Winthrop Pickleball League Community: The Winthrop Pickleball League officially launched on July 7 at Ingleside Park in Winthrop, Massachusetts. Started by Phil Albano and supported by Sean Driscoll, the league has quickly grown, with 31 two-player teams and a waiting list of players eager to join.
The sport, which is similar to tennis but played on a smaller court with paddles and a plastic ball, is the fastest-growing in the country. The coed league meets at the pickleball courts near the tennis area at Ingleside Park, where teams compete in best-of-three matches.
How the League Began
Phil Albano, who grew up in Winthrop, wanted to play pickleball regularly. He called his childhood friend Sean Driscoll, who is now the director of the parks and recreation program in Winthrop.
“In true Winthrop fashion, Sean and I met at the Hong Kong, and we talked about my format for a league. He liked it and gave the go-ahead,” related Phil Albano.
That simple meeting led to the launch of the Winthrop Pickleball League, and its success was immediate.
How It Works
Phil Albano said the league is divided into three groups based on skill: the Center Division, the Highlands Division, and the Point Division. Each team has two players, and team captains schedule matches at times that work for both sides.
“We have 31 [two-person teams] in three divisions: the Center Division, the Highlands Division, and the Point Division,” related Phil Albano. “Teams are placed by level of ability. Each team captain schedules a match at a time convenient for both teams. The captains will then call, email, or text me the results, and I compile the standings, just like a regular league. We’re going to have playoffs in August, and we’ll crown champions.”
Albano shared that communication has been strong between teams, and every match has been played on time.
A League That Brings People Together
One of the biggest benefits of the league has been the sense of connection it’s creating.
“The best part of this league has been that there are people in the league that don’t even know each other, and they meet at the courts,” said Phil Albano. “What happens is that they become friends.”
Although he now lives in New Hampshire and works as the corporate development manager for Border Café restaurants in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Delaware, Albano feels a deep tie to Winthrop.
“I tell them that I grew up in Winthrop, and I left when I was 21 years old after college and moved to New York City for 30 years to work in the restaurant industry. (He is currently the corporate development manager for Border Café restaurants in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Delaware).
“But once you’re from Winthrop – my father’s from Winthrop, my mother’s from Winthrop, my aunts and uncles, they’re all from Winthrop – and Winthrop’s been really good to me, and this [league] is my way of giving back. It’s a nice community, and this is a way I can stay connected to the town,” said Albano.
A Growing Interest
Sean Driscoll and Phil Albano both said they are happy with the turnout and the growth of the league.
“The interest has blown up,” said Phil Albano. “New players are already asking to participate in our fall league. It’s exciting.”
Notable players include Robert E. Noonan Sr., a well-known lawyer and former town counsel. He also served on the former Winthrop Board of Selectmen with Robert A. DeLeo. He played tennis for many years and has a family known for its talented Viking quarterbacks.
Another new player is Warren MacPhail, a triathlon champion and top track coach.
“We have an unbelievable mix of people of all ages and from all parts of the town who are building a community, becoming friends, and having a nice time participating in a sport together,” said Phil Albano.
News in Brief: Winthrop Pickleball League Community
Phil Albano launched the Winthrop Pickleball League on July 7 with support from Sean Driscoll. The coed league has 31 teams playing at Ingleside Park and has become so popular there’s already a fall waiting list. Players say it’s building friendships and community across Winthrop.
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