Jake Plummer Nick Ferguson Pickleball Clinic: Former Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer and safety Nick Ferguson led a youth pickleball clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado, helping over 100 kids learn the basics of the fast-growing sport. The event was held at the Briargate YMCA in partnership with USA Pickleball.
Introducing Pickleball to the Next Generation
Jake Plummer, known for his football career, now promotes staying active through games like pickleball. His goal is to show kids that sports are about fun and movement, not just competition.
“I like to call them games more than sports, because the sport world has turned into such a monetary world that we forget that these are just games. So maybe you can’t play all three sports in high school for your team, but you can still go down to the court by a park, by your house, and shoot baskets. Which is a great outlet to go out and just move,” said Jake Plummer.
Pickleball Clinic Filled With Laughter and Learning
The “Learn to Play” clinic had about 135 kids trying out pickleball, many for the first time. It included fun games like hitting targets for prizes.
“We were the prize group. So when you hit the ball in the ring, got a prize. Some of the kids that didn’t get a prize were a little upset, but, you know, that’s life. Sometimes you win a prize, sometimes you don’t,” added Jake Plummer.
Chris Sanders, Executive Director at the Briargate YMCA & Association Healthy Living, saw the positive impact.
“It is wonderful to see the kids smiling, kids laughing, playing pickleball, learn it for the first time. (I) truly hope that they just adopt any type of sport, whatever that may be. So if it’s pickleball, great. They can continue to play it long term, right? Those lifelong sports where they can play, stay active, and be healthy,” said Chris Sanders.
Community Excitement and Participation
Brenda Puga, USA Pickleball’s Director of Community Relations, praised the event’s energy and success.
“I mean, it was a little bit of organized chaos, but what can you expect when you put 100 kids into a gym and balls are just flying everywhere, but it was amazing. Everyone looked like they were having fun. We had two professional athletes join us today, Nick Ferguson and Jake Plummer. They were in there. They were in the game. It looked incredible, and I think a lot of them are going to take it to the next level, hopefully,” said Brenda Puga.
Building Lifelong Habits Through Play
USA Pickleball promotes the sport as inclusive and easy to learn. With players like Jake Plummer encouraging kids to be active through fun, local communities are seeing the benefits of mixing sports and play.
News in Brief: Jake Plummer Nick Ferguson Pickleball Clinic
Jake Plummer and Nick Ferguson hosted a youth pickleball clinic at the Briargate YMCA in Colorado Springs. In partnership with USA Pickleball, the event taught over 100 kids the basics of the sport. Organizers hope the experience inspires long-term healthy habits and greater community involvement in pickleball.
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