The BC Pickleball Association (PBCA) has been awarded a $30,000 grant from viaSport BC to support the development of youth pickleball programs for grades K-7. The grant will fund equipment, curriculum, and coaching resources in three regions: Vancouver, Lower Vancouver Island, and Thompson/Okanagan.
Youth Pickleball Project Launched
The project, which will run between July 2024 and March 2025, aims to introduce pickleball into schools across British Columbia. The PBCA’s goal is to create a resource package with curriculum and teaching guides that will be available to pickleball clubs across the province by mid-2025.
Vancouver, Lower Vancouver Island, and Thompson/Okanagan have been selected as the key regions for this initiative. Each region has committed to supporting the project with manpower and investment. The Vancouver Pickleball Association (VPA), led by President Janet Martini, is contributing its expertise in youth training.
The Victoria Regional Pickleball Association (VRPA), with President Connie McCann, and the Vernon Pickleball Club Youth Committee, led by Rick Klein, are also playing vital roles.
The grant funding will be used to provide equipment, including paddles, balls, bags, and nets, to the selected regions. In addition, the program will offer NCCP training for coaches, ensuring that those leading the programs are well-equipped to teach young players.
Building Sustainability in Schools
One of the primary goals of the project is to integrate pickleball into the school curriculum, ensuring its sustainability. PBCA aims to make pickleball an ongoing part of the school community by working closely with educators and local sports leaders. The initiative will also promote physical literacy and foster social interaction among students of all abilities.
What’s Next?
As schools are now back in session, PBCA is focused on kicking off the project across the three regions. The next phase will include the distribution of equipment, the implementation of youth pickleball programs, and collaboration with school educators to make pickleball a long-term sport option for students.
The success of this initiative is expected to set a standard for introducing new sports into the school system, making physical activity more accessible and fun for young people across British Columbia.
News in Brief: BC Pickleball Association
The BC Pickleball Association (PBCA) has received a $30,000 grant from viaSport BC to support youth pickleball programs for grades K-7 in Vancouver, Lower Vancouver Island, and Thompson/Okanagan. The project, running from July 2024 to March 2025, will provide equipment, curriculum, and coaching resources to schools across British Columbia.
The goal is to integrate pickleball into the school curriculum, ensuring its long-term sustainability and promoting physical literacy. PBCA is working with local pickleball associations to train coaches and distribute resources, aiming to make pickleball an ongoing part of school activities.
