MARBLEHEAD– In an effort to help raise money for the Fund the Field initiative, which was started to replace the current turf field at the High School, Marblehead Pickleball held its first ever community-wide tournament over the weekend.

The loud crack of the wiffle-like ball meeting the wooden paddle could be heard rippling through the courts at Veterans Middle School as community members packed the area to partake in games from Saturday to Sunday, starting at 9 a.m. and concluding at 5 p.m.

The fastest growing sport in the world has certainly established itself in town. Marblehead Pickleball has grown its membership, as well as interest in the sport, significantly since six pickleball courts were built in 2019.

Now, it’s using the growth and popularity of the game to help Fund the Field reach its $1 million goal to replace Piper Field, which has exceeded its lifespan of 8-10 years.

“We are excited to have Marblehead Pickleball partner with us to raise funds for our athletes to enjoy their sports on a safer field,” Fund the Field Co-Chair Muffy Paquette said. “It has been wonderful to see the outpouring of support from the community.”

“There is an enthusiastic vibe about pickleball in Marblehead and it’s only getting stronger,” USA Ambassador of Marblehead Pickleball Lisa Spinale added.

As a part of the tournament, Marblehead Pickleball also began an initiative of its own, known as Athletes4Athletes, where a drop box was set up at the event for used pickleball paddles to be dropped off. The paddles will be donated to MHS and Veterans schools to help promote and expand the sport to students.