CARSTAIRS - From humble beginnings a few years ago, pickleball is really catching on in Carstairs these days, says Carstairs Pickleball Club vice-president Al Loughridge.
An indoor or outdoor sport, pickleball sees players use solid-faced paddles to hit a ball over a metre-high net.
The local club has been playing the court game outside since before the pandemic, but has now moved indoors at both Hugh Sutherland School and Carstairs Elementary School.
More than 80 players are currently signed up with the club, with members playing at Hugh Sutherland Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 9:30 to noon, and at the elementary school on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
“After almost three years of absenteeism from school gyms, we are back again,” Loughridge said. “We had lost many players who moved on to different venues during the pandemic but on Oct. 22 we had 16 players out, which we are very happy to have.”
During the local pickleball sessions, one court is typically set aside for new players to learn the game, he said.
Meanwhile, Carstairs Pickleball has applied for non-profit status to "allow us to receive donations for the new pickleball court," he said.
"The town is supplying the land as well as start-up funds. We will be applying for grants and any donations were can get. We are hoping to raise enough to put in four courts next year."
Any adult interested in joining Carstairs Pickleball can show up at the schools with non-marking shoes during the play times or contact Loughridge at 403-940-3308.