In a pickle at the Beacon

Beacon of Light plays host to many sports including tennis, badminton and table tennis.

Imagine a sport where you could combine the three sports together while keeping fit, meeting new people and finding a new hobby.

The answer? Pickleball.

A game going from strength-to-strength and growing in popularity, pickleball is a fun sport that combines the elements of the above.

Played in the Beacon’s Indoor Arena, pickleball is enjoyed on a badminton sized-court. Two or four players participate in a singles or doubles match, using solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a slightly modified tennis net.

Anyone determined to stay active while having fun is encouraged to give pickleball a go, with Sunderland Pickleball Panthers eager to add to their ranks.

Wearside’s local team are led by 2022 English Open Mens Doubles winner Stanley Johnson, a name well-known in the world of pickleball.

As well as winning multiple other tournaments on home soil, Johnson has also enjoyed success in the United States and is now hoping to grow the sport in Sunderland.

“For the general community, it’s important for fitness, health and fun, the first one being fun. Come and play with us and just have fun, if you like it and you’d like to take it a bit more serious, that’s great because then you can get more exercise.

“We are a friendly club with players of all abilities and would be delighted to welcome new members. If you would like to have a try all you will need is some sportswear and trainers. We can provide you with the equipment you need to start.”

Despite pickleball being a game suitable for all ages and abilities, Johnson reveals the game is ideal for anyone looking to discover a second love. “Pickleball was formed because of older people wanting to play a competitive sport after they’ve finished playing their first sport.

“For myself, going back to when I was a competitive badminton player, and then through injuries and age, I just thought I’ve got no more competitive games to go for.

“I discovered Pickleball when I was in America. It just renews your life because you’re learning a new sport and you meet so many people, not just in the country but in the world.”

Sue Smith, a member of the Sunderland Pickleball Panthers, admits the club helped turn her life around during a difficult period. “It’s really enjoyable, very sociable, I’ve had a lot of illness over the last four years and it’s just brought me back to life basically.

“I used to play badminton all the time and I’ve always done sport, so when my illness came about and I couldn’t do anything and I was in a wheelchair for three years, my twin brother who lives next door to Stan said ‘why don’t you have a go at Pickleball when you can walk again’, so I just started playing it and I absolutely love it.”

Smith is also encouraging more people to take up the sport. “It’s different and it allows a lot of different abilities. You don’t have to be as fit as a lop which I’m not. It’s not age discriminate so any ages can play and have fun.

“The courts are great; the facility is lovely and you can have a nice cup of coffee so you’ve got the social aspect afterwards as well.”

Beacon of Light hosts the Panthers every Tuesday, 11am to 1pm, with each session costing £5.  For more information or to play visit https://beaconoflight.co.uk/what-s-on/pickleball/ .