Seatack elementary school students form first pickleball club and increase the sport’s popularity

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – Before school started this year, most of these students at Seatack Elementary had never heard of pickleball.

“When you ask them about sports, most of them say football, basketball and baseball. So for me, the best part is bringing them here so they can experience something completely different and really enjoy it,” says teacher and club sponsor Andy Stark.

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“I love that I’m learning new things about it and experiencing a new sport that I might try in the future. And I’ve met a lot of new people here,” said student Tobias Shaw.

And it helps that there’s a new pickleball club right next door to the school. Jim Aldrich, the owner of Pickleball Virginia Beach, invited teachers and students to try it out earlier this year.

“The kids are learning how much fun we old people have, and they come in droves,” Aldrich said.

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In fact, the students enjoyed the sport so much that they formed the first pickleball club in the Beach School District.

And Seatack is a place where pickleball is likely to take off. Clubs like this one and social development are a staple in Seatack, as it is one of six Hampton Roads schools that host the Achievable Dream Academy, a curriculum that focuses on social, academic and moral education.

“Many of the children were surprised at how much patience it takes. Because they all want to get up, hit the ball and land the decisive shot,” said Stark.

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“They have to stay calm and pay attention. It’s not as easy as some people might think, so they have to focus on what they’re doing,” Aldrich said.

“It really helps me take my mind off things, even when I’m really frustrated, and I think I really enjoy it,” said one student.

Now we’ll see if other beach schools follow Seatack’s example as pickleball becomes more popular among younger people as well.