Pickleball Takes Off in Montreal, with many players discovering the sport’s appeal. This growth is evident at the newly opened Centre Pickle, where players of all ages are enjoying the game. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and Ping-Pong, and has surged in popularity since the pandemic.
New Indoor Courts Meet Rising Demand
Dominique Hamel, a dedicated player, attends sessions three times a week at the new indoor court. She appreciates the accessibility and fun of the sport, saying,
“There’s something that hooks you the first time you play. And I’m not the only one.”(Dominique Hamel)
As interest in pickleball increases, demand for dedicated courts in Montreal has also grown. Many public tennis courts are being shared with pickleball players, but this is not enough to meet the rising demand.
“Now we don’t have to share. We can play all day long,”, expressing gratitude for the new facility.(Dominique Hamel)
Centre Pickle Exceeds Expectations
Opened in November, Centre Pickle features 14 indoor courts and has seen overwhelming interest. Co-founder Valérie Lapointe reported that 600 people attended the open house in just two days. “It was insane,” she said. The facility aims to provide a dedicated space for pickleball enthusiasts of all ages.
Lapointe discovered the sport two years ago and was inspired to create the center after witnessing its popularity during a family road trip in the U.S.
“It was so young, so dynamic, huge communities. So it’s when we basically fell in love with the sport,” (Co-founder Valérie Lapointe).
Young Players Embrace the Sport
According to a 2023 survey by Pickleball Canada, players aged 18 to 34 are the fastest-growing demographic in the sport. The number of female pickleball players also increased by nearly 50% from the previous year. At Centre Pickle, more than 50% of participants are under 40.
Coach and professional player Jordann Vigna mentioned the high demand for pickleball training, stating,
“You have fun at every level, but then there’s also like this rabbit hole where you can go a lot further with the sport, so it’s like people can get addicted.”(Jordann Vigna )
Building Community Through Pickleball
Richard Gontarski, 54, has been playing pickleball for about five years and plays four to six times a week. He noted,
“It’s so addictive that you come back and your level of play rises very quickly.”(Richard Gontarski)
Gontarski emphasized that the social connections made while playing are as valuable as the game itself.
With pickleball’s growing popularity and accessibility, more players are expected to join, enriching the community and promoting an active lifestyle for all ages. The future of pickleball in Montreal looks bright as the sport continues to attract new players and foster connections.
News in Brief: Pickleball Takes Off in Montreal
Montreal is experiencing a pickleball boom, highlighted by the newly opened Centre Pickle, which features 14 indoor courts. Co-founder Valérie Lapointe reported overwhelming interest, with 600 attendees at the open house. The sport appeals to a diverse demographic, particularly players aged 18 to 34, fostering community and connections. As accessibility increases, pickleball’s future in Montreal looks promising.
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