Pickleball, the fast-paced and easy-to-learn sport that is taking the world by storm, now has a new representative body in Portugal.
PTPICKLE – Associação Pickleball de Portugal, a non-profit organization, was recently established with the goal of promoting the sport across the country and representing the interests of its players.
The Association’s President, Paulo Aguiar, says:
“Although pickleball is already present throughout Portugal, facilities and playing opportunities are scarce and often inadequate. In some cases, players have to group together and improvise courts using masking tape just to be able to play. We aim to change that reality and develop the sport in a way similar to our neighboring country, Spain, where there are already many purpose-built indoor and outdoor courts, and where world-class players are being developed at all levels, including youth.”
One of pickleball’s greatest advantages over other racket sports is its accessibility: people of all ages and skill levels can play, it’s easy to learn, and the smaller court size makes it less physically demanding at a recreational level. Pickleball is also known for being a highly social sport, ideal for introduction into School Sports programs within Physical Education classes.
The association will work to promote the development of more and better facilities, train referees and coaches, organize events, and, most importantly, create a national team to represent Portugal at the upcoming European Pickleball Federation Championship in Rome.
To celebrate the creation of PTPICKLE, a launch event will take place in Leiria on June 10, where everyone will be able to try the sport for free, watch a high-level exhibition match, attend a training session for Physical Education teachers, and participate in a tournament.
For more information, contact José Guerra at +351 939 505 811 or by email at info@associacaopickleballportugal.org.
EDITOR'S NOTE
Pickleball is often described as a mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Played on smaller courts (four pickleball courts fit into one tennis court), it uses plastic balls and composite paddles.
Pickleball is considered a fun sport that promotes social interaction and brings physical and mental health benefits. It is accessible, easy to learn, and offers a cardiovascular workout while improving coordination, balance, and agility.
