Fife’s elite ice hockey players teamed up with the region’s leading provider of sports and leisure services to try out an exhilarating new racquet ball game which is proving a big hit with local communities across Fife.

Charitable trust, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust hosted players from Fife Flyers who tried out the fast-paced game as part of an ongoing partnership between the two organisations.

Invented in America in 1965 by a family using bits and pieces around the house, Pickleball – a mix of table tennis, short tennis and badminton – has now become an international success thanks to its accessibility, pace and focus on fun.

Todd Dutiaume, Fife Flyers General Manager and Head Coach, said “We are thrilled with our continued association with Fife Sports and Leisure Trust. Having the opportunity to try a growing sport as a group is a positive team-building exercise, highlights a game all can play, and will provide some laughs.”

Evelyn Crichton, fitness class co-ordinator for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said; “It’s great the players are keen to try out Pickleball – it’s a fun game and one that is easy for people to become confident in very quickly. The game is suitable for all abilities – not just professional ice hockey players!

“The trust now has two trained coaches and one of our ambassadors is playing in the Pickleball Scotland League. We anticipate the game may become more popular as winter sets in and outdoor pursuits become more challenging.”

Supported by Pickleball Scotland, the trust now delivers sessions at Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre, Duloch Leisure Centre, Levenmouth Swimming Pool and Sports Centre, Cupar Leisure Centre and Waterstone Crook Leisure Centre.

Click here to see the full Pickleball timetable.