Pickleball in Coweta County for Retirees: Pickleball has become a popular sport in Coweta County, drawing in players of all ages, including retirees like Nancy Huddleston. It’s a game that combines fun, fitness, and friendship, and it has rapidly become a way for people to stay active and connect with others.
A New Passion for Nancy Huddleston
Nancy Huddleston discovered pickleball while watching a news program after retiring. Looking for a fun and active way to spend her free time, she found a pickleball club in Peachtree City. “People aren’t running to the senior center to knit and play Bingo anymore,” Nancy said.
She found a community on the pickleball court and quickly made new friends. Two years later, her husband, John Huddleston, joined in and loved it right away. “I fell in love with it from the first day,” he said.
The Rise of Pickleball
Pickleball was created in 1965 by three men using equipment from other sports like ping pong and badminton. The game quickly grew in popularity and is now the fastest-growing sport in the United States.
In 2024, there were between 20 and 48 million players, and the average age of players has dropped to 34.8 years old, with young people making up a larger portion of the player base. During Spring Break in Newnan, local teens enjoyed playing the game, showing the younger generation’s growing interest in pickleball.
Pickleball’s Growth in Coweta County
In Coweta County, the sport has taken off. Newnan opened 15 pickleball courts in 2021, and they’re constantly in use. The city is expanding, with six more courts planned for construction this summer. Other areas, including Grantville, are also adding pickleball courts. The Newnan Pickleball Association now has around 400 members, according to president Karen Painter, who also found the game after retiring.
“I went out to play pickleball – I promise you one time – and all of a sudden, I had this incredible network of friends.” – (Karen Painter)
Health Benefits of Pickleball
Pickleball is not only fun, but it also offers several health benefits. John Huddleston shared how the game has helped him lose weight. “In 2017, I weighed 232 pounds, because I hadn’t had any exercise,” he said. “Now I weigh 198.”
The sport provides physical benefits and helps players maintain an active lifestyle. “Pickleball offers the three Fs — fun, fitness, and friendship,” said Nancy Huddleston. “When you start playing pickleball it seems like, ‘Why, I could just stay out here every day.’”
The Social Side of Pickleball
Pickleball is also known for its welcoming community. Unlike other sports, where players need a partner to join in, pickleball courts often have open play and people willing to play with newcomers.
“The other players are so welcoming,” John Huddleston noted. “It appeals to whatever you want out of it,” said Painter. Whether someone is looking for a social network or a competitive challenge, pickleball provides it all.
News in Brief: Pickleball in Coweta County for retirees
Pickleball continues to grow in Coweta County, with new courts being built and more players joining the sport. Retirees like Nancy and John Huddleston have found fitness and community through pickleball. The game is attracting younger players and is praised for its health benefits, fun, and social atmosphere.
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