Marblehead Pickleball Inc Community Impact: Marblehead, Massachusetts, is seeing a major boom in pickleball, thanks to the efforts of Marblehead Pickleball Inc., a nonprofit founded in 2024. The group organizes matches, promotes the sport, and raises money for local causes. Players gather at the Veterans Middle School courts for free, competitive, and social games.
A Sport for All Ages
At 87, retired surgeon Dr. Calvin J. Dorsey is the oldest player in the 80-member league. He plays twice a week with teams like the Red Hots, Purple Rain, Blue Steel, and Green Fury.
“Pickleball was physical, it was active, and it was a competition,” (Dr. Calvin J. Dorsey).
Pickleball combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Players use paddles and plastic balls on a smaller court. The game, created in 1965, has exploded in popularity. A 2024 Sports and Fitness Industry Association report found a 224% growth in three years, with more than 14 million players nationwide.
Local Growth and Support
League co-founders Joe McKane, Buck Grader, and Bryce Sudyam worked with the town to build 10 permanent courts and two multi-use courts. Marblehead is unique for its municipal support of pickleball.
“With pickleball, you are out there, interacting with other people,”
said regional ambassador Joe Lyman.
“The comradery and interaction, regardless of your level of play, is one of the biggest benefits of pickleball.”
The league posts match results weekly on its website and hosts summer games every Monday and Tuesday. Players can borrow paddles and balls from the local library, making it easy for newcomers to join.
Building Community and Giving Back
USA Pickleball ambassador Lisa Spinale helps run the league’s events, social media, and fundraisers.
“It’s provided a big outlet for people to get out,”. “It gives you a sense of belonging to the community.”(Lisa Spinale)
The group donates to causes like Marblehead High School athletics and the Heather Walker Fund. In April, it raised $13,000 for the “Fund the Field” project, and in 2023, it helped raise $20,000 for cancer research. The next event, a September 13 tournament, will benefit Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn.
Elaine Brown credits Spinale for Marblehead’s strong pickleball community, saying,
“She is incredibly committed, passionate and a great advocate for us and sport.”
Staying Safe While Playing
Dorsey warns players to use proper footwear and stay hydrated. He recalls one man rupturing an Achilles tendon during a match. Still, he encourages others to try the sport. As Dorsey put it:
“In pickleball, as in life, go forward not backward.”
News in Brief: Marblehead Pickleball Inc Community Impact
Marblehead Pickleball Inc. is building a strong community by organizing games, running fundraisers, and offering free access to courts. With players aged 18 to 87, the league promotes fitness, friendship, and charity, raising thousands for local causes while expanding access to the sport.
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