Pickleball: A new hit at Council Leisure Centres

Originating from the USA and fast-growing in the UK, the gentle cross between tennis, badminton, and ping pong, is proving to be a big hit with Fermanagh and Omagh district residents.

Through funding from Sport NI, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council introduced Come and Try it Pickleball sessions earlier this year at its four leisure centres across the district.

130 people signed up to the programmes, which ran in February and March, to try the new trending sport, which is suitable for all ages and can be played indoors or outdoors, on a court about a quarter the size of a tennis court, with a slightly lower net and using a perforated hollow plastic ball and paddles.

Due to the success of the programmes, with children as young as 6 years old taking part and adults 70 years and over, the Council now has a special offer running throughout April at its four leisure centres, the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown, Castle Park Leisure Centre, Lisnaskea, Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen, and Omagh Leisure Complex.

Throughout April, Pickleball court hire, including equipment, at all Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Leisure Centres will cost £5 per hour. To book Pickleball, contact the Council leisure centres, contact information is available here: https://www.fermanaghomagh.com/services/health-wellbeing/leisure-complexes/

Pickleball is also one of the racket sports included in the Council’s Household Membership package, any households with this membership will be able to enjoy pickleball at no additional cost.