Northern Kentucky pickleball tournament gives back to community

CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. — More than 100 people picked up a pickleball paddle to help families in need.

The Five Seasons Sports Club donated a portion of the proceeds from the sports club’s first-ever pickleball tournament.

“Part of the great thing is that we can donate 10% of our profits to Kenton County Family Resources,” said Brandon Kwok, director of pickleball at Five Seasons Family Sports Club. toys, shoes, clothes, everything they need for the coming winter months.”

Kwok has played in other pickleball tournaments and wanted to start one at the club. He also wanted to give back to the community in a meaningful way.

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s 2022 report, pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country. Currently, there are 4.8 million players.

The report states that over the past five years, participation in pickleball has increased by 53.9%. On average, it increased by 11.5% per year.

Kwok likes the social aspect of the game and that anyone can play.

“What’s unique about pickleball is that you don’t have to be this super-muscled, fit player. I tell people all the time that I’ve lost to 90-somethings and you know that. ‘they’re just better, and that’s what I love about it,’ Kwok said. “It’s more about your skills and what you think than about how fit and bulky you are.

He added that pickleball is an easy sport to learn.

“We have a Monday night beginners clinic called ‘Pickle in 5,'” he said.

The Five Seasons Family Sports Club has four locations with a total of 56 pickleball courts. He said if you want to learn how to play, you can call one of the four locations.