YORKTON - The future of pickleball in Yorkton appears bright, at least if a youth camp held this week is any indication.
The three-day ‘Little picklers’ program hosted by Pickleball Yorkton attracted 19 participants ages 10-14.
“The response was crazy,” offered Pickleball Yorkton president Gina Resler. “We actually over booked because of the demand.”
The response was unexpected.
“Yes I was surprised,” said Resler.
That said Resler said she is also aware youth are becoming aware of the sport as pickleball is now part of school phys-ed curriculum in the city.
The just held camp was a very basic introduction to pickleball for the young participants.
“It was similar to our learn to play programs,” said Resler.
The youth camp is just another step in the continued growth of pickleball locally that includes the installation of sport-specific courts in Heritage Heights this summer.
In the summer Resler said the club meets Thursday starting at 6 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Park, while in the winter they move inside at the Gloria Hayden Centre and on occasion host tournaments in the Flexihall at the Gallagher Centre, as well as morning sessions when the facility is open.
“Indoors we’re fighting for space,” she said with the 200 active club members always looking for more court time.
That demand will grow as Resler says the club hopes to grow the youth side of the sport, including considering hosting a youth tournament down the road.
People interested in the sport in Yorkton can find the club on Facebook, through a Google search, or by calling Resler at 306-641-5449.
