Pickleball Mentorship Program: A Memphis-based non-profit is using pickleball to mentor inner-city young men, helping them develop skills on and off the court.
Integrated Memphis, an organization dedicated to youth development, introduces pickleball as a way to engage middle and high school students. The sport not only keeps them active but also fosters discipline and teamwork.
Building Passion Through Play
Caid James, a participant, was initially hesitant about the sport.
“In my mentoring program, he introduced pickleball. And at first, I didn’t know it because it’s a sport for very old people, not going to lie to you. But when he introduced it to me, it’s very fun — With this [gestures to paddle], I can hit any ball.” – (James)
James has since grown to love the game, crediting it for his continued involvement in the program.
“Pickleball is the whole reason why I stayed. If I didn’t have the sport, I probably wouldn’t still be here.” – (James)
More Than Just a Game
Jonathan Goodwin, the leader of Integrated Memphis, started the program during COVID-19. He believes pickleball is an effective way to engage young people while also teaching valuable life skills.
“The excitement for pickleball is exactly what we were hoping for. Pickleball is our nucleus of the program, but overall, our main focus is making them well-rounded young men.” – (Goodwin)
Beyond playing the sport, participants also explore the engineering side of pickleball through paddle manufacturing.
“We are a manufacturer and wholesaler. We don’t even have a sign on the door. We manufacture paddles for other companies.” – (Randy Stafford)
A Lasting Impact
Integrated Memphis aims to provide young men with a positive outlet, keeping them engaged in a constructive activity.
“What hooks us in is pickleball. What keeps us there is the life lessons. We just learn about anything we want to do when we grow up.” – (james)
With a growing number of participants, the program continues to make a difference by using sports as a tool for mentorship and personal growth.
News in Brief: Pickleball Mentorship Program
A Memphis non-profit, Integrated Memphis, is using pickleball to mentor inner-city youth. The program, founded during COVID-19, engages students through sports and life skills. Participants play pickleball and learn about paddle manufacturing. Leaders aim to develop well-rounded young men. The initiative continues to expand and impact local youth.
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