Saskatoon Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball is gaining momentum across North America, attracting players of all ages. The sport, once associated with older adults, is now drawing younger athletes eager to compete. Among them is 13-year-old Devin Green, who has been playing since he was 11 and recently participated in a tournament in Saskatoon.
Green, who is from Moose Jaw, plays multiple sports but has developed strong skills in pickleball. Despite still favoring basketball, he enjoys the intensity of the game. “I just like hitting the ball really hard,” Green told CTV News. He partnered with his father, Rob Green, for the tournament, and their strong performance made them favorites to win.
A Father-Son Duo on the Court
The Greens have a unique strategy, even if it’s not intentional. Opponents often assume Devin is the weaker player and target him, but they quickly realize his skill level.
“They think he’s an easy target. Usually, they’ll try to pick on him, and then, after a while, they realize he’s better than he looks. Then they start to pick on me, but it’s too late, usually.” – (Rob Green)
With about 100 competitors, the tournament at Topzpin Hitlabs marked its second annual event. Players from across Saskatchewan showcased their abilities, emphasizing the growing competitiveness of the sport.
Why Pickleball is Growing Fast
The accessibility of pickleball is a key factor in its rise. Lester Esteban, co-owner of Topzpin Hitlabs, highlighted how skills from other sports translate well.
“The beautiful thing about pickleball, and why it’s growing so fast, is because the skills are transferable from other sports. Badminton players make great smashes. Ping Pong players have fast hands. Tennis players can hit hard from the baseline.” – (Lester Esteban)
Esteban and his wife, Yenny Lam, opened their facility a year ago, and it has already gained 2,000 members. The sport’s simple scoring system makes it easy for newcomers to pick up.
“So, in about half an hour, most people can get to the funnest part, which is hitting it back and forth.” – (Esteban)
A Sport for All Ages
Pickleball fosters a strong sense of community. Justine Reyes, a second-year player, noted the game’s balance of competitiveness and social engagement.
“It can be competitive enough, too. It can satisfy your competitiveness in sports. So, I think that’s why a lot of people like it. And it gets addicting.” – (Justine Reyes)
The rise of young players like Green signals a shift in the sport. Esteban believes it has the potential to become even bigger.
“It’s a new generation coming in. I would say it’s going to be an Olympic sport soon. So, now we need a new generation of players, a new talent to come into that.” – (Esteban)
With its mix of accessibility, competition, and social appeal, pickleball continues to establish itself as one of the fastest-growing sports in North America.
News in Brief: Saskatoon Pickleball Tournament
Pickleball’s popularity is rising, with young athletes like 13-year-old Devin Green joining tournaments. He and his father competed in Saskatoon, impressing opponents with their skill. The sport’s accessibility and social nature are key reasons for its growth, with experts predicting it could soon become an Olympic sport.
ALSO READ: Homestead High School Pickleball Tournament Raises 2,000 Dollars for a Major Research Project