STUDENTS at Beaulieu Convent School are set to get a taste of one of the fastest growing sports in the UK.
Jersey Pickleball and long-time sponsor Highvern have collaborated to introduce the exciting and accessible sport into the school’s physical education curriculum.
Spearheaded by Thomas Price, Jersey Pickleball’s founder and lead coach, the initiative is designed to introduce students to the rapidly expanding sport while offering the opportunity to learn new skills, be active and have fun.
Price said: “Pickleball is easy to pick up and learn, it’s highly engaging, and suitable for all levels of athleticism.
“I genuinely believe that it’s the perfect sport for school children to try.”
Antoin Le Fevre, head of physical education at Beaulieu, added: “The programme is an exciting new opportunity for our students to learn a sport that is both inclusive and fun.
“We believe our students will not only enhance their athletic abilities but also gain confidence, teamwork skills, and a love for a new physical activity.”
Since its introduction to the Island in 2022, pickleball has grown from strength to strength with the support of Highvern.
Now rooted in Jersey with three purpose-built courts at the St Clement Sports and Recreation Centre, as well as facilities at Fort Regent and the New Gilson Hall, the sport is branching into schools on Jersey for the first time.
Having originally been created as a sport the whole family could enjoy together, the inclusive nature of pickleball makes it the perfect segue into an active lifestyle.
With a low barrier to entry, and a high skill ceiling, the sport looks a good fit in a school setting, due to its adaptive nature and propensity to be enjoyable for a diverse range of abilities.
The sport places emphasis on highly-transferable skills such as co-ordination, agility, strategy and teamwork. All vital characteristics to develop at a young age.
The programme is set to run from September 2024 to April 2025.
Phil Carlton, client director at Highvern, said: “We are delighted to sponsor this pickleball programme at Beaulieu.
“Pickleball is a sport embraced by many of our Highvern colleagues and their families in the jurisdictions around the world in which we operate.
“We have been proud supporters of its growth in the Island since it began in 2022 and now we are excited to extend this opportunity to young people.”
As part of the initiative, Highvern has committed to covering the costs of coaching fees and equipment such as paddles and balls.
Students will receive expert training from the founder of Jersey Pickleball himself and Tom Middleton, both experienced coaches and players.
Price concluded: “I think this is a fantastic opportunity and hopefully the start of something bigger.
“I am truly thankful to Highvern for their continued support.”
