Ellesmere Port Sports village is to hold its first ever Pickleball event this weekend.

One of the world’s fastest growing sports, Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a small court (about the size of a badminton court) with a net similar to tennis, using solid paddles and a plastic ball with holes.

Organised by Mike Richardson, the event on Sunday 15th June will feature 24 of the area’s pickleball players taking part in mixed doubles matches with the chance to win prizes and trophies. There will also be a raffle with proceeds going to the Clatterbridge Cancer charity, where Mike was treated when he was diagnosed with the illness in January 2024 and is currently in remission.

“I consider myself lucky,” he told specialist website Pickleball 52. “The last year or so has been tough but I kept playing as much pickleball as possible. It gave me a sense of purpose. The pickleball community in my area has been very supportive so I wanted to give back a little bit.”

Mike comments “I run a group on Tuesday mornings for stronger players but we also have a beginners & improvers group. It’s as competitive as you want it to be but the emphasis is on fun!! Besides the fitness aspect it’s also very social. All ages all walks of life!”

Mike would be glad of any further donations of prizes, and can be contacted directly via email.

• Spectators are welcome, with the event running from 11am until 4pm, and seven matches guaranteed for the entry fee of £12.