Manchester’s over 55’s invited to try their hand at Pickleball

Anyone for a spot of pickleball? It’s nothing to do with food – pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the US at the moment and Manchester’s over 55’s are invited to attend a fun, free Pickleball at Abraham Moss Leisure Centre, 140 Crescent Road, Crumpsall,  Manchester on Tuesday April 8th from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm.

The free workshops are part of First Time for Everything, a community health and well-being programme designed by Royal Voluntary Service. First Time for Everything is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and gives people opportunities to try something new for free, to socialise and be active, particularly those that might be older or less mobile.

In the session, players will be taught  Pickleball, which is a fun sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. They will be led by Simon,  the Duty Manager at Abraham Moss Leisure Centre, who is a keen advocate of Pickleball,  and will teach participants how to play this new racquet game. Comfortable clothing trainers or tennis shoes are recommended.  Light refreshments will be available.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities, People’s Postcode Lottery, said “Being active, getting out and about and feeling part of the local community are important for health and wellbeing, no matter what our age, ability or circumstances. With generous support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, ‘First Time for Everything’ brings local people together to try something new, to meet new people and have fun.”

To register for a place at First Time for Everything events or for more information, contact Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinator Karen Kennedy on 077954 50563 or email karen.kennedy@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk. Booking for all events is essential as places are limited.

For those unable to get out and about to First Time for Everything activities in person, Royal Voluntary Service has designed the Virtual Village Hall. The Virtual Village Hall is a free, online activity hub and community that helps people stay physically and mentally active, socially connected and having fun. It helps people to better manage their health, including long-term health conditions. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the Virtual Village Hall offers live online activity sessions every weekday on Facebook and YouTube, from exercise and dance, yoga and meditation to crafts, interesting speakers, creative writing and cooking. There’s an extensive archive on YouTube, too with more than 2,500 free activity sessions to try. It is free to join, and anyone can take part with no sign-in or subscription required. Where activities require equipment, ingredients or materials, these are low-cost and easy to source. To find and take part in the Virtual Vill