APP Launches Youth Development Program: The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has announced a bold new chapter in the growth of youth pickleball with the introduction of the APP Academy. This groundbreaking initiative, set to debut in 2025 at The Fort in South Florida, represents the sport’s first comprehensive U.S. and international training and development program dedicated to nurturing the next generation of pickleball talent.
The APP Academy is not merely a training facility; it is the culmination of a vision long held by APP Founder Ken Herrmann. His ambition to create a developmental pathway for aspiring pickleball players has already seen success with the APP Next Gen Series. The APP Academy now aims to elevate that mission, offering a structured environment where young athletes can grow into well-rounded student-athletes.
“I am honored to lead the next evolution in junior pickleball player development with APP Academy,” Herrmann stated. “It long has been my vision to create a training program for the next generation of pickleball players. The APP Next Gen Series has done just that, and APP Academy will take it one step further for each player’s development journey.”
A Comprehensive Program for Aspiring Athletes
The APP Academy is designed with the future of pickleball in mind, targeting youth players with aspirations of competing at higher levels, including the APP Next Gen, APP Collegiate, and junior circuits. The Academy will offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of different players, ranging from a rigorous year-round boarding school to more flexible after-school sessions, summer camps, and lower-commitment opportunities.
The full boarding program, set to commence in the fall of 2025, will provide an immersive experience where students live and train at the APP Academy. This setup is geared toward creating a cohesive environment that blends athletic training with academic pursuits. The Academy’s educational initiatives will include specialized programs that accommodate the demanding schedules of student-athletes, offering both ACT and SAT preparation courses alongside cutting-edge technology and tutorial support.
The primary objective of the APP Academy is clear: to ensure that its students secure academic or athletic scholarships, enabling them to continue their pickleball careers at the collegiate level. This goal reflects the Academy’s commitment to developing not just skilled players, but well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges both on and off the court.
Leadership and Facilities: Setting the Stage for Excellence
Herrmann will serve as the director of the APP Academy, guiding the program alongside a dedicated leadership team. This team will include a general manager, a director of school admissions, a player-relations manager, and coaches from the APP national coaching staff, specializing in pickleball instruction, strength and conditioning, and mental health. Together, they will provide a comprehensive support system designed to maximize each player’s potential.
The APP Academy will be housed at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as the headquarters for the APP. Set to open in December 2024, The Fort features 43 courts, the world’s first pickleball stadium, a fitness and training facility, a full-service restaurant, and more. It is a fitting home for the APP Academy, embodying the forward-thinking approach that has come to define the APP’s initiatives in the sport.
The Future of Youth Pickleball
The introduction of the APP Academy represents a significant milestone in the evolution of pickleball. As the sport continues its rapid ascent, the Academy stands as a testament to the APP’s commitment to fostering the next generation of players. With Herrmann at the helm and a top-tier facility in place, the APP Academy is poised to become the premier destination for young athletes looking to take their game to the next level.
As Herrmann aptly put it, “The APP Academy will serve as the crown jewel of such opportunities.” In a sport where growth and development are paramount, the APP Academy is set to lead the charge, providing a pathway for young players to achieve their dreams both on the court and in the classroom.
News in Brief: APP Launches Youth Development Program
The APP Academy, launching in 2025 at The Fort in South Florida, marks a new era for youth pickleball development. Spearheaded by APP Founder Ken Herrmann, this initiative offers a comprehensive U.S. and international training program for aspiring young athletes. The Academy will provide year-round boarding, after-school sessions, and summer camps, focusing on developing well-rounded student-athletes with a pathway to collegiate scholarships. With Herrmann as director and a top-notch leadership team, the APP Academy will be housed in a state-of-the-art facility featuring 43 courts and the world’s first pickleball stadium. This Academy is poised to become the premier destination for the next generation of pickleball talent.
ALSO READ: Biggest Pickleball Tournament Outside USAP And US Open: Astounding 1071 matches
