Expansion of Junior Pickleball Through Strategic Partnership
The partnership is centered around the co-sponsorship of “The Road to Memphis” – an ambitious junior pickleball tournament series that includes adaptive events designed to introduce special needs students to the sport. Coach Randall Bedwell, a leading advocate for junior pickleball in Tennessee, emphasized the impact of this partnership: “Our partnership with FCA allows us to scale junior pickleball across the state and provide competitive pathways that could ultimately lead to varsity status and college pickleball scholarships.”
Bluff City Pickleball: The Hub of the Tournament Series
The series will be hosted at Bluff City Pickleball, an 8-court indoor facility in Bartlett, TN. The venue will be the epicenter of an eight-tournament series culminating in a state championship in April 2025. John Daniel, founder of Bluff City Pickleball, highlighted the facility’s commitment to inclusivity: “Bluff City Pickleball is committed to serving the community by providing a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for kids. Through our strategic partnerships with Tennessee Junior Pickleball Association and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, we aim to make pickleball accessible to every child—regardless of limitations—nurturing their growth both on and off the court.”
FCA’s Role in Expanding Youth Participation
The Greater Memphis Fellowship of Christian Athletes will play a crucial role in promoting these events. Engaging with students from middle school through college, FCA’s staff and volunteers regularly visit schools, distribute Bibles, and offer camps focused on athletics and leadership. Rod Nixon, local Memphis FCA director, expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with the Tennessee Junior Pickleball Association and Bluff City Pickleball to introduce organized junior pickleball to our student-athletes. Through the TJPA, we anticipate that our number of athletes will expand, not just in the Memphis area, but across Tennessee and eventually nationally.”
Ongoing Commitment to Inclusive Events
Beyond competitive play, TJPA will also host a series of inclusive events tailored for students with developmental challenges. These events aim to make pickleball a fun, accessible sport for all, using adaptive pickleball therapy to foster enjoyment, self-confidence, and health benefits.
About the Organizations
Tennessee Junior Pickleball Association (TJPA): Dedicated to advancing junior pickleball in Tennessee, TJPA works to ensure that schools and communities have the necessary resources to engage young athletes in the sport.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA): Since 1954, FCA has been using the platform of sports to reach athletes with the message of Jesus Christ. FCA focuses on serving local communities worldwide, empowering coaches and athletes to unite and inspire through the gospel.
Bluff City Pickleball: A membership-based club in Bartlett, TN, Bluff City Pickleball aims to enhance community health and well-being through the sport, prioritizing both service and profitability.
News in Brief: Junior Pickleball Expansion
The Tennessee Junior Pickleball Association (TJPA) has partnered with the Memphis Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) to boost junior pickleball across Tennessee. This collaboration will sponsor “The Road to Memphis,” a series of junior pickleball tournaments and adaptive events for special needs students. Hosted at Bluff City Pickleball in Bartlett, TN, the series features eight tournaments culminating in a state championship in April 2025. FCA’s involvement will expand youth participation, while TJPA will also organize inclusive events for students with developmental challenges. This initiative aims to make pickleball accessible and engaging for all young athletes in the state.
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