Pickleplex Social Club: Michael Botteril, General Manager and Head Teaching Professional of the newly opened Pickleplex Social Club, is leading the latest wave of pickleball enthusiasm in Belleville. The club, located at 366 N Front St Unit 250A, has quickly become a hub for players of all ages, reflecting the rapid growth of the sport in Canada.
Rapid Growth of Pickleball
Pickleball has expanded across Canada with 10 locations in Ontario, six in Alberta, eight in British Columbia, and seven more under construction. The first location opened in Barrie only a year ago. Michael Botteril explained,
“Pickleball combines a passion for the sport and the bringing of people together, developing community and socialization all wrapped into one dedicated facility.”
Michael Botteril started playing in 2016 when pickleball was just arriving in Canada.
“The last six years it has grown at a tremendous rate,” he said
The game is named after the inventor’s dog, Pickel. “Whenever the ball would go flying around, the dog would be chasing it,” Botteril added.
Why Pickleball Appeals to Many
The sport mixes elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton.
“It’s a very social game, as you play it on such a small court being so close to your opponent. It’s the culture and how it grew,”
Botteril said. The game suits a wide range of ages, from six to 90. It is easy to learn but challenging to master.
Michael Botteril noted that pickleball first became popular as a retiree sport in the United States but now attracts players aged 20 to 40. The game uses a hard plastic, perforated ball similar to a wiffle ball.
Pickleplex Social Club Facilities and Community
The Pickleplex Social Club has eight busy courts and provides equipment if needed. In its first five weeks, over a thousand players have used the facility. The club also hosts tournaments leading to provincial championships in the fall. Social spaces include a fully licensed lounge, card tables, couches, and TVs.
Michael Botteril said,
“I have been working in pickleball since 2019. Being able to build a club from scratch is a dream come true for me.
I am a big sports fan and a former professional football player. To be able to still compete and have a career in sports is something I am very proud of.”
Michael Botteril’s Sports Background
Botteril played professional football for the Montreal Alouettes from 2003 to 2005 as a linebacker and special teams player, the Edmonton Eskimos from 2006 to 2007, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2008. He played in Grey Cup games in 2003 and 2005 under legendary Coach Don Matthews.
The Pickleplex Social Club is now a focal point for both competitive play and community gathering, making Belleville part of the growing Canadian pickleball movement.
News in Brief: Pickleplex Social Club
Michael Botteril opened the Pickleplex Social Club in Belleville at 366 N Front St Unit 250A. The club has eight courts and over a thousand players in five weeks. Pickleball’s popularity is growing across Canada, attracting all ages. The facility offers social spaces, tournaments, and community events.
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