From 4 to 300: Al Ain’s Da Pearl Pickleball Marks Its First Year with a Charity Game for Filipino Cancer Fighters
What can four people and one simple dream do in a year? In Al Ain, in the United Arab Emirates, the answer is a pickleball community of around 300 active players, and one that has chosen to mark its first birthday by giving back.
Da Pearl Pickleball – Al Ain held its 1st Anniversary Charity Game for Kabayan Warriors on 31 October 2026 at the outdoor courts of Al Ain University, with play starting at 6 pm. All proceeds go to two Filipino women fighting cancer: Juliet Pacturan, who is battling breast cancer, and Lin Bullungan, who is battling leukemia.
A Vacation Sparks a Community
The story starts with a holiday. Club founder Earl Colubio discovered pickleball while back home in the Philippines in 2025 and decided to bring it to Al Ain when he returned. In early October that year, he started playing with his wife and two close friends, Tytus and Rose Abella. He describes the group as the first pickleball group in the city.
“We introduced pickleball to Al Ain, not knowing how big our little group would become,” Earl said.
The name came from his basketball league, which already had a following in the local sports community. “For me, Da Pearl is more than just a name,” he said. “It represents my passion for sports, bringing people together, and building a community where everyone feels welcome.”
The Numbers Tell the Story
The growth has been quick. Two months after the first games, Da Pearl had around 20 to 30 players. By January 2026, that had climbed to roughly 50 to 80 active players, and it now stands at about 300.
Most members are Filipinos, but the club also counts players from other nationalities, including eight to 10 active Emirati players. Skill levels run from complete beginners to advanced. Earl says that’s the point: “regardless of your nationality or skill level, everyone is treated as part of one big family.”
Built for Beginners, Built for a Cause
The anniversary game had three categories: Women’s Lower Beginners, Men’s Beginners (also open to pairs of one lower-intermediate and one beginner player), and Women’s Higher Beginners. Entry was AED 100 per player, and every participant got a free event T-shirt, with prizes for the winners.
Earl kept the categories at beginner level on purpose, since most of the club’s members are still new to the sport. “We want to give them the opportunity to experience a tournament, build confidence, enjoy friendly competition, and create wonderful memories,” he said.
The game, he stressed, is about more than the scoreboard. “This charity game is our way of showing that sports are not just about winning medals or trophies,” Earl said. “Sports can also bring people together to make a difference in someone’s life.”
Handing It Over, Personally
The club plans to give the proceeds to both women personally. “We want them to know that they are not alone in their journey,” Earl said. “Even though we may not be able to take away their struggles, we hope our small contribution, prayers, and support will give them strength and encouragement.”
For Filipinos in the UAE wondering how to get involved in something like this, his advice is to start small. “Never underestimate the power of a small beginning,” he said. “You don’t need to be a champion to make a difference. Sometimes, all it takes is showing up, sharing kindness, and having a heart willing to help.”
Faith, too, has been part of the club’s story. “At Da Pearl Pickleball, we don’t just build players,” Earl said. “We build friendships, we build a family, and together, we make a difference. And above all, we always put God first.”
It’s a reminder that pickleball’s reach goes well beyond the court. Sometimes it takes a small paddle, a few friends and a good cause to make something grow.
