Pickleball enthusiast Bill Cooper has provided some structure to indoor pickleball play at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFC) by creating a group called Cochrane Indoor Paid Pickleball.

He's been buying blocks of time, so pickleball players can make it part of their weekly schedule and play against others with similar skill levels. Otherwise, courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis through the SLSFSC booking systems. Spots tend to fill up quickly.

Forty-eight people bought into the first block of time, and it's continued to grow from there.

"So I added another session, and that brought another 48 people in. Now I've started a Friday session which will just be 24, so we'll be in the 100 to 120 range, plus I do have some people on a waiting list, and we do have some spares."

Spots are booked in four-week blocks. For $42, the players receive two 1 1/2 hour time sessions per week. That works out to about $5.10 per play, less than the drop-in rate.

"I try to match up folks with their play level within the structure so they are comfortable playing, and still be able to expand their skills."

Cooper knew he was on to something but admits he is surprised at how successful it has become.

"I'm happy because now we have more people who get to enjoy our sport."

It has also helped some of the players, mostly 50 and up, make social connections. Some are relatively new to Cochrane and haven't had the opportunity to create a social network.

"It's a good way of indoctrinating them into Cochrane, and it also gives the sports centre more exposure because those new people may not have gone there. Now they're here, they see what the facility is like, get to know what we all get to enjoy, and now they can participate."

He says some members of the group are already members of the sports centre and have not hesitated to pay the additional fee for their time slot.

He'd now like to start skills development training and already has a list of interested people. He's currently developing a structure and has had some initial conversations with SLSFSC officials.

He says he'll keep it going as long as people are interested. The outdoor courts will reopen when the weather permits in the spring.

Those wanting to learn more about securing a time slot or are interested in skill development can contact Cooper at cooperab@telus.net.

 

Pickleball groupSome of the pickleball players in the Cochrane Indoor Paid Pickleball group.