GORDON, Neb. - The nation’s fastest-growing sport is gaining ground in both cities and small towns. According to research from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, 13.6 million Americans tried their hand at pickleball last year.

Celebrities like Tom Brady are embracing the game and now so are people in small towns, like Gordon.

“I can’t believe how fast this has taken off,” Nick Burns said.

Burns helped organize Gordon’s first pickleball club after playing the sport with his parents.

“They were in their 60s and 70s, and I was like, ‘I’m going to take it easy on these old folks' and I ended coming out of their sweating,” Burns said.

His mom then encouraged him to start a club in his town, even donating some of the equipment.

“Including nets, balls, all of that kind of fun stuff,” Burns said.

Since the club served off in January, members have grown from less than a handful to a full gym of all ages.

“We’ve had a ton of people who are excited about it,” Gordon Pickleball Club Co-organizer Brian Reinholz said. "I think every week somebody new shows up."

The club meets every Wednesday night at the Gordon-Rushville High School.

“It’s really easy to learn,” Reinholz said. "Sports like tennis and golf take a lot more time and energy to learn. They have a lot more injury risk, so this is something that anybody can pretty much come and pick up and play year-round."

A year-round sport that Burns said helps him mentally and physically and also brings fond memories of his mom who passed away.

“This is kind of an ode to her,” Burns said. "We’re lucky to have all of this equipment, and she would be really proud."

Burns hopes to eventually turn the club into a nonprofit and build outdoor courts.