What began as a curious visit to a buzzing session at Waterstone Crook Leisure Centre has since grown into one of Fife’s most inspiring community success stories. Pickleball—a fast-paced, inclusive racquet sport—has taken root across the region, thanks to the vision of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, the passion of our ambassadors, and the support of a community eager to embrace something new. 

When our Fitness Experience Lead, Evelyn Crichton, and long-standing volunteer Sandy Roxburgh stepped into the sports hall at Waterstone Crook back in February 2021, they were greeted by the sound of laughter, friendly rallies, and a sense of camaraderie. Led by Sheila Murray, the session offered a warm welcome and a glimpse into the fun and sociability that continue to define the sport. That spirit has remained at the heart of pickleball in Fife ever since. 

In July 2021, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust partnered with Fife Council, Active Fife, and Community Use to launch the 4DX project—an initiative focused on creating affordable and inclusive ways for people to get active. With support from this project, we purchased equipment and launched our first official pickleball sessions at Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre in April 2022. 

In March 2022, Pickleball Scotland provided training to a group of enthusiastic volunteers. We proudly named this group our Pickleball Ambassadors, tasking them with championing the sport and supporting its growth across Fife. With their help, sessions soon expanded to Levenmouth Swimming Pool and Sports Centre and Duloch Leisure Centre, and the sport began gaining serious momentum. 

Recognising the positive impact on health, wellbeing, and social connection, we invested further in equipment—including nets and court markings—to expand capacity and enhance the quality of play across our venues. 

To support growing interest, we introduced new membership options in January 2024—Club, Club Play, and Lite. The Club Play tier included unlimited access to pickleball sessions across all of our venues. 

As demand continued to rise, we refined this offering in 2025 into a flexible Play ‘Add-On’. Now available to both Club and Lite members, it provides unlimited access to pickleball sessions at respective venues. This change made it easier than ever for people of all membership levels to enjoy this fast-growing, social sport. 

This evolution reflects our commitment to adaptability, affordability, and community-first programming.    

To support this thriving network, we created a dedicated Facebook group, which now has over 750 members—and continues to grow. It’s become a vibrant hub for sharing updates, session photos, tournament news, and personal stories. It’s an extension of the community spirit that defines our pickleball programme: supportive, welcoming, and full of energy. 

We are incredibly proud of our Pickleball Ambassadors, who continue to lead sessions, mentor new players, and foster a welcoming environment:

Carol Jaap, Raymond Jaap, Sandy Roxburgh, Margaret Roxburgh, Fiona Brown, Helen Thompson, Stuart Turnball, Wendy McKenzie, Elizabeth Wadha, George Duncan, Rachel Donaldson, Louise Woodward, Jeff Woodward, Andy Piggins, Sue Doyle, Karen Lewis, and Lauchlan Robertson. 

Community Voices: The Heart of the Game

At the centre of this movement are our community. Real people whose lives have been enhanced, transformed, and enriched by pickleball. 

“Pickleball is a great game. It is very sociable, so much fun and appeals to a broad cross-section of people. It’s mentally and physically stimulating and a great opportunity to meet and mix with people. It’s really easy to pick up and learn. Even those who have no previous experience of racket sports can grasp the basics very quickly.” Fiona Moncur, Pickleball Ambassador

“Sandy and I started playing pickleball in May 2023, and our lives have been turned around! Sandy was asked to be an ambassador to promote this new sport in Fife, and I just went along to watch. It looked like a lot of fun, so I decided to have a go. After a couple of sessions, I was hooked. We are both in our 70s, and our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter also play.” Sandy & Margaret Roxburgh, Pickleball Ambassadors

“Pickleball has given me a new lease on life. I’ve undergone a remarkable physical and mental transformation. I have made many friends through pickleball, which has helped me become more sociable and improved my mental health. One of my proudest moments was winning the first men’s doubles tournament at the Michael Woods Leisure Centre in Glenrothes. I must thank all the ambassadors who have encouraged me. Their unwavering support inspired me to become an ambassador myself.” Lauchlan Robertson, Pickleball Ambassador

These stories reflect what makes this programme so special. It’s not just a sport—it’s a source of joy, connection, and resilience.