NORTH ROYALTON PICKLEBALL CENTER
At the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, sports are about more than scores or standings, they’re about connection, confidence and community. Whether you’re picking up a basketball, diving into swim laps, or learning the fast-growing game of pickleball, every activity at the Y supports your spirit, mind and body.
Nowhere is that more evident than at our new North Royalton Pickleball Center, where players of all skill levels gather each day to move, laugh and belong. “Honestly, everywhere I go now, when people ask me what I’ve been up to, I tell them I’m obsessed with pickleball,” said one member. “I absolutely love it—and I tell them to come to the center. We have fun.”
That sense of joy and camaraderie is what makes the Y’s sports programs so special. As another participant shared, “We laugh more than we actually score points. It’s the people—the fellowship, the fun, the laughter. Everyone just has a great time when they come in. They know you by your first name, and that’s important to me. I’m not just another member here.”
At the Y, every player matters. Some come to push their skills; others simply want to stay active and connect with friends. “You’ve got a lot of people here who don’t even care about the competitiveness,” one member said. “They come in to talk about their weekends and hit the ball around. But for those who want a little competition, we offer that too. Everyone plays accordingly.”
That welcoming balance between challenge and encouragement is at the heart of the YMCA’s mission to strengthen well-being and belonging for all. As one regular put it simply, “There’s no judgment. They just want you to get better. And next thing you know, we’ve got a friendship—it’s amazing.”
For some, that sense of community is life changing. “It’s the best thing that’s happened to me,” said another member.
From pickleball and basketball to youth soccer and swim teams, the YMCA’s sports offerings invite everyone of every age and ability to find their own team, their own joy, and their own place to belong. Because at the Y, we play for more than the win. We play for each other.