Eduardo Ferreira’s Pickleball Leadership: SkyBeach Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida, has named Eduardo Ferreira as its first-ever director of racquets. The move comes as racquet sports, especially pickleball, continue to grow quickly across the United States. Ferreira will lead and grow racquet programs at the resort’s SouthSide Sports facility.
Leading a Growing Racquet Program
Eduardo Ferreira will manage racquet sports at SouthSide Sports, which is part of SkyBeach Resort. The outdoor facility includes 12 pickleball courts, four beach volleyball courts, and one tennis court. Ferreira will also offer private coaching for players of all levels.
Ben Willner, president and CEO of Willner Realty & Development Co., the owner of SkyBeach, praised Ferreira’s hiring.
“We are thrilled to have Eduardo Ferreira join SkyBeach and SouthSide Sports as our first-ever director of racquets. His innovative approach and dedication to advancing racquet sports make him an invaluable asset to our team.” – (Willner)
Ferreira’s Experience in Sports
Born in Brazil, Eduardo Ferreira has played sports from a young age. He was one of the top junior tennis players in Brazil and represented his state and country in major tournaments. He also won the Trophée BNP Paribas de la Famille in Annecy, France.
In his career, Ferreira has held leadership positions at multiple sports clubs. He worked as director and head pro at Lake Wilson Tennis Club in North Carolina, where he managed training and events for players of all skill levels.
He also co-owned Academia Performance in Brazil, where he created fitness plans and helped more people access quality sports training.
Mission to Build Community Through Sport
As director of racquets, Ferreira hopes to create programs that welcome everyone, regardless of age or skill level.
“I am proud to represent SkyBeach as its director of racquets and to continue to build out SouthSide Sports’ various racquet programs. My goal is to create an inclusive and dynamic environment where players of all ages and abilities can thrive, learn and share in the joy of racquet sports.” – (Ferreira)
Racquet Sports on the Rise
The announcement comes as interest in racquet sports continues to rise. According to a report from Playtomic and Strategy, by the end of 2023, about 5 million people were playing pickleball in the U.S., while 17 million were playing tennis. SouthSide Sports and SkyBeach Resort aim to meet that demand with new programs and expert coaching led by Eduardo Ferreira.
News in Brief: Eduardo Ferreira’s Pickleball Leadership
SkyBeach Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida, has hired Eduardo Ferreira as its first director of racquets. He will lead racquet sports at SouthSide Sports as pickleball and tennis grow in popularity. Ferreira brings years of experience and hopes to create inclusive programs for players of all levels.