Drayton Valley Pickleball Youth Program: A new pickleball club in Drayton Valley, Alberta, is offering kids ages 8 to 18 a chance to learn and play the fast-growing sport through a special youth program. The club also plans future tournaments and court upgrades as part of its expansion this spring and summer.
Youth Program Begins With Free Equipment and Coaching
The Drayton Valley Pickleball Club is now officially registered with Pickleball Alberta and is working to bring more young people into the sport. Their new Junior Hot Shot Program will give kids access to equipment, coaching, and a supportive space to learn pickleball.
Della Curry, secretary of the club, said the program is for kids aged eight to eighteen. For a fee of $75 and an additional $25 to register with Pickleball Alberta and Pickleball Canada, each junior player receives a Coach-brand paddle worth more than $200, a pair of safety goggles, and a ball cap.
“We really want to get the word out for kids aged eight to eighteen.” said Della Curry.
The program is supported by a grant called Every Kid Can Play, received by Pickleball Alberta from Pickleball Canada.
Try-It Event Set for May 14 at Local Courts
To help introduce the sport to new players, the Drayton Valley Pickleball Club will host a free try-it session on May 14 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will take place at the pickleball courts located behind the hospital at 4548 39 Avenue, accessible via a cul-de-sac off 43 Street.
“They can come and see if they like it,” said Curry.
Those who enjoy the try-it event are welcome to join the following clinics, which will be held on four straight Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. These sessions will be coached by Della Curry and her husband, Darrel Curry.
“The parents are welcome to come along and watch, and learn themselves, but kids will be the ones getting the hands-on [coaching]. We really want to encourage this as a family affair, too.” – (Curry)
Club Offers Membership to Adults and Grows Community
Adults who want to play are also welcome to join the club. The annual membership fee is $25, plus $25 for association fees. The club currently plays games on Sundays at 3 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“It doesn’t matter if they haven’t played pickleball before, we’re willing to teach them.” – (Curry)
Curry said the club is open to anyone who follows the rules and code of conduct. “The whole program is a grant,” said Curry, referring to the youth initiative. Membership in Pickleball Alberta and Pickleball Canada is required for insurance reasons.
Club Plans Summer Tournament and Public Meeting
The Drayton Valley Pickleball Club is also preparing for a public meeting to discuss future plans. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 14, at the MacKenzie Conference Centre.
Bernie Frost, club president, shared that the town has plans to repair and improve the courts over the summer.
“One of my goals is to get that done early enough this summer that we can have a tournament.” – (Frost)
These tournaments could help raise funds for the club and attract more attention to pickleball in the town.
“We need more people so we can have more fun.” – (Curry)
Curry also mentioned the possibility of hosting official events through Pickleball Alberta.
Why It Matters
This growing club is helping bring pickleball to people of all ages in Drayton Valley. The youth program gives kids a chance to try the sport with professional-level gear and coaching. If successful, the club could host future tournaments that benefit the town and increase community involvement.
News in Brief: Drayton Valley Pickleball Youth Program
The Drayton Valley Pickleball Club is offering a new youth program that includes coaching and free equipment for kids aged 8 to 18. A try-it session will be held May 14. The club also plans summer tournaments and welcomes adult members to join their growing pickleball community.
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