James Townsend was one of 35 people inspired to take up pickleball by a taster day held at London Pickleball Club in New Malden. They all just happen to be deaf.
James has been “completely hooked” on pickleball since the taster day back in May thanks to London Pickleball’s efforts to welcome him and other deaf players so warmly into their community.
In the New Year, all the club’s coaches are going to be trained in British Sign Language so they can communicate with James and the other 11 deaf players who have become regulars at the club’s sessions. Many of the other taster day attendees now also play pickleball elsewhere in the capital.
James’ growing confidence with paddle in hand extended to him entering last weekend’s English Nationals at Bolton Arena. He played in the men’s 50+ singles 3.0 category (the first time he’d played in a single competition) and narrowly missed out on the knockout stage. He also played in the 50+ 3.0 men’s and mixed doubles.
“Playing pickleball has had a real impact on my mental health,” James told Pickleball52. “I’m smiling more and I look forward to it all day. I’ve made loads of friends and I love that people recognise me here in Bolton.
“I’m over 50 now but quite competitive and learning all the time. I now know the strategies and tactics. The community element is amazing. Anybody can play and we’re living proof of that.
“My aim is to build a good network and be influential and get more deaf people involved. I’d love for there to be an England deaf team one day!”
London Pickleball founder Louise Stephens said: “The husband of one of our players is a British Sign Language teacher who is about to retire so he’s going to teach our coaches. We’re looking forward to making up some specific signs for the unique pickleball words!
“We don’t regard them as deaf, they’re just like any other new players at the club. We’ve made sure they are really integrated. They take the mickey just like everybody else does.
“James is a real character. He’s hilarious. He is always asking how he can improve. He has been instrumental in spreading pickleball in the deaf community and is currently helping to set up deaf groups in Milton Keynes and Southampton through friends of his. He’s really building a community.”
James, who is an IT consultant, also plays football, cricket, squash, badminton, judo and is a fitness instructor.
He added: “I have to say thank you to Louise for such a warm welcome for deaf people and giving us the opportunity. Since that taster day I have been completely hooked. All the members have been amazing. It’s a really good example to other clubs.”
