It’s one thing to get players to become members at a club; but, maintaining member participation is something Pickleball Charlotte have actively strived for. In 2019, Owner Allan Haseley had the idea to open a club and formed partnerships that led to its establishment. Haseley believes that, “keeping the customer retention high comes from treating everyone like family.” The club works hard to ensure that people want to be there. There are multiple customer appreciation events, charity events, and social events held annually to establish connections among the players and staff. Finding the balance between social play and competitive play “to ensure we have options for everyone is key to creating a facility with inclusivity,” says Haseley.
Pickleball Charlotte is North Carolina’s Premier Pickleball Club, housing 2500 active members across its four locations. The first location on Granite Street was built by the Parent Company, Sports Connection, in 1995. The club still utilizes the space for both pickleball and volleyball events. Today, Pickleball Charlotte has over 60 total courts; 45 of them being indoors.
By leveraging technology, Pickleball Charlotte not only fosters a sense of community among its members but also promotes the growth and enjoyment of the sport in innovative and accessible ways. Their website is revised monthly to keep everyone in the loop, and the CourtReserve app is there for members to view, register, and pay for anything at Pickleball Charlotte. By streamlining the reservation process, the club ensures that members have ample opportunities to play and enjoy the sport without the hassle of coordinating schedules manually. Additionally, the club maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, effectively promoting engagement and connectivity among members.
Additionally, the managers are pickleball players as well, so they get to know the members on a personal basis. This is critical for the success of participation rates because it “gives our members a comfort of sharing their suggestions and concerns with us directly, and then monthly our team meets to execute any approved member suggestions,” says Haseley.
Maintaining high levels of member engagement is vital for the success and sustainability of any pickleball club. As exemplified by Pickleball Charlotte, actively involving members in various social, competitive, and community-driven activities not only encourages a strong sense of belonging but also ensures continued growth and enthusiasm for the sport. By prioritizing personalized interactions, utilizing innovative technologies, and organizing regular events that cater to diverse interests, Pickleball Charlotte has cultivated a vibrant and supportive community that thrives both on and off the court. Ultimately, the dedication to keeping members actively engaged not only enhances their overall experience but also strengthens the fabric of the pickleball community as a whole.
