Drumchapel kids to take part in pickleball competition

The G15 Youth Pickleball Group are to take part in the 2024 Skechers Pickleball Scottish Open at Scotstoun Leisure Centre from October 3 to October 6.

The national event sold out in just seven days and will see more than 390 participants from various countries compete against each other in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events.

​Players have been practising twice a week in Drumchapel High School and Sports Centre and 14 youngsters from the G15 Youth Project group are due to compete.

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of ping-pong, badminton and tennis.

The group practice at Drumchapel High School and Sports Centre (Image: Supplied) With small grants from Glasgow Sport, Drumchapel Sports Hub and G15 Thriving Places, the club were able to buy some equipment and have been able to continue their weekly sessions over the past couple of years.

Robert Macklin, youth development worker and coach, said: “We’re all delighted that Pickleball Scotland has included a Youth Category at this Open event. Our guys are very excited that they now have the chance to compete at a national level against other young people and gives them the opportunity to experience the conditions of a major tournament for the 1st time.

"I hope this event will encourage other young people to get involved and hopefully, this can lead to some Youth Festivals or even a National Youth League in future.

"It’s an exciting time for Pickleball at the moment when the popularity of the sport continues to grow throughout Scotland.

"There are new clubs emerging up and down the country under the support of Pickleball Scotland and the amount of new people trying the sport for the 1st time is great to see. It’s such an inclusive sport that is very easy to play, caters for all skill levels whether you’re a complete beginner or more advanced, but most importantly….it’s so much fun to play.”