Boasting 8 brand new pickle courts in 2022, EFCC is bursting with Pickleball clincis, leagues, teams, beginner classes, mixed socials, and more. America's fastest growing sport has made it's mark here and members of all ages and skill are enjoying this [social!] sport year-round.
When the leaves begin to fall and cold breezes blow members head to the platform tennis complex for a winter full of competition and camaraderie. Also known as “paddle”, this unique sport is played outdoors throughout the winter on a surface half the size of tennis court and surrounded by 12 foot high fencing. The season starts in October and runs into April. The program at Essex Fells is vibrant with over 90 active participants. Opportunities are available for all levels of play. Men’s open play occurs on Monday night while Women’s open play occurs on Wednesday morning. For those with a competitive streak, the Club fields four men’s and two women’s teams for interclub league play. Our Juniors attend Paddle clinics after school each day and on weekends: Fall, Winter, and Spring. Kids Night Pizza and Paddle parties highlight the colder weather season. Juniors of all ages participate in all levels of paddle from "just getting started" to Local and National competitions.
It is an activity for all ages as it is relatively easy to become an average player, though a challenge to become a superior player. It is considered by many to be the most social of all country club sports and Essex Fells does its best to maintain that reputation. We hold many socially driven events such as mixers, member-guest, pro-am’s and instructional clinics. The Club operates four stadium lighted aluminum platform tennis courts just below our newly renovated warming hut. A newly renovated grass stadium seating area includes fire-pits for a cozy outdoor spectator experience and fun social scene for all players. Sven Burus, Director of Racquets, has an active schedule of individual lessons and clinics for men, women and juniors of all experience leverls. He is a USPTA and PPTA certified instructor and you have a chance to learn from the best. Directions to EFCC Paddle Facility
Sven was born in Croatia and moved to Switzerland with his family when he was only two months old. He developed a love for sport taking his first formal tennis lesson at the age of six. His family moved back to Croatia when he was 9 years old, and upon his return, he continued to excel in tennis. Sven developed into an elite tennis player winning 19 different junior tournaments and ultimately achieving the #2 rank nationally. Throughout his junior career Sven never ranked lower than #5. His success also included two semi-final appearances in both singles & doubles at the National Championship of Croatia. At the age of 17, he began competing in ATP events all over the world. Sven came to the United States in 2007 to attend the University of Toledo where he excelled both on the court and in the classroom earning his degree in Finance & International Business. His on the court success included individual titles at the University of Louisville, Michigan State & Indiana University tournaments earning him the Mid-American Conference Player of the Week honors on 14 occasions. On the platform tennis court, Sven is currently ranked #5 nationally. He has had multiple high finishes and tournament wins with several different playing partners. Sven has also spent two years as the full-time tennis coach to two top ranked Croatian ATP World Tennis and Davis Cup players, Franko Skijor and Ante Pavic. Most recently, (pictured above) Sven and his regular Paddle Tennis partner, local pro Mikk Irdoja, won the 2022 Paddle National Championships.