Pickleball   

Adult Pickleball

Now in its second year, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club's Adult Pickleball program gives adults an opportunity to play pickleball while following the Club’s key priorities of having fun, learning new things and making new friends. Pickleball at Wakeman BGC is self-organized by participants; lessons are not currently offered.


Season: October 2, 2023-May 31, 2024


Cost: $265 One-Time Pickleball Program Fee

  • Program Fee includes Adult Membership and covers all playing time at Smilow-Burroughs and at the Warren Gym at Southport.
  • Extra fee applies if reserving private time in Red Baker Gym in Southport.
  • Program Fee will NOT be prorated for late additions or early departures to season.
  • Program Fee is non-refundable.


Who: Anyone age 21+, regardless of town of residence. All players must be enrolled as Adult Member Pickleball Players with a completed background check before making court reservations. More info on Background check in FAQs below.


Locations: Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse and Southport Clubhouse.

Each site has 3 or 4 lined pickleball courts. Courts are a hardwood gym surface. Players can play at both clubhouses regardless of which clubhouse they initially sign up through.


Schedule: See below for each site.

2023-24 Season

October 2, 2023-May 31, 2024


  • There is no pickleball on days when public schools are not in session.
  • There is one session of play on days when schools dismiss early.
  • WBGC reserves the right to adjust to cancel time slots if consistently underused.


Note: If the clubhouses need to close due to inclement weather, it will be listed on the home page of this website under the red alert button. You can also opt in to receive text alerts about closures by texting WBGC to 545-39.

Register Now

Southport Clubhouse Schedule

385 Center Street, Southport

Day Warren Gym (3 courts, 16 players Rotating) Red Baker Gym (1 Court, up to 6 ADVANCED* level players. Please see skill levels at button below).
Monday N/A N/A
Tuesday 10:45am-12:15pm, 12:15pm-1:45pm 10:45am-12:15pm
Wednesday 10:45am-12:15pm, 12:15pm-1:45pm 10:45am-12:15pm
Thursday 10:45am-12:15pm, 12:15pm-1:45pm 10:45am-12:15pm
Friday 10:00am-11:30am, 11:30am-1:00pm, 1:00pm-2:30pm 10:45am-12:15pm
Pickleball Skill Levels

Southport Clubhouse Dates of Note: 

October – 26- AM Session Only (Early Dismissal) 

November – 7, 10, 23, and 24- No Sessions (No School) 

December – 5, 22- AM Session Only (Early Dismissal), 25-29 No Sessions (Winter Break) 

January – 9- One Session (Early Dismissal) 

February – 13- AM Session Only (Early Dismissal), 16- No Sessions (February Break) 

March – 5, 19, and 21- AM Session Only (Early Dismissal), 29- No Sessions (No School) 

April – 2- AM Session Only (Early Dismissal), 15-19, and 30- No Sessions (No School) 

Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse Schedule

2414 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport

Day Gym (3 Courts, 16 Players Rotating)
Monday 10:00am-11:30am, 11:30am-1:00pm
Tuesday N/A
Wednesday 10:00am-11:30am, 11:30am-1:00pm
Thursday N/A
Friday N/A

Smilow-Burrough Clubhouse: 

October – 9 – No Sessions (No School), 11 – One Session (Early Dismissal) 

November – 1 and 20 – One Session (Early Dismissal), 22 – No Sessions (No School) 

December – 6 – One Session (Early Dismissal), 25-29 – No Sessions (Winter Break) 

January – 1 and 15 – No Sessions (No School), 10 – One Session (Early Dismissal) 

February – 7 and 21 – One Session (Early Dismissal), 19 – No Sessions (No School) 

March – 6 and 27 – One Session (Early Dismissal) 

April – 10, 15, and 17 – No Sessions (No School), 24 – One Session (Early Dismissal) 

May – 8 – One Session (Early Dismissal), 27 – No Sessions (Memorial Day) 

  • How do I register?

    Register for Adult Pickleball at the clubhouse most convenient for you. Don't worry; you will still be able to reserve spots at EITHER clubhouse!

    1. If you and your family are new to Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, you can create an account and register for pickleball online.  Please select "Pickleball Membership NO FEE." Then wait for instructions on how to complete background check, or call the clubhouse to follow up.
    2. Returning players can log in to their account and search for Adult Pickleball under programs. Returning players do not need to complete another background check. 

    Southport Clubhouse: 203-259-4805

    Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse: 203-908-3378.


    After enrollment is complete, member will be provided a SignUp genius link through which reservations can be made. 


  • How do I complete the mandatory background check?

    Wakeman Boys & Girls Club conducts background checks on all adult members, employees and volunteers to ensure a safe, secure Club for our members and staff.  Members may not participate in Clubhouse activities until background check is completed.


    Background Check Steps:

    1. After enrolling as an Adult Pickleball Member, a member will receive an email link to complete their background check online.
    2. Background checks typically take 24-72 hours for results.  
    3. Members will be notified after their background check has been completed.   
    4. A director will contact member if there are any questions about background check results. 

  • What do I need to bring?

    Equipment: 

    • WBGC provides nets and balls. 
    • Players may bring their own pickleballs, which should be clearly marked.
    • Players should bring their own paddle.*
    • Players in 1st daily session are expected to assemble nets. 
    • Players in 2nd daily session are expected to disassemble nets. 

    *A limited number of paddles are available to borrow from the front desk. Members are responsible for replacement cost of any lost or damaged paddles. 


    Membership Card: Each member will receive a membership card on their first visit.  Members will also have their photo taken at this time.  Members should scan membership card at front desk each visit to expedite entry.  

  • How to I reserve a spot to play?

    Reservations are made through the SignUp Genius web link provided after program enrollment. Reservations can be made for entire month. Players should sign up for no more than 2 slots per week to ensure space for all players. Players may sign up for each additional day 24 hours ahead of time if slots are available.  The court in the Red Baker Gym at the Southport Clubhouse will be available as a private court for an additional fee of $40 per session. Players may charge their accounts for court fee or pay in cash. Payment for the court is expected before each session. Players are expected to cancel any reservation they cannot keep.



  • What are the Rules of Play?

    Rules of Play:

    Each session has 16 slots, with 12 players playing at a time in 2 v 2 format.  Games are played to 11 points.  After each game, players will rotate to allow other players a turn to play.  Play will follow USA Pickleball rules.


    Additional Notes for WBGC Facility Usage:

    Arrival/Departure - Players may not enter gym more than 15 minutes prior to first session of day and are required to leave facility no later than 15 minutes after 2nd session of day.


    Sports Drinks - No sports drinks are permitted in gyms.


    Footwear – Players should wear clean sneakers in the gym. Please change footwear before entering gyms on days with rainy or snowy weather.


    Guests - One-time guests are NOT permitted. This policy will be re-evaluated later in season.

Questions?

Southport Clubhouse 203-259-4805

Program: Greg@wakemanclub.org

Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse 203-908-3378

Program: Melissa@wakemanclub.org

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