Don’t ever tell Jennie Davis that pickleball is only for seniors and the young at heart. The Peterborough pro pickleball player, coach, and consultant says young people are also getting into the swing of North America’s fastest-growing sport.
“Pickleball has grown by over 200 per cent in the last three years, and the biggest growth in pickleball is actually in the under-24 age group,” says Jennie. “Pickleball is very accessible to kids and to seniors, and that’s of course why they play so much.”
Pickleball — or what Jennie terms “this silly-named sport” — is unique in that it combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.
The size of a pickleball court (approximately one third the size of a tennis court) and the nature of the game make it perfect for kids of all ages and abilities, including those at Five Counties Children’s Centre.
We’re extremely grateful to Jennie for partnering with us on our “Pickleball For All” program.
On multiple occasions since spring 2023, Jennie has assisted Five Counties staff in offering this program to our Therapeutic Recreation kids/clients who have exceptionalities and disabilities but love the opportunity to try out the sport.
“Pickleball is a very special sport in that it is accessible for kids of all ages and abilities, and so I just find it super meaningful to be here,” says Jennie, who first took up pickleball while attending Trent University in 2016.
Since then, she has excelled at the sport, competing (and winning) at professional pickleball competitions across North America, while travelling the continent as a top-flight pickleball coach and consultant.
At Five Counties, Jennie’s skill and passion for pickleball — and her patience with kids — were on full display during our most recent Pickleball for All program held in November.
Jennie initially substituted balloons for balls to give participants a chance to build confidence in hitting with a racquet. Kids were also able to improve their accuracy tossing a ball at ‘Ernie’ or taking aim at a bulls-eye.
These types of fun and engaging skill development drills and games used by Jennie were inclusive, accessible, and geared to each child’s ability and skill level.
That meant participants had a meaningful experience to try, learn, and enjoy the excitement of this growing sport.
“It’s always amazing to see young people out, off their devices, and gaining confidence, playing a sport that’s easy for everyone to play,” notes Jennie.
She is equally excited that para-pickleball is also growing in popularity as an inclusive adaption of the sport that makes it easier for players in wheelchairs or with other disabilities to play.
Five Counties is fortunate to work with many different community partners like Jennie who see the value in breaking down barriers to sports and recreation activities. And with pickleball, it’s perfectly served — not just with the ball, but on the smiles of kids all ages and abilities who can at last get in the game.
