Pickleball serves up health, well-being and friendship for Foyle Arena GP Referral Group
28 January 2026
A group of local people who came together through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s GP Referral Scheme have formed their own thriving Pickleball club at the Foyle Arena.The racket game that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and is popular for its accessibility and suitability for all ages and fitness levels.
The GP Referral Scheme allows doctors, physios, social workers and mental health workers to refer candidates onto the ‘steps to health programme’ through Council’s Sports Development Department.
It was one of the participants on the scheme, former BT Employee Sean Heraghty, who first highlighted the sport to his Coaches at the Foyle Arena Rosie O’Brien and Ron McGowan and the club now play every week day in the Waterside venue’s Main Hall.
“After I had retired from 48 years with BT I wanted to stay active and my GP linked me up with the coaches at the Foyle Arena,” Sean recalls.
“I had become aware of Pickleball when I was in England and, after showing Rosie and Ron videos of it online, I sourced the bats and balls and the Referral Scheme members started playing regularly at the Foyle Arena.
“They got us the full kit for the hall so we could all play and it has really blossomed.”
In the three years since the GP Referral Scheme began playing the sport, the group have completed their programme but have remained friends and now have a busy club who have competed at competitions around the country.
“It’s a great game, we have more than 30 people taking part now and there are millions of people playing it all over the world and it’s only going to get better,” Sean continued.
“It’s very entertaining and not too strenuous, the ball is slower than the likes of squash or badmington so it’s a nice pace.
“We play doubles, so it’s very sociable and a great way to connect with people.”
One man who has no trouble connecting with people is local entertainer Tony McBride and he has enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people.
“I was working with Rosie and Ron on getting more active after being referred by my doctor and they introduced me to the game,” he says.
“It can get competitive but the most important aspect is making new friends, learning new skills and exercising your body and mind.
“We all meet for coffee afterwards and there’s a bit of slagging and craic so it’s been a great addition to my lifestyle.
Marcella Di Palo, a Network Weaver with Repair Café NI who is originally from the south of Italy, has gone on to play the sport competitively at the Irish Pickleball National in Lisburn.
“I had played a lot of tennis when I was younger so I have always had a love for racket sports and it’s been great to get back to playing sport,” she revealed.
“There’s a great social aspect too, we have tea afterwards and we all meet for breakfast on a Saturday so the game has really brought us together.
“It’s the part of the week I really look forward to, it’s good for fitness and for my mental health.”
Well known local football coach Sean Davis’ beloved wife Marie sadly passed away in 2023 and was finding the days long following the loss.
He had a glittering career as a footballer, including a spell with Manchester United in the 1960s, and has welcomed the chance to stay busy and active through the club.
“I felt that I needed something to fill the days after my wife Marie sadly past away three years ago,” he admits.
“My son Gareth lives in Galway and he had told me how popular it was and after my GP gave me a referral to get involved here I haven’t looked back.
“I love it and I play every day now for a few hours, I do a lot of walking as well but this has been a brilliant way of socialising and lifting my mood.”
Medical conditions that can be referred to the GP Referral Scheme are diabetes type 1 and type 2, pre diabetes, BMI, muscular skeletal disorders, mild to moderate mental health conditions and respiratory conditions.
In the first eight weeks clients are offered two sessions with a trainer per week and access to all other facilities within the leisure centres including swimming pools.
At the end of the eight week programme, reduced membership rates are available for the next four months to encourage clients to continue their progress.
Pickleball courts are available to book now at the Foyle Arena and all equipment is provided.
For full details of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Leisure Facilities visit derrystrabaneleisure.com.