Pickleball in England had a fabulous end to 2024. Not only was Pickleball England recognised officially as the sport’s governing body, but the famous BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards also celebrated a hard-working volunteer.
Keith Grainge, aged 83, was named as BBC Yorkshire’s Unsung Hero – and got the chance to go along to the glamorous national awards, held just before Christmas at the BBC studios in Salford.
Tony Mcgale, who nominated Keith for the prize and accompanied him to the event, told Pickleball 52: “Keith was full of energy staying up till 1am and I saw him chatting about the sport to various people including celebrities. He’ll never forget the day!
“Keith has organised groups all over York and still plays too. The amount of time he puts in to coordinate all the sessions, book courts and still welcomes newbies every week who join his WhatsApp groups. The natural jovial way he is with people makes them feel welcomed immediately and I could put you in touch with any number who would gladly talk about why they enjoy the sport thanks to him.”
And the tributes started flooding in from all over Yorkshire – check out these lovely words from folk who have found the game thanks to Keith, along with photos courtesy of Tony from the Sports Personality of the Year Award.
David Fenton (founder, York District Pickleball League): “I’ve known Keith for nearly three years through starting to play pickleball myself. He immediately struck me as a guy with an insatiable enthusiasm to get people involved in the game and encourage them to improve themselves. His patience combined with a dry wit never fails to put smiles on the participants faces and he continually encourages them to have fun. He is inclusive in everything that he does, and nothing is too much trouble for him – even down to sorting facility bookings and ensuring there are the right numbers of people to have an organised afternoon’s exercise. I have been so impressed with his fervent support of the sport that having recently founded the York District Pickleball League, he was the obvious person to approach to ask to be the first League President, which I am so pleased to say he has accepted. He is simply an inspiration to so many people in the community.”
James Langan: “Keith is an inspiration to us for the work he has done in setting up pickleball in the York area. I first heard about pickleball through a feature Keith made with Look North. Having had a heart attack in April 2023 I wanted to find a sporting activity my wife and I could learn together. Keith was very welcoming to my wife and I and got us started with the game. We’ve both become hooked and are now playing three or four times a week in different groups. Keith has made the sessions totally inclusive – for all players of whatever standard. This has been fantastic and is so different to some of the clubs I’ve come across in the past. All of us have benefited in some way from the work Keith has done to set up pickleball in the area – whether it’s physical or mental health, development of new friendships or just plain, good fun. My wife and I are very grateful to Keith for introducing us to the great game and he 100% deserves all the recognition he is currently receiving.”
Jane and Pete Wilson: “Keith is a remarkable man – a great ambassador for pickleball. He has encouraged so many people to play making sure everyone was welcome regardless of age or ability. So many people in the York area have benefited from playing this brilliant, addictive game thanks to Keith. He is a very deserving recipient of his award. We have been privileged to be a part of Keith’s journey and proud to call him our friend.”
Julie Pickering (Tadcaster): “He is the most unassuming man. In our group alone there are over 70 members and he offers five to six sessions per week encouraging members new and old and of all standards to get involved. It’s been an absolute lifeline for me, not only introducing me to a new sport to which I am now totally addicted but also meeting new friends. He is indeed an unsung hero to which I and many more will be eternally grateful, I am so pleased that he has had this recognition.”
David Wood: “Keith Grange through his unstinting efforts and enthusiasm has, in a relatively short time, been responsible for the development of several groups of equally enthusiastic pickleballers in the York area. Over 300 people are now involved. Many of them, like Keith himself, are advanced in years and welcome the opportunity that pickleball provides for regular physical activity in a welcoming social environment. As an 88-year-old ‘sports nut’ I have appreciated the chance to leave most of my other sports behind and take up a new game more suited to my age while also allowing me to socialise with like minded people.”
Alex Blackwell: “I feel Keith was so deserving of the unsung hero award as he selflessly put the group together originally for the sole purpose of getting the older generation together and socialising. The group has grown and grown by word of mouth, welcoming everyone who wants to socialise and learn the game and have fun.”
Jan Burg (Tadcaster): “I first met Keith just after lockdown in July 2021. I saw a notice about a pickleball group in our local supermarket so I went along. I had never heard of the game before but I soon got hooked. Initially there were just three of us playing including Keith. He called the group ‘Jay’s pickleball’ because all our names began with a J. After that the group just grew and grew attracting all ages and abilities. Keith went on to form other groups at various venues, always welcoming nervous beginners and coaching them. How Keith manages to organise so many sessions at so many locations I don’t know but he manages to keep his finger on the pulse. All credit to Keith who has introduced this sport to so many people. He says pickleball has changed his life for the better. Well, that is true for many other people who now have the chance to play thanks to him.”
Claire Fuller (Copmanthorpe): “I had heard of pickleball through my brother who had started playing over in Canada where he lives. He was encouraging me to get involved but I couldn’t find anywhere local to play. The next monthly village newsletter that dropped through the door was advertising a few sessions in the village sports hall. I contacted Keith to check timings and ask if there was a possibility a few of us could play on a Friday. He was immediately encouraging of this and extended the sessions to include a slot on a Friday. Word of mouth and an additional feature in a local link magazine saw the uptake grow massively in a very short period of time. Keith made everyone feel welcome and included. He has kept the charge for each session low so that all can afford to come and has provided kit to all too. The sessions are fun and Keith has adapted the rules to make the game fit the participants and the venue. I have met so many new people through pickleball and without fail leave the session happier than when I entered. Keith is responsible for the growing community of pickleballers across the city of York and instrumental in a league being set up as a natural next step. At 83 he is amazing! Dedicated, humble, funny and an excellent pickleball player to boot!”
Keith is a hero in his area and it is so nice to read the lovely things the players he has inspired have written. Congratulations Keith on your Unsung Hero award and for the outstanding job you have done growing the game in your area.