It’s just another sign that pickleball is making significant inroads with more and more young people across the country. A recent initiative is showing this positive trend in Western Massachusetts, where a pilot program has been launched for the inaugural Western Massachusetts High School Pickleball League. This development reflects the sport’s increasing visibility and appeal among the youth demographic.
Participating Schools and Students
According to a report by Western Mass News, four schools have enthusiastically joined the league, with each club team comprising 20 students eager to participate. The participating schools include:
- Westfield Technical Academy
- Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion
- South Hadley High School
- Springfield International Charter
This diverse mix of institutions highlights the growing appeal of pickleball among high school students, creating an opportunity for them to engage in a fun, competitive activity together.
Match Schedule
Matches are set to take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays until the end of October, utilizing the 14 pickleball courts located behind Westfield Tech. This organized schedule not only encourages healthy competition among the schools but also fosters community engagement. Key details include:
- Match Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Duration: Until the end of October
- Location: 14 courts behind Westfield Tech
This setup allows students to show their skills and sportsmanship in front of peers and family members.
Program Enthusiasm
Kyle Dulude, the athletic coordinator at Westfield Tech, expressed confidence in the program’s potential success.
“I talked to some of the kids at school during class, and they’re like, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it. I’ll do it,’ so we had a lot of interest and the kids really took off with it.” – (Kyle Dulude)
His enthusiasm reflects the eagerness of students to participate in this emerging sport, which is quickly becoming a favorite pastime among young athletes.
Future Aspirations
Ron Nadeau, Westfield Tech’s coach, has ambitious hopes for the future of pickleball in the state. He envisions it becoming a varsity sport across Massachusetts within the next one to three years. Key aspirations include:
- Recognition as a varsity sport
- Timeline: Within the next 1 to 3 years
Such recognition would not only elevate the sport’s profile but also inspire more students to engage in this dynamic and inclusive game.
News in Brief: Western Massachusetts High School Pickleball League
A pilot program for the Western Massachusetts High School Pickleball League is currently underway, featuring four schools and 20 students per team. Matches will occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Westfield Tech, utilizing 14 courts designed for the sport.
Athletic coordinator Kyle Dulude noted significant student interest in the program, while coach Ron Nadeau aspires to have pickleball recognized as a varsity sport statewide in the next few years. This initiative marks an exciting development in youth athletics, highlighting the growing popularity of pickleball among students.
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