For over four decades, u3a has been a beacon for those no longer in full-time work, offering a vibrant mix of activities to keep both body and mind sharp. With more than 1,000 groups and a membership exceeding 400,000 across the UK, the organisation promotes physical activity and social connection. As World Health Day approaches on 7th April, u3a is encouraging everyone to get moving with its “Active for April” initiative, spotlighting two accessible and increasingly popular sports: Pickleball and Pétanque.

Pickleball, a sport born in the US in the 1960s, combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Played with paddles and a perforated ball on a court similar to a badminton court, it is easy to learn and gentle on the joints, making it ideal for older adults. While it was slow to catch on in the UK, the sport has exploded in recent years. A decade ago, Pickleball clubs were scarce; today, there are over 150 clubs with more than 2,500 registered players, according to Pickleball England. Many u3a groups have embraced the sport, integrating it into their activity programmes.

One such group is Beeston u3a, where member Malcolm Dillon has been instrumental in its growth. “In July 2023, while visiting my brother in Boston, I discovered Pickleball,” he recalls. “As a former tennis player, it reignited my passion for the court. Back home in Beeston, I struggled to find a club until I spotted an ad for a Beeston u3a open day in October 2023.” At the event, Dillon shared his enthusiasm with the Tennis and Table Tennis groups and was warmly welcomed. With the u3a Committee’s support, he launched a Pickleball group in January 2024.

“We started with 6–8 players in a small Memorial Hall, learning the game together twice a week,” Dillon explains. “The group has grown beyond my expectations – now boasting 56 members across four weekly sessions! Our first-anniversary celebration was a testament to the incredible camaraderie we’ve built. Joining u3a has been life-changing. From having only close family and friends, I now have over 60 new connections, all sharing a healthy, active lifestyle. At 82, u3a has given me a new lease on life!”

Equally beloved among u3a members is Pétanque, a French game dating back to 1905. Played on a hard surface like gravel or sand, players aim to land their metal boules as close as possible to a small target ball called the jack. Its simplicity, combined with a surprising strategic depth, makes it accessible to players of all skill levels. Many u3a groups have dedicated Pétanque teams, often playing in community spaces or sensory gardens.

Liz, a member of the Tavy District u3a Pétanque group, describes the experience: “We are lucky enough to have a Pétanque area in our local sensory gardens which allows us to play weekly throughout the year, weather permitting. Some of our players are complete novices and others having played before are quite skilful but all games are played in a friendly spirit which is just as well when it comes to deciding who is closest to the jack! Happily, we have several tape measures to aid a final decision. It’s good outdoor fun and there’s plenty of chat and encouragement with a break for coffee and chat in between games. Friendships build easily amongst the players, a few of whom are well into their eighties. Playing on a Monday morning it’s a great way to start the week.”