For the third consecutive year, pickleball has claimed the title of America’s fastest-growing sport, with participation having grown an average of 223.5% over the last 3 years.
It’s clear that the demand for pickleball is here, but how can club owners keep members happy enough to keep coming back? According to experts in the field, the key is community.
A strong foundation is crucial for any successful pickleball club. By creating a welcoming environment, organizing social events, and fostering a sense of community, you can attract and retain members.
Even without permanent facilities, individuals can create an atmosphere that retains members and gets the community excited about pickleball. Ridgway Pickleball Club is located in a small community in Colorado with a population of just over 1,000. For the majority of its life, the Club has hosted pickleball at local tennis courts, but through the efforts of community members, the town approved a new Athletic Park Master that includes eight dedicated Pickleball courts!
The Club’s membership continues to grow as time goes on. Kim Hughes, Fundraising Chair for Ridgway Pickleball Club, says that the key to a healthy membership and member retention is a focus on community.
In a conversation with Kim, she expressed the importance of fostering a welcoming atmosphere that makes new players feel welcomed and included with strategic pairing that mixes ability levels, beginner clinics and friendly competition. Social events like potlucks, happy hours, and tournaments, also strengthen bonds between members and encourage retention. But above all, coordinating and participating in community service events that fundraise for local causes are imperative and can foster a sense of camaraderie and pride among members.
To get a better sense of how Ridgway Pickleball Club retains members, we spoke to Kim about the following specific strategies:
- Balancing Competitive and Recreational Play: One of the biggest challenges of member retention is making sure every member is satisfied with the level of competition. Ridgway Pickleball Club dedicates specific days for recreational and competitive play, ensuring that players of all skill levels feel comfortable and engaged.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Through a program called “Voyager” ridgway Pickleball Club members volunteer to teach students through a local after-school program. They also hold beginner clinics and round-robin socials, which are all member volunteer driven.
- Member Engagement: Another key to member retention is keeping members engaged by actively listening to their feedback and following through on promises. ridgway Pickleball Club hosts open dialogues with members at annual meetings and features members in the monthly newsletter. Members also have the opportunity to give feedback in a formal survey after the San Juan Slam Tournament each September.
- Social Media Engagement: Actively using social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share club news, photos, and event updates can help attract new members and keep existing ones engaged. Also using various communication channels, like email and newsletters, to keep members informed about upcoming events, rule changes, and club news is key.
- Collaboration with Other Organizations: Partnering with other sports clubs or community organizations can expand your reach and create opportunities for joint events.
“Member engagement is key for everything,” said Hughes. “During the Winter months, we still play – we shovel snow when needed, but we also hold happy hours at local restaurants to support them.”
By implementing these strategies, your pickleball club can foster a strong sense of community, retain members, and continue to grow. With a community like this one, nothing can stop membership, not even snow. Remember, the key to success is creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and connected.
