Victoria Pickleball Centre Growth Surge: Since opening in April 2024, the Victoria Pickleball Centre in Langford has grown rapidly, now serving more than 1,700 members. The six-court facility runs leagues, drop-in sessions, lessons, and tournaments almost every day, reflecting pickleball’s nationwide surge.
A January 2025 Pickleball Canada survey showed that the sport has 1.54 million players across the country, a 57 percent increase since 2022. The Langford centre mirrors this growth, welcoming both newcomers and experienced athletes.
Youth Development and Pickle Pals Program
Brenda Dean, director of pickleball at the centre, has shifted her focus from tennis to pickleball and is working on school partnerships. She recently launched Pickle Pals, a youth initiative designed to teach physical skills and introduce children to the game.
“My biggest goal here is to help bring growth to the sport of pickleball and help the younger generations find focus and connection with physical literacy.
It starts from the fundamentals of movement, to finding confidence in getting the ball into gameplay.”(Brenda Dean)
The Pickle Pals program offers two paths: “Try It” for beginners and “Play It” for players with some experience. Children learn movement basics, confidence, and gameplay, while more advanced groups practice in structured sessions and game days.
“We want our centre to be a place that everyone in the area can associate our sport with. I think it’s very important to introduce a variety of physical movements at a young age to ensure that kids are getting chances to try everything and anything.”(Brenda Dean)
Professional Success Story
Beyond youth programs, the centre has also fostered competitive talent. Isabelle Tang, 31, trains at the Victoria Pickleball Centre and competes in the Canadian National Pickleball League with the Northern Lights Ontario team.
Over the past two and a half years, Isabelle Tang has won 23 medals, including podium finishes at the 2025 B.C. Provincial Championships.
“A big part of my development and success has come from training and competing at the Victoria Pickleball Centre.
The community at VPC is truly one of a kind, and I am deeply grateful for their ongoing support in my journey as an athlete. Their belief in me has been instrumental in helping me reach new levels in the sport.”(Isabelle Tang)
Community Impact
The Victoria Pickleball Centre has become a key hub for the sport in British Columbia. With strong youth programs, community leagues, and professional-level training, it is shaping the next generation of athletes while supporting Canada’s fastest-growing sport.
News in Brief: Victoria Pickleball Centre Growth Surge
The Victoria Pickleball Centre in Langford has grown to more than 1,700 members since opening in April 2024. Led by Brenda Dean, the centre runs leagues, youth programs, and training. Professional player Isabelle Tang also trains there, crediting the facility for her success in the Canadian National Pickleball League.