TIRED of tennis? Bored of badminton? You could be among the first people in Wales to play a new racquet sport.

Pickleball may sound like something you cough up after wolfing down a hearty ploughman’s platter but it is in fact the fastest growing sport in North America.

It has actually been played in the USA since the mid-1960s and is popular in the retirement communities of Florida but is only now starting to break through in Europe.

Pickleball is a sport in which two or four players use solid paddles, like large table tennis bats, to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net.

Played on a badminton court, the net and rules are similar to tennis but the sport prides itself on being much easier to pick up.

And currently the only place in Wales to play it is Cwmbran Stadium.

The leisure centre, which is in the middle of a £2m revamp, is hosting a special taster day this Sunday from 10am for anyone wanting to have a go.

John Price has been handed £1,500 from the Torfaen Community Chest to promote the sport and he hosts twice-weekly sessions at Cwmbran Stadium.

“We meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 10am to midday,” said Price.

“It’s great for men and women of all ages, especially those wishing to keep active in later life.

“The game does not involve as much running around the court as other racquet ball games and therefore it is less stressful on the joints.

“But I have also been asked to run a group for children during the summer holidays.

“The rules are fairly simple and a new player can easily pick it up, especially if they are used to playing tennis or badminton.”

Richard Welsford from Usk is among the converts and he urges others to give the sport a try.

“It’s just two hours of great fun,” he said. “Anyone can play – any ability, any age and you get surprisingly hooked by it.

“Friends who I play golf with said ‘come along and you’ll enjoy it’ and we just can’t get enough of it.

“It’s surprisingly skilful – it doesn’t have to be a power game – and I’d encourage everyone to come and have a game.

“My daughter who is a hockey player has come and enjoyed it as well and anyone any age can play and they will enjoy it.”

Fellow player Paulette Powell from Caerleon added: “My husband and I wanted something to keep us fit. We’re both over 60 and we wanted something that we could enjoy and get fit with and this fits the bill.”

Having joined John, Richard, Paulette and pals to try it out in Cwmbran recently I can testify that Pickleball is indeed easy to learn, fast-paced and extremely fun to play.

Anyone who loves traditional racquet sports but finds them just too difficult to master or too much of a physical workout should give it a go.

But, be warned, it’s much more than tennis for old folk and you can work up a good sweat once the competitive streak kicks in.

For further information on how to get involved in playing Pickleball or for help in setting up your own group at your local leisure centre contact John Price on 01633 423881 or 07970974205.