By MADDY VITALE
Former Philadelphia Eagle Connor Barwin is holding the first ever Make The World Better Pickleball Tournament in Sea Isle City on Saturday.
The tournament runs from noon to 3 p.m. at Sea Isle’s pickleball courts at 42nd Place. An after-party is planned from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at The Ludlam Bar & Grill with food, drink specials and music.
Proceeds go to Barwin’s charity, Make The World Better (MTWB), which he founded with his mother, Margaret Bailey, during his first season playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013.
The charity “believes that all communities prosper when all people have access to high-quality, accessible, fun places to gather,” according to the charity’s website, https://www.mtwb.org/.
The former Eagle linebacker spoke on his Instagram account about the tournament.
He said, while playing pickleball on a video, that a lot of people know he’s a former Eagle and professional football player.
“What you didn’t know was I was a semi-pro pickleball player,” he joked with a laugh.
He continued, “I’m super-excited to announce that the first annual pickleball tournament will be in Sea Isle City June 24. There are a few spots left. Take me on. And if you’re not into pickleball, and you don’t want to play in the tournament, just come and hang. We’ll have lots of drinks from Stateside Vodka and an after-party at Ludlam Bar and Grill. And because we’re at the beach, we’re going to raffle off a brand new surfboard from Heritage Surf & Sport.”
Barwin is currently working in the Eagles front office as director of player development. His 10-year NFL playing career included four seasons with the Eagles from 2013 to 2016.
Amy Glancey, who is the chief marketing director for The Ludlam, and is also co-owner with her husband, Chris Glancey, said they are pleased to support such a great cause.
“Every child deserves a safe place to play. MTWB helps communities rebuild parks and strengthens communities in Philadelphia,” Glancey said. “The Ludlam Bar & Grill is excited to support this wonderful organization and host their after-party for the inaugural MTWB Pickleball Tournament.”
Glancey noted that the bar’s outside area “will be the perfect place for the players or spectators to unwind and listen to Matt Quinton play favorite tunes.”
The cost per pickleball team to play is $250. The cost is $30 for the after-party and all proceeds go to support MTWB’s mission of revitalizing public spaces.
Castle & Associates and Stateside Vodka are sponsors for the event. Stateside Vodka will be at the bar giving away items and tastings, Glancey said.
Barwin isn’t the only professional football player who has brought charity fundraisers to Sea Isle in recent years.
Eagles All-Pro and Pro-Bowl center Jason Kelce takes his annual fundraiser to Sea Isle’s Ocean Drive bar, or OD as it is called by locals, each June.
Kelce’s fundraiser, “Team 62,” is part of the Eagles Autism Challenge, an annual fundraiser for the Eagles Autism Foundation. It will take place June 28 at the OD.
His brother Travis Kelce, All-Pro and Pro-Bowl tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is also expected at the event in Sea Isle.
For tickets to Connor Barwin’s Make The World Better Pickleball Tournament click: https://mtwb.ticketleap.com/make-the-world-better-pickleball-tournament/
