Pickleball   

Youth Pickleball

Grades:  3 - 5 & 6 - 8
Dates: Mondays, April 21, 28 & May 5, 12, 19

Grades: 3 - 5 from 6 - 7 PM

Grades: 6 - 8 from 7 - 8 PM

Fee:  $50

Location: Southport Clubhouse

Register Here

 

Join WBGC staff for an exciting hour of pickleball fun! Players will be assigned to a team and play one hour of pickleball ‘round robin’ style with other players. Basic instruction will be included. Previous experience is not required. Paddles and balls will be provided.


Adult Pickleball

Now in its third 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 2024 - May 2025


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.

2024-25 Adult Season


  • 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 for Adult Pickleball Register Now for Youth Pickleball

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 10:15am-11:45am, 11:45am - 1:15pm 10:15am - 11:45am, 11:45am - 1:15pm, 1:15pm - 2:45pm
Tuesday 11:00am - 12:30pm, 12:30;m - 2:00pm 11:00am - 1:00pm
Wednesday 11:00am - 1 :00pm (2 hours extended time) 11:00am - 1:00pm
Thursday 11:00am - 12:30pm, 12:30pm - 2:00pm 11:00am - 1:00pm
Friday 12:00pm - 2:00pm 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Pickleball Skill Levels

Southport Clubhouse Dates of Note: No pickleball Feb 14, 17, March 31, April 14-18, May 26.
No 2nd session on

Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse Schedule

2414 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport

Day Gym (2 Courts, 16 Players Rotating)
Monday 10:00am-11:30am 11:30am-1:00pm
Tuesday 10:00am-11:30am 11:30am-1:00pm
Wednesday 10:00am-11:30am 11:30am-1:00pm
Thursday 10:00am-11:30am 11:30am-1:00pm
Friday 9:30am-11:00am 11:00am-12:30pm

Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse Dates of Note: No pickleball Feb 13, 14, 17, March 31, April 14-18, May 26.
No 2nd session on Feb. 5, March 12, April 9, 23, 24, May 7.

  • 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 are required to complete a background check each school year.

    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.  From November-March, 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 Red Baker Gym court is availalble for private play (up to 6 players) at no additional cost.   Players are expected to cancel any reservation they cannot keep. Repeated failure to cancel reservations may lead to suspension of registration privileges.



  • 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: adrian@wakemanclub.org