How Ellington Public Schools Is Using Ellington Racquet Club for Pickleball

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States—and right here in Ellington, it’s becoming part of the school experience.

Ellington Public Schools is bringing students to Ellington Racquet Club as part of their physical education program, giving them the opportunity to step out of the traditional gym setting and onto real courts.

Bringing PE Outside the School Walls

Every Tuesday, high school students visit Ellington Racquet Club for an hour of pickleball as part of their PE credit.

Teacher David LaPorte explains that students:

• Play in teams or 1-on-1
• Learn the game in a real-world environment
• Stay active in a way that feels different from traditional gym class

And the response has been simple—they love it.

Why Pickleball Works So Well for Students

There’s a reason pickleball is growing so quickly. It’s:

• Easy to pick up for beginners
• Social and interactive
• Fast-paced without being overwhelming
• Accessible to all skill levels

For students, that means more participation, more engagement, and a better overall experience.

A Real Facility Makes a Real Difference

Instead of playing in a school gym, students are exposed to a full racquet club environment.

That means:

• Dedicated courts
• A structured playing atmosphere
• Exposure to a local facility they can continue using outside of school

It turns a class into something more—an introduction to a lifelong activity.

Building Long-Term Habits

Programs like this go beyond PE credits.

They help students:

• Stay active in a meaningful way
• Try something new without pressure
• Connect with their local community

And with pickleball continuing to grow nationwide, Ellington students are getting ahead of the curve.

A Community-Focused Approach to Growth

This reflects something bigger—Ellington Racquet Club isn’t just a place to play, it’s becoming a part of the community’s development.

By welcoming local students into the facility, the club is helping introduce the next generation to a sport that’s only gaining momentum.