The Deptford Parks and Recreation department is currently hosting pickleball clinics for kids in Deptford Memorial Park – also known as Fasola Park – that began on June 29.
This is the second consecutive year for the clinics, which teach kids the basics of pickleball, including rules, how to hold and handle a paddle properly and how to serve.
“We offered a four-week program last year and this year is even better,” said recreation director Charles Kirchner. “We have it for kids between 8 to 12 years old. Last year, we had around 20 kids; this year we have 35.”
Participants are instructed by volunteers who are members of the township pickleball club established in 2018. The classes take place at the tennis courts on the lower level of Fasola Park.
“There’s eight beautiful courts that the mayor and council put in last year,” said Kirchner. “There’s a total of 16 instructors, so two for each court. They (members) volunteered their time to help instruct the kids.”
Equipment is provided for the kids, who can also bring their own, and each gets a Deptford pickleball shirt.
Kirchner got the idea for the classes last year.
“We do similar (sessions) for our other programs, like basketball and wrestling,” he noted. “So, I thought, ‘Why don’t we do a clinic for kids?’”
While the clinics themselves are full, open play pickleball began April 1 and will continue outdoors through Nov. 1. Classes move inside after that.
Deptford started pickleball in 2018 with only seven club members, who now number about 100. The sport is especially popular with township seniors.
