Pickleball is trending up in popularity and down in age. The once obscure sport is gaining popularity among the elementary, middle, and high school set everywhere, including within the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD). To take advantage of that trend and encourage physical activity, Fort Worth After School (FWAS), a nationally recognized enrichment program that provides after school activities for FWISD students, held its first pickleball tournament on Saturday, March 23, at R.D. Evans Community Center.
The competition hosted 30 teams of two players from 12 area schools that have participated in the afterschool program’s inaugural pickleball league this school year. The competition played in brackets to determine the top three teams. After spirited but cordial play, the “Kickin’ Chickens” from South Hi Mount Elementary took home the first-place prize. Second place went to the “Slick Pickles” from the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak. And “Team Najera” from Alice Contreras Elementary took third.
Pickleball is a fun and friendly game with simple rules that are easy to learn. Similar to tennis, the game is played with two players – called picklers – on a court with a 34-inch net, paddles, and a ball with holes in it. Equipment is minimal, and the game can be enjoyed indoors or out. Pickleball is also adaptable to any skill level and can be played at a high level of intensity or a slower, more relaxed pace.
FWAS Director Miguel Garcia launched the pickleball league this school year to encourage students to be more active. He says the game promotes sportsmanship and physical activity, making it a fun way for people of all ages to get exercise. “We want to get students out of their seats and into some kind of activity and movement so they can learn how to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Garcia. “And the kids are having a blast.”
The afterschool program currently has 18 elementary, middle, and high schools participating in the pickleball league. In addition to South Hi Mount, the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak, and Alice Contreras, other schools in the league include: Dolores Huerta Elementary, Leadership Academy at Como Elementary, De Zavala Elementary, Leadership Academy at John T. White Elementary, M.H. Moore Elementary, M.M. Walton Elementary, Sunrise McMillan Elementary, Manuel Jara Elementary, D. McRae Elementary, Sagamore Hill Elementary, Carter Park Elementary, Daggett Elementary, Daggett Middle, Rufino Mendoza Elementary, and Washington Heights.
Texas Health Resources, the largest healthcare provider in North Texas, supported the league and tournament and supplied participating schools with balls, rackets, and portable pickleball courts. Garcia said feedback from the tournament was tremendous. “Students were so excited about the event,” he said. “They’re already asking when the next tournament will be held.”