Players Courtyard Pickleball Club in Moorestown, NJ has had a major and highly positive impact on me and has also filled a large void within me. I initially visited Players Courtyard out of curiosity and got lucky when I walked in (unplanned and unannounced) and the guy behind the desk gave me a personal tour of the facility. I had no intention of joining as I live in Brigantine (over an hour drive from Players Courtyard) but by the end of the 20 minute tour and hearing the story behind the creation of the club, I realized the value and potential positive impact it would have on me and totally impressed with "the guy behind the desk" I joined the club right then and there and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
The "guy behind the desk" was Mr. Anthony Ventura, the owner and founder of the club and I was completely unaware of this until my tour was over. I used to teach Spinning classes (indoor group cycling) for 15 years and it was "my thing" but Covid killed it off and I had a huge "void" in my life that was eating away at me all the time. Enter Players Courtyard and my recreational tennis background helped me to pick-up and learn a new sport, which also happens to be the fastest growing sport in the country. Learning a new and fun way to exercise, with great social "meet and greet" opportunities was just the ticket to fill my void and put me back on track emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially.
Mr. Ventura showed me a way to have awesome fun regardless of how well or not-so-well I play and how to fully embrace this easy-to-learn game and a wonderful opportunity for me to get active again and have more fun than I have ever experienced before in any sport I have played in my past.
At the "advanced" age of 68 I have played in a few formal pickleball tournaments and, due to my singles background in tennis, I play both singles and doubles and, much to my surprise, I won a silver and bronze medal in two different tournaments playing singles against competitors one third to half of my age. None of this would be possible without the encouragement and support of two individuals who I give full credit for what I have learned and accomplished over the past year.
Having never played pickleball before, much of what I have learned came directly from Mr. Anthony Ventura, Players Courtyard founder / owner and Kristen Clemmer who is one of the instructors at the club. I took a few private lessons with her and also attended some of her fabulous clinics in order to learn the "right way" and avoid many of the common pitfalls and potholes that self-taught players encounter. Her clinics and private lessons are highly supportive, very helpful and her demeanor, persona and teaching techniques makes the time fly by with lots of fun, exercise and her teaching approach paves the way for quick improvement whether you play singles or doubles regardless of your age.
I never thought that walking into Players Courtyard not knowing what to expect would end up being such a huge step for me in "what's to come" regarding my exercise routine, my social life, and having a blast every time I step onto a pickleball court. None of this would be possible without the positive impact of Mr. Anthony Ventura and Kristen Clemmer. My "void" has been completely filled and freely admit that I was inspired and motivated by these two wonderful and talented individuals in ways I never expected.
I am most grateful for Players Courtyard, the owner, the instructor and my fellow pickleball competitors. My only regret is that I should have picked-up pickleball much, much sooner,..... but later is better than never,....... even when approaching 70 years old.
Craig S.
(Brigantine, NJ and...
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