Sent on behalf of your Executive and Board of Directors
Hello Club Members!
With Summer coming to a close there’s lots to share about what’s in store this Fall for our Club. Our session schedule is now set, our AGM is coming soon, an inter-Club tournament is planned, there’s a possibility of a “league/ladder” night and more! Wrapping up this update is a plea for members to consider joining our Board of Directors to provide some much-needed, behind-the-scenes support.
This Fall’s weekly sessions are a bit different than last year so pay attention! :)
Mondays – Temple Baptist Church, Open play*, 6:30-9 p.m.
Tuesdays – Temple Baptist Church, Competitive Play** (Advanced, Intermediate), 6:30-9 p.m.
Thursdays (beginning Sept. 18) – St. Augustine, Recreational play***(Beginner/New Intermediate), 7-9 p.m.
Fridays – (beginning Sept. 19) – St. Vincent de Paul, Competitive Play (Advanced, Intermediate), 6:30-9 p.m.
* Open Play means all levels of players. Courts are divided into different playing levels depending on participants
** Competitive Play is only for Intermediate and Advanced Players. “Smashing” is allowed (and pretty much mandatory when the opportunity presents itself! 😊)
*** Recreational Play means no overhead smashing. It’s all about having fun but still wanting to win! (can be agreed upon amongst the members)
In addition to the above schedule, the Club is looking into some ad hoc Saturday morning sessions at Temple. Details will be provided when available. Keeping with time-limited sessions, there is an opportunity to have some sessions Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m. at Wm. G. Davis Public School or Wednesday evening 8-10 p.m. at Clemens Mill Public School or 6:30-8:30 pm. at Woodland Park Public School. These could be for a 6-10-week “league/ladder” night. Interested members would pre-pay for the sessions. However, this will only move forward if a Club member takes the lead in making this happen. If you’re interested in taking this on, just let us know and we can arrange to secure the dates.
Next is a reminder that Brantford Pickleball Club invited our members to participate in a friendly, inter-club tournament. Details can be found in our Club email sent August 31. A few of our members have already signed up!
In other tournament news, Save the Date! Our Club is holding a members-only tournament on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Temple. Details will follow including a request for some help…
In non-playing news, our sponsor-donated Selkirk paddles are now available to be owned by club members. A donation is required and details are available from Barb at admin@cambridgepickleball.ca.
Our other Club sponsor, Grand River Sport Medicine, has recently posted Pickleball-specific guidance about avoiding injuries. Given the number of our members sidelined by injury, the information is highly relevant and can be found under 10 Strategies for Pickleball Injury Prevention
Finally, our Club would not exist without the ongoing efforts of your volunteer Executive and Board of Directors. Our Annual General Meeting is set for Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Now is the time for members to add some fresh ideas and energy by stepping forward and consider volunteering. Simply let us know you’re interested and we’ll go from there. As a reminder, your current Executive members are; Aaron Gooding, President, Barb Morlock, Vice President, Nadine Gray, Treasurer, and Christina Jonas, Secretary. Board members are; Perry Hagerman, Rick Keir, Fernanda Mate and Cesare Ciavarro.
Since people on the board leave from time to time, it’s important to welcome fresh faces to keep the momentum going.
Pickleball origins: In 1965, after a round of golf, three men found their families bored. Lacking proper badminton equipment, they improvised using ping pong paddles, a perforated plastic ball and a lowered badminton net. The game’s rules were developed over a weekend with the net height eventually being lowered to 36 inches.