Sea Isle City Embraces Pickleball Craze with New Courts and Fundraising Tournament

Pickleball is Taking Sea Isle City by Storm: Former Eagles Player Raises Money for Foundation with Pickleball Tournament

Pickleball is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and South Jersey towns like Sea Isle City are embracing the trend. With the rising demand for pickleball courts, Sea Isle City has stepped up to the plate by building new courts to accommodate the growing interest in the sport.

The first pickleball courts were built on West Jersey Avenue in 2017, and due to popular demand, more courts were constructed on 42nd Place in 2021. These new courts are located at the center of the overhauled municipal marina area, providing a perfect setting for players to enjoy the game.

Former Eagles player Connor Barwin, along with his Make The World Better Foundation, saw an opportunity to raise money for their cause through pickleball. Barwin, who now works for the Eagles as the Head Of Football Development and Strategy, decided to tap into the popularity of pickleball in Sea Isle City to host a fundraising tournament.

Barwin explained, “People know that Sea Isle City has these great Pickleball courts. We have some members of our board who live in Sea Isle and they got in contact with the city and put this whole tournament together last year. It just feels like a great way to engage with people at the shore during the summer, bring people together, and have fun while raising 50-70 thousand dollars while doing it.”

The Make The World Better Foundation, founded by Barwin over ten years ago, has been working directly with communities to reimagine and rebuild public spaces. Their latest project at Vare Recreation Center in Gray’s Ferry, southwest Philadelphia, is a testament to their commitment to making a positive impact in communities.

To support the Make The World Better Foundation, the second annual Make The World Better Pickleball Tournament will be held on Saturday, June 22nd in Sea Isle City. The tournament will be followed by an Afterparty at the Ludlam Bar and Grill, where attendees can enjoy food, drinks, and participate in raffles with exciting prizes.

Raffle items at the Afterparty include booze cruises, jewelry, a surfboard, and items provided by the Philadelphia Eagles. Tickets for the Afterparty can be purchased online, with all proceeds going towards the Make The World Better Foundation’s projects.

If you’re planning a visit to Sea Isle City this summer, be sure to check out the top-rated restaurants in the area. From Fish Alley to the Nightlife along Landis Avenue, Sea Isle City offers a variety of dining options to suit every palate.

Whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast or simply looking to support a good cause, the Make The World Better Pickleball Tournament is a great opportunity to have fun, connect with the community, and make a difference. Join Connor Barwin and his foundation in their mission to create positive change through sports and community engagement.