A new player-driven pickleball league is coming to Charlotte. Here’s how to sign up.
If you’re looking for a new sport to pick up as we head into spring, there’s a new pickleball league coming to Charlotte.
Pickleball, which combines elements from tennis, ping-pong and badminton, is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.
In the new year-round league, Play The Ladders, players call the shots when proposing and accepting matches by choosing the date, time and location.
“This league is really designed to give players the opportunity to get active, meet new people and improve their game — at their convenience,” said Julie Lowe, who created the league. “We’re looking to partner with facilities to create fun interactive experiences and collaborations, with a goal of bringing people and causes together in the greater Charlotte area.”
Lowe said she and Elizabeth Isenhour, both avid pickleball players, have had many friends reach out looking to find pickleball matches or someone to play with and thought this league would provide a great opportunity to do that.
Play the Ladders will include doubles and mixed doubles. You can pick your own doubles partner or connect with someone through the league.
Each season lasts eight to eleven weeks with playoffs and an end-of-season championship where winners will receive a trophy and prizes. There will also be a yearly tournament for finalists of each season to play against each other.
A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to different community organizations each season. This spring season, Play the Ladders is partnering with Bosom Buddies, a Charlotte-based nonprofit that hosts tennis clinic fundraisers, to benefit breast cancer awareness programs and research.
How to sign up
The inaugural season begins March 20, and players can sign up online. The deadline to register is March 16. It costs $25 per player to sign up. There will be a $5 late fee if you register past the deadline.
The league is open to men and women ages 18 and older. All skill levels are welcome. There’s only 200 open spots to play this spring, so interested players are encouraged to sign up quickly.
Spring season dates
March 16: Registration deadline ($5 late fee will apply for registering after this date)
March 20: Spring season begins
May 14: Spring season ends
May 26-27: Spring championship and social
Summer season dates
June 6: Registration deadline ($5 late fee will apply for registering after this date)
June 12: Summer season begins
Aug. 6: Summer season ends
Aug. 19-20: Summer championship and social
Fall season dates
Aug. 29: Registration deadline ($5 late fee will apply for registering after this date)
Sept. 4: Fall season begins
Nov. 5: Fall season ends
Nov. 18-19: Fall championship and social
Winter season dates
Nov. 28: Registration deadline ($5 late fee will apply for registering after this date)
Dec. 4: Winter season begins
Jan. 28: Winter season ends
Feb. 10-11: Winter championship and social
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