- Written by Warren Muggleton
- BBC Jersey Sports Reporter
Mike Pollard, 72, started playing pickleball three years ago.
The 72-year-old pickleball champion is encouraging people of all ages in Jersey to take up the sport.
Mike Pollard won the Island Autumn League Division 1 last season.
Although he only started competing three years ago, he is preparing to compete at international level for England.
Pickleball is a combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and can be played indoors or outdoors, single or in pairs.
Tom Price (right) said Mr Pollard quickly fell in love with the sport.
Spring league has already begun, but Pollard wants people to sign up for summer league and “mashup” sessions for beginners.
He told BBC Radio Jersey that there were “different communities” on the island who played pickleball.
“If you play tennis, it takes about three years before you can have fun on the court,” he said.
“After three games here, with the coaching, I’m going to have a lot of fun playing.
“It happens all the time.”
“I adapted really well.”
His coach and Jersey Pickleball founder Tom Price said Pollard quickly fell in love with the sport.
“I introduced him to pickleball, and after many hours of playing, he said, 'I think this sport is for me.'”
“He's adapted really well. He can play against anyone.”
Pollard said winning the Autumn League was his first win in a sports competition.
“I think it's very important to stay healthy at my age,” he said.
“Staying fit and healthy is an offshoot of enjoyment.”
