Celebrating 10 Years of Play
In 2025, SPC proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary—a decade of grassroots effort, leadership, and community spirit that has brought people together on and off the courts. With over 550 members, a full tournament calendar, mentorship programs, and dedicated indoor and outdoor play, SPC continues to thrive and evolve.
Founded in 2015 by a dedicated group of volunteers, the Surrey Pickleball Club (SPC) has grown from a grassroots effort into one of the most active pickleball communities in B.C. After a successful proposal to the City of Surrey, the club began outdoor play at South Surrey Athletic Park in spring 2016, with just two converted tennis courts and six portable nets.
Membership quickly grew from 137 in 2015 to over 550 by 2022. Along the way, SPC became a registered not-for-profit, launched popular tournaments like Grip ‘n Rip and the Mid-Summer Slam, and helped design a permanent court facility, officially opened in 2021.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, SPC continues to promote fun, fitness, and community through year-round play, coaching, and events for all ages and skill levels.
Timeline of Surrey Pickleball Club's History
2015
- SPC founded by Marilyn Cross, Dave Clark, Susan Carrigan, Ross & Valerie Priebe
- Website name secured (July)
- Presented to City of Surrey; granted use of 2 tennis courts at South Surrey Athletic Park (Sept)
- 137 members by year-end
2016
- Brent & Jane Cassie join leadership team
- First club play begins (Spring)
- Membership grows to 300+ by August
- First Club Tournament held (Sept)
- Not-for-profit registration process begins
2017
- Not-for-profit status finalized (Spring)
- First Grip ‘n Rip tournament held (Sept)
2018
- John Robertson & Wanda Cassidy join leadership team
- Canadian pro Steve Deakin plays in Grip ‘n Rip
- Discussions begin with City on permanent court development
2019
- Court layout plans finalized (Nov)
- First member clinics held
- 220 players at Grip ‘n Rip
- Original Board steps down, new Board elected
- City starts charging for court use
- Membership: 220 → 350
2020
- COVID pauses club play
- New website launched
- Virtual AGM held
- Mid-Summer Slam proposed
- “Loyalty credit” offered to members
2021
- New permanent courts open (June 7)
- Official ribbon-cutting (Aug 12)
- First Mid-Summer Slam
- Youth Slam concept introduced
- Membership rebounds to 350+
- SPC joins City’s Outdoor Sports Advisory Committee
2022
- New logo and 2022–2028 Strategic Plan approved
- First Youth Slam held
- 1,000+ tournament participants
- Indoor play begins with Peace Portal Alliance Church
- Membership reaches 550
2023-2024
- Club continues to grow welcoming new members to the sport