Readers may have noticed last month there were 2 regions in Portugal that made our Top 10 list of regions registered in 2023. Over 540 players are now registered in Algarve –  Portugal’s southernmost region known for its beaches, golf resorts, and now, pickleball! We interviewed Kelly Maciuba, PTS admin for 4 different cities there, about her experiences.

How long have you been playing pickleball and where did you learn to play?

I've been playing for 3 years.  My older husband was constantly saying "pickleball" this, "pickleball" that, and teasing that I couldn't join "his club."  I started playing on my birthday – the day I qualified to join our local 55+ Activity & Recreation Center in central Illinois. 

How would you describe your local pickleball community?

I live now in Lagos, Portugal, and the picklers here are so dang much fun and welcoming to new players. We get A LOT of new and vacationing players wanting to play with us. We are social players with a few competitive spirits sprinkled in to keep us on our toes. 

What is your favorite thing about the sport?

Without a doubt, I love the ability to get a little exercise and have fun doing it.  When it's pickleball day, I jump out of bed happy and I hop into bed at night happy.  It's a mood lifter for sure!

What advice would you give to a new region considering setting up PlayTime Scheduler?

Gosh, just do it!  I administer PlayTime Scheduler for 4 locations in the Algarve region of Portugal and I compile statistics comparing the sites.  The steady growth seen in those charts is eye popping and advantageous to show municipalities, potential court locations, and the existing locations are shocked at the numbers too.