Leap Into Fitness: Free Pickleball Sessions in Cornwall

In an exciting opportunity to try one of the fastest-growing sports globally, Pickleball England, in partnership with Better, is set to offer free pickleball taster sessions across Cornwall this leap year day, 29th February. This initiative aims to inspire the community to get active, embrace a new sport, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with it.

Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has been gaining massive popularity worldwide. It’s a game that caters to all ages and skill levels, making it a perfect family-friendly activity. Played on a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net, participants use paddles to volley a plastic ball back and forth, aiming to reach 11 points to win the game. Its simplicity and the fun factor have contributed to its rapid growth, with celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kim Kardashian among its fans. In the United States alone, 36.5 million people have taken up the sport over the past year.

The partnership between Pickleball England and Better, a charitable social enterprise managing leisure centres across the UK, including Cornwall, marks a significant step in promoting physical activity and sports participation. Andrew Clark, Head of Sport at Better, expressed enthusiasm about the growing interest in pickleball among members. He highlighted the sport’s ease of learning and the social aspect as key reasons for its popularity.

Karen Mitchell, Chair & Co-founding Director of Pickleball England, echoed this sentiment, emphasising pickleball’s accessibility and the positive response it has received. With a 65% increase in Pickleball England’s membership in 2023, the leap year event serves as a perfect platform to introduce more people to the sport.

The free sessions will be available at three Better leisure centres in Cornwall: Bodmin Tennis Centre, Liskeard Leisure Centre, and St Austell Leisure Centre, with sessions scheduled throughout the day to accommodate various participants. Equipment will be provided, ensuring that newcomers can easily join in the fun.

This leap year, residents of Cornwall are encouraged to seize the extra day by trying out pickleball, a sport that promises not just a good workout but also a chance to meet new people and engage in a growing community. For more information and to book a free taster session, interested participants can visit Better’s website or the Pickleball England website for additional details and to find a session near them.