Pickleball Group Brings Joy to Players: A San Juan Capistrano couple has launched a pickleball group aimed at people with disabilities, providing exercise and social connections. Jared Bridwell and Vianca De Meo founded “Team VJ” to fill a gap in South Orange County, where few such programs exist.
Creating an Inclusive Pickleball Community
In September 2023, the couple started the Orange County Special Needs Pickleball Group on Facebook to attract players of all ages and skill levels. They now meet twice a week at the San Juan Capistrano Pickleball & Tennis Courts.
Bridwell, who has over 10 years of experience in the special needs community, and De Meo, a healthcare professional, saw a need for a fun, inclusive activity that combined physical exercise with social interaction.
“ I have worked in the special needs community for over 10 years and have a passion for pickleball. It just brings people together like Vianca and me; we’ve been playing for about a year and a half now and love it.” – (Bridwell)
“It’s great exercise, not super tough and a fun sport overall. We decided to start a special needs pickleball group when we saw a need for a program that combines physical activity with social connection in a fun and inclusive way. All the families playing with us have been having a great time.” – (Bridwell)
Bringing Families Together Through Pickleball
The group meets Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon for children aged 7 to 14. Attendance varies, but the couple also offers private lessons to help players improve.
De Meo emphasized the importance of exercise and social bonding, noting that pickleball provides an easier alternative to other special needs programs.
“ Getting this group outside and having this exercise component is something I haven’t seen much in our community. There are Special Olympics and those types of things, but this is a lower-level way of getting them outdoors with physical activity and, even better, with their peers forming these critical connections.” – (De Meo)
Expanding the Program’s Reach
The couple hopes to increase participation and involve more families in their program.
“ We’re ready to bring in some new families and teach them how to play. We have all skill levels and go over the basics: where to stand, how to hit the ball, and how to serve.” – (Bridwell)
“I want this pickleball group to bring all the families together. It’s a way to make friends, something to talk about, something to be proud of, and some of these players can go out after and play with their family on the weekend without us around. It is just so amazing to see their growth.” – (Bridwell)
The program charges $25 per week to cover court rental fees, ensuring accessibility while fostering a growing, supportive community.
News in Brief: Pickleball Group Brings Joy to Players
A San Juan Capistrano couple is expanding access to pickleball for people with disabilities through their special needs pickleball group. Meeting twice a week, the program encourages exercise, friendship, and inclusivity. Founders Jared Bridwell and Vianca De Meo hope to grow participation and offer more families a welcoming space to play and connect.
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