Dwares JCC to start pickleball league in January

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A recreational pickleball league is making its debut at the Dwares Jewish Community Center’s fitness center this winter.

Pickleball is a relatively new sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. Players use paddles – not pickles, as one might imagine – to smack a perforated plastic ball back and forth on a large court.

The USA Pickleball Association’s website says the sport got its start in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when three children became bored with their usual summer activities. Their fathers improvised, and eventually developed a new sport. From there, the USAPA says, the sport spread across the United States and Canada; today there are some 15,000 indoor and outdoor pickleball courts across North America.

Rob Castellucci, the J-Fitness youth sports coordinator, says J-Fitness members are eagerly anticipating the new league. 

“Members – especially older folks – have been asking about getting pickleball in here for a while, so I believe it will be a success,” says Castellucci. “I think we will be able to get the younger crowd involved as well, and it will become a fun event for all ages to get together and enjoy.”

The JCC’s league will run on Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m., from Jan. 10 to March 14. Teams will have four players, and people can join in full teams or as individuals, twosomes or trios who will be matched with other players.  Games will be two against two and team members will play on a rotating basis.

Dori Venditti, general manager of J-Fitness, says pickleball is a versatile sport that can be enjoyed by virtually anybody.

“It’s very easy to just jump in and start playing,” she says, while adding that the new league is also suitable for more advanced players.  

The league will be 18+ in its first season, but Venditti says there is a possibility of a youth league in the future since the sport is one that can be enjoyed by all.

“It appeals to all ages, and you can mesh together different age levels pretty seamlessly,” she says.

The cost to register is $100 per person, or $60 for members. The registration fee includes a pickleball paddle, which players can keep after the season ends. Registration will open in November and end on Dec. 9. Contact Rob Castellucci at rcastellucci@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 129, with questions or to sign up.

ARIEL BROTHMAN is a freelance writer who lived in Wrentham, Massachusetts.

Sports, pickleball, Dwares JCC