SPORTS lovers are set to get in a pickle with a new racquet ball game making its way to Dunfermline soon.

After a successful trial in Newport-on-Tay, the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is offering people the chance to try out Pickleball – a mix of table tennis, short tennis and badminton – at other venues across the Kingdom.

Invented in America in 1965 by a family using bit and pieces around the house, Pickleball has now become an international success thanks to its accessibility, pace and focus on fun.

As well as launching at Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre, the trust plans to bring the sport to one of its sites in Dunfermline.

Evelyn Crichton, group fitness class co-ordinator for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, explained: “Pickleball is a really exhilarating game for all ages and abilities. One of its attractive qualities is that players can quickly become very good which means they get the most out of the game.

“Our taster event in Cowdenbeath is to spread the popularity of the game we have seen in North East Fife – we are looking for people to come along and find out more, then, those who want to get more involved can help facilitate classes at other trust sites by becoming ambassadors.

“It is fantastic that the game has become so popular and it’s a great example of improving access to sports and leisure opportunities by joining up with local partners to deliver more programmes.”

Nanette Mutrie, Pickleball Scotland, added: “By attending the Ambassadors course participants can learn how to introduce the game to newcomers.

"One of the great attractions of pickleball is that within 20 to 30 minutes, we can have newcomers playing a game and enjoying the fun. We mostly play in a doubles format and it is always fun to have a partner to play alongside.

“Pickleball Scotland is going from strength to strength. Please look at the Pickleball Scotland website for some more information of the events we are hosting and where you can play.”

To find out more, visit www.fifeleisure.org and the trust's social media pages.