Wrexham Tennis and Padel Centre is extending its offering – and pickleball is proving popular.
And coach Kim McCall couldn’t be happier.
“We’ve introduced a formal coaching programme, offering people intro to pickle, and then a whole pathway of coaching right the way through to advanced,” she says.
“We’ve got two courts, so we’re limited to eight to 12 per session – but most of our coach-led sessions have been full, which is fab.”
And geographically, she thinks developing the pickleball scene in Wrexham is key to the growth of the game in Wales.
“There’s loads of pickleball that goes on in Shropshire across the border. There’s loads of pickleball that goes on in Anglesey if you go up in North Wales.
“Then around our area, there are little social groups, but clearly a big need for people to come together with players of similar level, have some instruction or at least some structured sessions rather than just turning up and playing a game.
“So that’s the intention – to try and fill that gap.”
And the centre is becoming a hotbed of pickleball, hosting events including the upcoming Welsh Open and the recent Welsh Nationals – in which Kim participated, winning gold in the women’s doubles 15+ 4.0+ with her identical twin sister Leah McDaniel. The two of them had played tennis previously, but never together as their styles did not mesh – but pickleball is proving different.
“It’s such a lovely thing to do together,” she says – adding that they will be taking part in this month’s Premier Pickleball League tryouts.
And the rest of the pickleball players in Wrexham are incredibly supportive of Kim’s big ambitions to further her coaching qualifications and play at the highest level. Indeed, altogether there were six Nationals medallists from Wrexham – and Kim is grateful for the support from those who weren’t competing.
“It was so nice, they were so supportive of us and it’s the first time they’ve really seen us play competitively,” she recalls.
“They play with us every week. That’s what I love about pickleball is that everybody can play with anybody, whether it’s a social or a game. We’re just part of their group.”
