Membership Benefits
Open Play
‘Open Play’ means that all players, of any skill level, are invited to play on the courts for a set time frame (8 am-12 pm for example). Most pickleball venues have open play, since it allows players to come and go without ever having to actually set up games in advance - or even know any of the other players once they arrive at the Club. Some venues have courts dedicated by level of experience. For example, there can be separate courts for ‘non-aggressive/beginner’ players; ‘aggressive/ competitive’ players; and ‘advanced’ players. These groupings help new players find their comfort-level so that they can get out there and start playing. The comfort of playing with ‘like’ players of similar skill and speed lends itself to a fun and more enjoyable experience. The disadvantage of Open Play is the large number of players that often show up. For example, 60 players for three courts means very little playtime, as everyone must wait to rotate until after each game is finished. It can be particularly frustrating for players when court time is limited.
Court Reservations
Our marketing study identified “wait time” as a principal objection to the current play environment. As a member, you will be able to reserve a court to receive personal instruction; or to play with friends; or to play competitively with those at your skill level. Whether its 6:00 am in the morning or 9:00 pm at night – courts can be reserved at the desk, phone, web site or app.
Instructions
Sarasota has a vast resource of professional instructors that will be available for all levels of experience. A staff of professional instructors will hold individual instruction and clinics. League play will be encouraged, and we plan on holding major regional and national tournaments right here in Sarasota.
How does one improve quickly? Professional training!
Private Lessons - We will have the best instructors in our area available for one-on-one instruction. They will analyze your play and give you the knowledge and tools to become a better player.
Group Lessons - Group lessons are a cost-effective way of improving your skills. Groups will range from 2 to 8 players
Clinics - We will be conducting clinics every week throughout the year. High profile instructors from throughout the United States and Canada will be available to help you hone your skills.
Tournaments
We plan on holding 2 tournaments our first year - increasing to one each quarter over the next 3 years. We will be able to accommodate spectator seating up to 500 people - in the comfort of our indoor climate-controlled pickleball facility.
Sarasota Pickleball Academy's [SPA] Competitive Team
Our team is for high-level players who are dedicated to competing in tournaments throughout the year. They practice throughout the week and compete at various events around the state representing the Sarasota Pickleball Academy, showcasing their play and sportsmanship throughout the pickleball community. Tryouts will take place in the Fall of 2021.
Youth Programs
We are enthusiastic about the youth programs we are developing in conjunction with the Sarasota School system. We are looking at programs for elementary, middle and high school students. We also believe we can play a unique role in assisting home-schooled students to satisfy their athletic requirements. We are developing educational materials to assist youth players in learning more about the sport of pickleball. Our 501c3 foundation the Play for Life Foundation is donating the equipment to those schools expressing an interest in integrating picklball into their athletic curriculum. A kit contains 3 nets, paddles, balls and instructional material. Our pros volunteer to go to the schools to train the trainers.
Veteran & First Responder Programs
The Pickleball Club of Sarasota is owned and operated by a 30-year combat veteran. Active in the local Veteran community through United Way’s ‘Mission United’ and the Sarasota Military Officers Association [MOAA], the Club is committed to developing recreational programs exclusively for our Veterans and first responders with disabilities. Our Veteran and first responders have given so much for the love of our Nation and community, we want them to feel the love in return from so many of us that share our love of pickleball.
League Play
Weekly leagues will be available at your skill level in 10-week sessions... all year long. Each league is based on your skill level, so you will always be challenged at the level that is right for you.
Social
Connecting people is at the heart of The Pickleball Club, which is why our first priority is creating a robust and diversified social calendar. You’ll find a variety of food and wine events, athletic activities, social gatherings, and holiday celebrations. The Club’s Social Committee is filled with some of the brightest lights in our membership. Their job is to gather ideas from members for the wide variety of events offered each month. Food Truck-to-table, community court-side dining, inspired dinners, jazz brunches and the occasional gala are just a sampling of our offerings.
What We Offer
As the only indoor dedicated pickleball facility in Sarasota, we will offer a variety of outstanding activities for you and your friends to enjoy. Our private club experience includes daily opportunities for social and recreational engagement. You’ll feel what makes us special the moment you walk in our door. We invite you to take a tour and explore how membership will enhance your Sarasota lifestyle.
Court flooring
Our flooring is being installed by MOR-SPORTS. Designed for competition and comfort. It is a premium 100% acrylic cushioned sports surfacing system. It reduces player fatgue by force reduction. ITF3 rated AcryCushion is comprosed of 3 layers of medium cushion and 3 layers of small cushion, providing a standard cushion surface depth of approximtly 3.5 mm.