A special thing about pickleball is that it is truly a sport for all ages. Easy to learn for younger players, a fantastic workout for those who enjoy moving, and a fantastic way to stay active physically and socially for players lucky enough to no longer be held to a 9-5 job. When thinking about making your club welcoming to all ages, the retired demographic can play a special and important role in the overall diversity and financial health of your facility.
Keeping your club attractive and inviting to the 55+ community can be a win-win, benefiting both your club and the players to keep this important segment of the population returning.
Key Takeaways
- Minneapolis Pickleball Club works with Medicare-linked membership programs such as SilverSneakers, One Pass and Renew Active to help eligible members join.
- Offering discounted off-peak and drop-in options instead of discounting high-demand court times fills slower daytime hours and keeps peak times open.
- Introductory age-specific classes, open play and sessions help older players with the learning curve and build a sense of belonging.
- Having staff introduce newcomers to each other and help find playing partners turns first-timers into regulars.
- Premier Pickleball Club hosts a monthly potluck where members are encouraged to bring friends, and plans an event for cancer survivors based on member feedback.
- Partnerships with senior centers, retirement communities, recreation departments and community organizations, tracked with promotions or discount codes, show which initiatives work.
Make Daytime Programming Attractive
Minneapolis Pickleball Club works with Medicare-linked membership programs such as SilverSneakers, One Pass and Renew Active to help eligible members join. By offering special daytime pricing and being active in the Medicare-linked community, the club can keep its courts full during slower daytime hours and provide a great source of exercise and camaraderie.
The club especially focuses on weekday morning and afternoon discounts, providing a reliable place for the 65+ population to play. Clubs can consider offering discounted off-peak and drop-in membership options instead of discounting high-demand court times, meeting the retired population where they are and keeping higher-demand times open. A specific focus on senior programming can grow your membership and make better use of your court capacity during the day.
Make Your Club Welcoming for New and Older Players
Sometimes it can be hard to try something new. To help make it easier, especially for older players, offer introductory age-specific classes, open play and sessions to help with the learning curve. These specific groupings help older players get on the court and meet other players to help create a sense of belonging. Another way to keep this age group at your club vs. the competition is to have staff introduce newcomers to each other and help find playing partners. A community-based approach helps players feel welcome and increase enjoyment in the sport by connecting them with partners and staff involvement.
Creating a great first impression is meaningless unless you can turn a newcomer into a regular through spending the time to provide what your new member needs.
Create a Space for Non-Players Too
Premier Pickleball Club has seen so many friendships form amongst their senior players that they have decided to lean in. Once a month the club hosts a large potluck where members are encouraged to bring friends. This makes a great social gathering as well as an opportunity for new members. Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Molly Hanson says she enjoyed speaking with her members and working to meet their needs. One such example is how Molly learned after speaking with members and hearing so many have struggled with cancer, the club will host an event for cancer survivors. Creating spaces for this demographic has made such a difference to the club and members. Molly says she has had seniors come up to her and say playing at the club has changed their lives with all the new friendships. What could be better than that?
Build Relationships That Keep Senior Players Coming Back
To help make your facility welcome to the retired demographic, encourage social events, recurring play groups and opportunities for members to connect off the court. Working with your players of all ages can provide valuable feedback to enhance the community at your club, retain members and attract new ones.
Creating price-accessible memberships while also exploring partnerships with local senior centers, retirement communities, recreation departments and community organizations are easy ways to welcome this demographic. Offering special promotions or discount codes when working with new facilities can help track participation, repeat visits and membership conversions to learn which initiatives work.
Making your club friendly for seniors is more than simply offering the best equipment or lowest rates. It has more to do with making it easy for older adults to get involved, find their people and find a reason to keep returning. By including programming, a welcoming environment and community-building, your club can embrace this population and make it a destination year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can pickleball clubs attract senior players during the day?
Offer special daytime pricing and discounted off-peak and drop-in membership options. Minneapolis Pickleball Club focuses on weekday morning and afternoon discounts and works with Medicare-linked programs such as SilverSneakers, One Pass and Renew Active.
Should clubs discount peak court times for seniors?
Clubs can consider discounting off-peak and drop-in options instead of high-demand court times, which meets the retired population where they are and keeps higher-demand times open.
How do you help older newcomers feel welcome?
Offer introductory age-specific classes, open play and sessions, and have staff introduce newcomers to each other and help them find playing partners.
What social events work for senior members?
Premier Pickleball Club hosts a monthly potluck where members are encouraged to bring friends and, after listening to members, will host an event for cancer survivors.
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