(COLORADO SPRINGS) — It’s been called the world’s fastest-growing sport because anyone can participate. If you haven’t tried pickleball yet, the pros say it’s never too late,
or too early to learn.

Over 100 kids in Southern Colorado got coached in pickleball by Jake Plummer. Although he’s known as a legendary quarterback in the Broncos community, he wanted to show kids you don’t have to be a pro to have fun, while also staying healthy.

“I like to call them games more than sports, because the sport world has turned into such a monetary world that we forget that these are just games. So maybe you can’t play all three sports in high school for your team, but you can still go down to the court by a park, by your house, and shoot baskets. Which is a great outlet to go out and just move,” said Plummer.

In partnership with USA Pickleball and the Briargate YMCA, Plummer helped host a learn to play clinic for kids.

“We were the prize group. So when you hit the ball in the ring, got a prize. Some of the kids that didn’t get a prize were a little upset, but, you know, that’s life. Sometimes you win a prize, sometimes you don’t,” said Plummer.

They say it’s all about learning a fun skill, which you can use for the rest of your life.

“It is wonderful to see the kids smiling, kids laughing, playing pickleball, learn it for the first time. (I) truly hope that they just adopt any type of sport, whatever that may be. So if it’s pickleball, great. They can continue to play it long term, right? Those lifelong sports where they can play, stay active, and be healthy,” said Chris Sanders, the Executive Director at the Briargate YMCA & Association Healthy Living.

With about 135 kids in attendance, organizers hope the clinic inspires the younger generation to get active.

“I mean, it was a little bit of organized chaos, but what can you expect when you put 100 kids into a gym and balls are just flying everywhere, but it was amazing. Everyone looked like they were having fun. We had two professional athletes join us today, Nick Ferguson and Jake Plummer. They were in there. They were in the game. It looked incredible, and I think a lot of them are going to take it to the next level, hopefully,” said Brenda Puga, the USA Pickleball Director of Community Relations.

USA Pickleball says it’s one of the most inclusive sports, since you can play and learn quickly,
no matter your abilities. Of course, it’s always good to know your limits.