Four new Pickleball groups run by Re-engage in partnership with Pickleball Scotland have proved a huge success in Perth, Edinburgh, Dundee, and East Kilbride, with plans to launch a fifth in Stirling.

Pickleball started in the same year as Re-engage - 1965 - but after quickly becoming popular in America, it has taken a while to catch up on this side of the Atlantic. However, it is estimated there are now 40,000 regular players in the UK, with a 65% increase in the last year alone.

The game is sometimes compared to tennis and is a low impact sport played on much smaller courts with plastic balls and paddles as opposed to traditional bigger racquets.

Since the Re-engage monthly sessions launched in sports centres and community hubs in May 2025, more than 20 older people have signed up. The games last for around an hour before players relax with a drink and chat.

Esther Lynn, Re-engage Engagement Officer in Scotland, said: “Pickleball has gone down very well. Some of the players get competitive in a friendly way and have a great time.

“The sessions are mixed and it seems to be particularly popular for men who may not want to go to our tea parties but still want to get out and socialise. The beauty of the game is that it can be played by anyone, even if they are not too mobile.”

Veronica, 84, who attends the Perth group, uses a walker to get around, but is still keen to get on court. “I just stand there and whack the ball,” she said. “It’s really enjoyable and if I get a bit tired there’s a chair at the side I can sit on for a while.

“I look forward to going because it’s fun and such a lovely group of people. At home I don’t do much so it’s nice to get out and get some exercise. It really is a special occasion for me, and I’ll definitely keep going for as long as I can. After the game we have a coffee and a chat. I would strongly recommend it for any older person. It’s absolutely brilliant.”