Two of the Club’s more “experienced campaigners” — our Chairman, Michael Simpson, and Pickleball Coordinator, Roger Whiteside — recently took to the courts at the Woking Pickleball Competition, flying the flag (and, at times, chasing it rather enthusiastically). Defying both expectation and, occasionally, gravity, the pair stormed through the group stages, winning all three of their matches with a mixture of guile, determination, and just enough athleticism to keep things interesting.
Their impressive run carried them into the quarterfinals, where they narrowly missed out in a hard-fought 11–8 contest. While the journey ended just short of the semifinals, their efforts earned plenty of admiration — and perhaps a few surprised looks — proving that experience, teamwork, and a sense of humour can go a long way on the pickleball court.
Pickleball continues to grow in popularity for good reason. It’s easy to learn, great fun, and accessible to players of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or, indeed, one of our self-proclaimed “old duffers,” it offers a fantastic way to stay active, social, and competitive — all without taking yourself too seriously.
