Rallying Allies to Build Belonging in Pickleball
Following the success of Pickleball at Sports Centres in Angus, sessions for the LGBTIQ+ community were launched at Arbroath’s Saltire Sports Centre on Wednesday 5 February.
The sessions have been set up so that anyone who feels excluded or fears discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity have a safe space with like-minded people to enjoy Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the world.
ANGUSalive Community Sports Hub, working in partnership with LEAP Sports, Dundee & Angus College and Pickleball Scotland, felt that although Pickleball is an inclusive sport, it is still important to recognise the need for sessions for members of the LGBTIQ+ community so that they can feel confident that they won’t be exposed to any criticism or harassment.
An Outsport report published via LEAP Sports noted that almost one third of respondents (31%) felt excluded from certain sports due to sexual orientation or gender identity. In the context of their own chosen sport, homophobic or transphobic language is witnessed by 45% of active sportspeople, 88% of whom feel attacked or discriminated against.
As part of a commitment to develop inclusive practise in venues, ANGUSalive sport and leisure staff have been undertaking LGBTQI+ inclusion in sport training, provided by sportscotland.
Ross Taylor, ANGUSalive Community Sports Hub Co-Ordinator said: “Our first LGBTIQ+ Pickleball session at the Saltire was a huge success. We’d like to thank partnering organisations for their assistance in helping us to get this off the ground.”
Sandra MacRae, Pickleball Scotland Lead Safeguarding & Inclusion Officer said: “Pickleball Scotland is committed to supporting more inclusion for LGBTIQ+ people to participate in pickleball. The activities being organised by ANGUSalive are providing safe, fun, accessible and inclusive spaces for players who may previously have experienced a barrier to participation in sport.
“We are delighted to be involved with partnership work and it is positive to see so many LGBTIQ+ people accessing, enjoying and excelling at pickleball in this part of Scotland. Well done to Ross Taylor at the Community Sports Hub, LEAP Sports, and Dundee & Angus College for leading this project to promote inclusive pickleball activities and for helping us to challenge discrimination and to create increased opportunities for equality and diversity.
“We hope LGBTQI+ people all across the country will feel inspired to either join or start a pickleball group and Pickleball Scotland is proud to recognise and celebrate diversity in the sport.”
Lauren Simpson, Active Campus Coordinator at Dundee & Angus College said: “It has been a pleasure to support Angus Alive as they launch the first LGBT session in Angus which is a crucial step for inclusivity, offering a safe space for self-expression and community support.”
LGBTIQ+ Pickleball sessions run at Saltire Sports Centre, every Wednesday from 5 – 6pm, bookings can be made on the ANGUSalive app or at www.angusalive.scot/sport-leisure/timetables/.