The Isle of Man is set to stage its inaugural pickleball festival this weekend. The competition has attracted players from all over the United Kingdom.
Clinic And Exhibition Match
The Isle of Man Pickleball Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday at the National Sport Centre (NSC) in Douglas (the capital). Fifty percent of the 80 registered players will travel over from the UK for the event, which is open to all skill levels. One US player has registered.
The festival will feature a variety of events, including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles tournaments. There will also be a clinic for beginners and an exhibition match featuring some of the top players in the British Isles. No prior experience is necessary to participate, although the festival is really aimed at more experienced players.
Doubles games will be played at the friendly event, matching players of similar abilities based on a self-assessed level. There will be no round robins, leagues, or knockouts, and no trophies awarded.
Becoming Increasingly Popular
According to player Chris Hall, Pickleball is becoming increasingly popular on the island. He believes this is because “it is simple to pick up the rules, and it’s good exercise, with long rallies and drop shots.”
He hopes the event will “showcase the sport and hopefully get people to pick up a paddle.”, he added.
The festival is being organized by Ellan Vannin Pickleball Club, founded in 2021. The club aims to promote pickleball on the Isle of Man and provide opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to play the sport.
Ellan Vannin is a song often called “the alternative Manx national anthem.”
Mr Hall added that it was also to “show how much fun it is for people of all ages.” He finished by saying that anyone interested should “pop in” to the festival and “see if it’s for you.”
A Variety Of Social Activities
In addition to the competitive events, the festival will also feature a variety of social activities, such as a barbecue, a pub crawl, and a players’ party. The festival is a great opportunity to meet other pickleball players, learn the sport, and have some fun.
With eight courts available, players can be assured of plenty of games. IPTPA Master Teaching Professional Sam Basford will also be present to provide coaching lessons.
Sam will also bring a pop-up shop selling pickleball equipment from his newly formed company, SB Pickleball.
The Isle of Man Pickleball Festival is a great way to experience this growing sport. Whether you are a seasoned player or a complete beginner, you are sure to have a great time at the festival. So come on down to the NSC this weekend and join in the fun!
Thanks Given
The organizing committee wishes to mention the generous sponsorship the following bodies have provided: the Department for Enterprise, Align for Life, and the Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club.
Thanks also to local companies who have donated raffle prizes, a list of which can be found on the festival’s website. The proceeds of the raffle will be donated to Hospice Isle of Man.
Additional Details
Dates: September 9-10, 2023
Location: NSC, Douglas, Isle of Man
Events: Singles, doubles, mixed doubles tournaments, a clinic for beginners, an exhibition match
Registration: Open now on the Isle of Man Pickleball Association website
Cost: £25 for adults, £15 for juniors (under 18)
The Isle Of Man
The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown dependency located in the middle of the Irish Sea, about halfway between England and Ireland. The island is about 30 miles (48 km) long and 10 miles (16 km) wide, with an area of 221 square miles (572 square km).
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