LITTLE HARBOUR PICKLEBALL CLUB SPRING 2025 NEWSLETTER
Greetings one and all and welcome back to another active, fun and social season of outdoor pickleball at our Little Harbour Pickleball Club!
As we enter the spring of 2025 it is hard to believe that we are in our 5th year of operation. We are thrilled that over 120 of last year’s Members have already renewed for the 2025 season which, by the way, could start as soon as the weather permits because as of April 1st – THE NETS ARE UP!
Officially our 2025 schedule begins May 1st but let the weather guide your decisions!
If you are going to head out to play prior to our official May 1st season opening – go for it! Have fun and please remember to:
* Warm up to prevent injuries
* Sign up using Playtime Scheduler
* Clean the court using the provided equipment
* Follow all LHPC rules and policies
* Note that all 3 gates now work and are coded as the main gate/washroom
* Have fun and if you take any pictures consider sharing via our Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/groups/…
2025 LHPC SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Your LHPC Executive has been working over the winter to plan a program and schedule for 2025 that is built on the successes of past seasons as well as constructive feedback we have received from you, our Membership. Here are some of the things we hope that you are excited about and looking forward to.
Revised 2025 Schedule
Our new schedule has been designed to serve our Club demographics relative to pickleball experience & self-rated skill level and includes new, dedicated drill times and all the popular weekly program activities & regular special events our Members have come to enjoy. Our revised 2025 schedule will be posted prior to May 1st on our Little Harbour Community Centre Pickleball webpage and can be found here: https://littleharbourns.com/li…
Mentorship Program
New for the 2025 season is our Mentorship Program, which matches trained volunteer LHPC Members with new and lower-skilled players to provide a low-threshold and welcoming introduction to pickleball rules, skills and how to play safely.
To find out more about the LHPC Mentorship Program please contact LHPC Development Director, Allan Keefe at johnakeefe@outlook.com.
LHPC Mentorship Program – a friendly & supportive way to learn the game! We can help!
New LHPC Guest Policy
Guests having an accompanying LHPC Member sponsor them may place twice per calendar year. Both Member and Guest are required to complete the Guest Registration form found court-side and must deposit the completed form along with the required $5 drop-in fee in the designated drop box PRIOR to entering the pickleball courts.
Game Rotation Systems
A number of different methods of rotating games have been tried over the past couple of years. For the 2025 season play will be governed by the following rotation systems:
* Fewer than 15 players – a pickleball app can be used
* Fewer than 20 players – the paddles-up system (paddle box court-side), winners split & stay on for 2 game max
* More than 20 players- the Winners/Challengers bucket system to be used
General Play
All players must be signed in for a play session on playtime Scheduler. Player limits are 24 for Open Play and 20 for all program activities.
“SWING INTO SUMMER!” Pickleball & Pub Social! – June 6/7th (Save the Date!)
Friday evening features recreational mixed doubles play and Saturday sees a variety of more competitive events throughout morning and afternoon. Our “Swing Into Summer” social will close Saturday night with a Pub Night & Dance – music provided by renowned Pictou County band HUSH! (Ticket details to follow.)
(Please note that the “Swing into Summer” event, Dink’n’Dine, Partner Play, Ladies’ & Men’s Nights and all other program activities are for Members only. Join the fun – make sure your 2025 LHPC membership is current!)
Ladies’ Nights/Men’s Nights/Partner Play Nights
Fun, competitive play for women, men and dedicated playing partners each week on Mondays (Ladies’), Tuesdays (Men’s) and Fridays (Playing Partners) from 5 – 7 pm. Check the schedule for details.
Dink’n’Dine
Fun, recreational mixed doubles combined with food and drink every second Thursday (weather permitting) from 5 – 9 pm. Dates for this season: June 26, Ju7ly 10, July 24, August 7th & Sugust 21st!
Competitive OPEN Tournament
Scheduled for July 18, 2025. Details to follow.
NEW MEMBER RECRUITMENT
This year your LHPC Executive is focusing on new player recruitment and development and we are doing so in multiple ways:
* Beginner/New Player Time Slots: We have introduced four, dedicated time slots (Blue squares on the schedule) for “new” players or those who still consider themselves “beginners”. During these time slots beginning or lower skilled players can connect & play with other LHPC Members that they have more in common with so that they can continue to work on learning the game while not being intimidated or overpowered by more highly skilled or competitive players.
* Mentors: We are assembling a cast of “Mentors” who will be trained to be helpers for new LHPC Members and those wanting some friendly help to improve their pickleball skills. These Mentors will help their Protégées better understand pickleball rules, fundamental skills and game strategies.
* Pickleball Machine: We are purchasing a pickleball machine (programmable, automatic server and training partner) which will be used during our development and orientation sessions under the direction of our Mentors and other LHPC Members trained to use it. This unit will help elevate any player’s confidence, skill level and enjoyment of playing.
* Orientation: We are developing a New Member Orientation for new members so that they can begin their pickleball journey with a warm and supportive welcome to our Club as well as being introduced to the rules and basics of safe play.
A good introduction to pickleball rules and skills builds confidence and good habits early on.
These are just a few of the ways we will be welcoming and supporting new members to join us at LHPC this year. Please share this and any other information about the benefits of belonging to our Club with any of your friends, family members or neighbours that you think might like pickleball as much as you do!
TO JOIN THE LHPC or TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2025
* Simply visit our Pickleball Canada LHPC Webpage at: https://secure.pickleballcanad…,
* Click the black “Join/Renew” button in the top left of your screen and follow the prompts and instructions.
* Our LHPC is in the Highland Region.
* Any problems of issues registering? For help contact: Colin Ross w/LHPC Membership Services: cdross56@icloud.com.
A FINAL WORD FROM YOUR LHPC EXECUTIVE
As you can see — it is going to be another fun-filled pickleball season at LHPC! Here’s to great weather, light winds, safe & fun play, and getting your fill of fun, fitness & friendship.
SEE YOU ON THE COURTS!
Come join the fun! LHPC – where everyone is welcome.
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