When a small but enthusiastic group of church members and staffers, inspired toward action by FUMCFW Trustee Carol McQuien, expressed interest in beginning an FUMCFW Pickleball League in the Justin Youth Building, they met, considered the set-up requirements, possible times and days for play, and discovered a few more similarly excited participants to help organize this whole new kind of First Church fun and fellowship.
So now the nets are up, the courts are taped off and prepared, and play will begin this Monday evening at 6:00 pm. We will continue for the next 8-weeks with this pilot program, and if it is as successful we hope it will be, new times and days will likely be added in the future.
So, what exactly is pickleball, anyway?
NBC News calls it “the fastest-growing sport you’ve never heard of” . . . others call it “fun for all ages and levels of conditioning” . . . and enthusiasts of all ages say it’s great exercise while you’re having a blast and meeting and getting to know different people every week. Here at FUMCFW we’re just going to call it a great new way to add a slice of PLAY to your Healthy Plate — and invite others to visit our church and see what a great place First Church Fort Worth is to be!
Pickleball, said to be one of the fastest-growing recreational sports in America. It involves a ball, a small court, a net, and usually four players. Playing pickleball feels like some sort of grand hybrid of ping pong, tennis, and racquetball. (Some even equate it to life-sized ping-pong in the ilk of life-sized chess)
According to the USA Pickleball Association (and yes, there is one!), this strange sport now sweeping schools, country clubs, municipalities, parks and rec departments, and church gymnasiums across the nation, and players of all ages are scurrying to set up courts and make this fun accessible to all ages and walks of life.
Want to see what this intriguing sport looks like and learn. more about its origin? (Here’s a glimpse of what this crazy-fun looks like).
Why Pickleball Now?
Because pickleball is so popular in so many circles, and so many people are looking for places to play, it also makes for an excellent addition to our First Church programming for our Fall Welcoming emphasis. When we invite and welcome new people to our church for pickleball, they are able to experience for themselves the warmth and friendliness of our faith community — as well as all the other things our ministries have to offer for people of all ages.
Are YOU ready to begin a new PLAY adventure?
Come to the Justin Building 2nd Floor Gym on Monday nights from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. You’ll need to sign a waiver, pay the $5 court fee, and we’ll guide you from there.
No experience necessary! Pickleball is a relatively simple game that is easy to pick up. Players will be grouped according to ability, and beginners are always welcome! (we may even offer some clinics and other instruction in the future to our beginners to get them started!)
What to wear, what to bring
Wear any athletic or athleisure wear and “court shoes” and bring a water bottle and maybe a small hand towel. That’s it! There are locker rooms to change clothes in, and restrooms and water fountains adjacent to the gym. Balls and paddles will be provided on a limited basis; if you have your own please bring them! No need for advance reservations or a partner; part of the beauty of this sport is it’s always $5 to join the game, players are grouped on the spot according to ability, and partners are assigned randomly.
And not only are all experience levels welcome — there’s plenty of room for spectators on our built-in bleachers! Come join the fun, cheer-on (or razz) your friends, and become part of this new FUMCFW Ministry!
Want to stay in the know about FUMCFW Pickleball? Sign up for our email list! If you have questions or need more information, feel free to email communications@myfumc.org, or Carol McQuien (csm44@att.net).
