle to control the ball as they want to play like Andy Murray or Roger Federer.  With a smaller court, played inside or out, it’s easy to learn to play and excel at.  We’re excited to be introducing the sport to our students and staff, not only at One, which is part of the Eastern Education Group but across all of our colleges.” 

The teachers and students were treated to some expert coaching from Pickleball’s UK No. 2 seed, Molli Knaggs, an ex-professional tennis player who turned her attention to Pickleball after an injury.  As well as playing professionally, Molli runs her own academy in St Albans and is keen to promote the sport to all ages and abilities.  “It’s so easy to get into.  I’ve given the students here today a few simple instructions and within minutes there’s a rally going.  Getting the sport into schools would be so beneficial.  There’s the health benefits, both mental and physical and as well as the social side of the sport, there are so many ways to get competitive if kids want to.” 

Look out for more details of Pickleball when it comes to One Sixth Form College in September.