Erie Sports Commission Announces New, Free Learn to Play Initiative

The Erie Sports Commission is pleased to announce a new series of events, called “Go Play Days,” in which the organization will partner with local sports groups to offer free learn-to-play events for multiple sports. The first Go Play Day will take place Sept. 30, when Erie’s youth will have the opportunity to learn how to play pickleball for free.

“One of our organization’s goals is to help improve the quality of life for community members of all ages, including promoting wellness through healthy lifestyles, and we strongly believe that encouraging young children to participate in sports will help set them up for a healthy and active adulthood,” Erie Sports Commission Executive Director Mark Jeanneret said. “These events will also seek to increase participation in our local youth sports organizations, which is an added bonus.”

Children 12-17 years old will have the opportunity to learn pickleball for free on Sept. 30 on the brand-new, dedicated pickleball courts at Around the Post, located in the Westwood Racquet Club. The ESC will partner with the Erie Pickleball Players Association, who will provide instructors to introduce the participants to the sport and get them playing. All required equipment will be provided for use by participants free of charge.

Two sessions will be offered, at 10 a.m. and noon, with the morning session restricted to children aged 12-17 and the noon session open to all ages, allowing families to sign up to learn together.

“Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world right now, accessible for people of all ages and backgrounds,” Around the Post Co-Founder Elena Arnold said. “We can’t wait to welcome these kids to our new facility and show them that yes, they too can play pickleball!”

This session was made possible in part due to the support of Erie News Now, Lamar Advertising, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Around the Post.

The ESC is working with other organizations and plans to continue hosting additional free events for different sports in the coming months. More details will be made available on the program’s official landing page at eriesportscommission.com/learn-to-play as details are finalized. Registration information, and contact information for organizations interested in partnering with the ESC can be found at that link as well.