Are you passionate about the game and want to see it grow and thrive in your community? In this piece, we explore ways to get more involved with pickleball activism.
[Bonus Read: 47 Signs You're Obsessed With Pickleball]
Whether you're a player, coach, or simply a fan of the sport, there are plenty of ways to make a positive impact and help pickleball continue to expand its reach.
You can immediately make a social impact within your local pickleball scene, and ultimately help grow the game you love. Some opportunities are simple but effective.
These ideas will make good use of your knowledge of the sport, while addressing community needs and providing resources that newer players can benefit from.
So grab your paddle (or maybe put it down!) and learn how you can make a difference on and off the court.
7 Ways to Get Involved (local pickleball scene)
Organize local pickleball tournaments:
One of the best ways to give back to the community through pickleball is by managing and overseeing a tournament, ideally as part of a team of volunteers.
This event can even be used to raise funds for a specific cause or charity, and it can also be used as an opportunity to introduce new people to the sport.
There are softwares to help run the actual event, making most of the hard work pertain to securing a space and ample equipment, such as nets and balls (here is our recommended temporary net and tournament ball). The result is a rewarding event for all involved.
Volunteer as a coach or mentor:
Another great way to give back to the community is by volunteering to introduce the game to newer players.
Most established pickleball scenes have plenty of higher-end private instruction options for serious and aspiring players.
But more local pickleball clubs and organizations can use help with mentor programs and folks who can coach new players and introduce the game. This is a great way to share your knowledge and experience with others, make new friends, and give back to the sport. Here is the best ball to use when instructing new players.
Join a local pickleball organization:
Many communities have local pickleball organizations that work to promote and grow the sport in town. Joining one of these organizations is a great way to get involved with the actual advocacy and managerial side of the sport.
You can provide valuable input towards all kinds of aspects, ranging from event planning to court construction to youth and new player resources.
Donate to pickleball programs:
A great way to give back to the sport is by donating to local pickleball programs, both funds and equipment.
More and more schools are launching pickleball programs for students. Many educators have said the only thing holding it back is a lack of equipment.
Paddle drives are a great and easy undertaking on behalf of local schools. Four-packs like these are perfect to donate to a school. Also consider programs for seniors at retirement communities as well as for veterans or individuals in adaptive sports.
Support local pickleball businesses:
Look up local apparel and equipment companies, which by now exist all over America.
Consider buying equipment from local retailers, supporting local pickleball facilities, and participating and marketing local pickleball leagues and tournaments.
By supporting local pickleball ventures, you lift up the whole scene and embolden community players in turn to support one another, and ultimately new players.
Create pickleball courts in your community:
Building pickleball courts in your community is a great way to give back.
This can include partnering municipally to set up days and times, or even lobbying to the City government to build courts or work to improve existing ones.
As the fastest growing sport in America, there will always be a shortage of courts, and pickleball can always use more advocates seeing through local processes, pushing for more public pickleball court accessibility. Anyone can do it, including you!
Spread the word about pickleball:
Lastly, one of the best ways to give back to the sport is by simply spreading the word as someone who loves the sport and vouches for its benefits.
This can include sharing positive experiences with friends and family. Maybe write an editorial for the local paper, or ask a news station to bring the crew out to the local courts.
It can also mean introducing new people to the sport, and giving them advice and tips on where to play, how to learn the rules, and how to buy their first paddle.
Three books for those who are newer to pickleball (Amazon):
Three high-quality starter paddles for a newer player (Amazon):
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