From the Archives: This story originally ran in the July/August 2025 issue of Pickleball Club Magazine. Details reflect the program at the time of publication.
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, clubs across the country are exploring how to bring the sport to younger players. In Grand Haven, Michigan, the North Ottawa Recreation Authority (NORA) has developed a youth pickleball program that’s become a model for community engagement and age-appropriate instruction. From thoughtful scheduling to strong volunteer partnerships, their approach offers valuable and successful takeaways for any club ready to introduce the younger generation to the fun in pickleball.
Key Takeaways
- NORA launched its youth pickleball program in the fall of 2021 with elementary students, grouping classes by grade level.
- Volunteers from the local Lakeshore Pickleball Club helped instruct and spread the word.
- Promotion runs through Facebook, Instagram, email and school newsletters.
- Start with fall and winter classes in year one and let demand grow organically.
- Monday–Thursday weeks and a 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM window have driven stronger enrollment and attendance.
Building the Program by Grade Level
The NORA youth pickleball program officially launched in the fall of 2021 with elementary students. NORA strategically programmed the classes by grade level to start all on the same playing field. Classes ran for four weeks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after school at local courts with a focus on foundational skills. Classes were kept light and progressed naturally, starting with warm-ups, an introduction to the rules, controlled hitting and eventually match play.
After successful summer programming, NORA offered six-week winter classes with the same format in middle school gyms after school. NORA harnessed the strength of a local pickleball club to help as instructors for the new, young players with great results.
Lean on Volunteers
“A large part of what made our first programs so successful was the amazing volunteers from our local Lakeshore Pickleball Club,” says NORA Director Chris Van Hekken. “They devoted a lot of time to instruction and helping to spread the word amongst the community, and their continued support is invaluable.”
While a membership-based club might not have a local community group willing to help, chances are there is a dedicated group of adult players who might be interested in volunteering in their off time. Place flyers around the club looking for helpers, or approach some of the more invested players to gauge their interest and take it from there.
Spread the Word on Every Channel
As with any new program, a multi-channel marketing approach is key. Since NORA is a non-profit organization, it utilized its strong customer base to help spread the word about the new classes on social media.
“We promote all of our pickleball programs in a few ways, mostly through Facebook and Instagram posts and then tag local pickleball groups to promote it to their members, children and grandchildren,” says Chris. “A lot of those members take it from there and put it on their personal pages, and it grows organically.”
Another method of promotion NORA utilizes is email. As a community organization, they have a large database of student parents who participated in the last 12-24 months. Member-based clubs can also utilize age-appropriate databases and email subscription programs with monthly emails listing all new programs. Also, remember that schools and their newsletters are a great way to get information into the hands of the target market. Reach out to local principals to see how you might be included in their take-home information.
Let Demand Grow, and Get the Timing Right
While it is tempting to go all out with class offerings, NORA has gotten programming down to a science. Chris advises that when starting a new program, let demand grow organically and begin with just fall and winter classes in the first year. As student interest grows, add spring and summer classes.
“We have found enrollment and attendance are stronger when we hold classes Monday–Thursday instead of four Mondays in a row,” Chris passed along. “It is easier for families to block and plan for a week straight in the summer, especially.” NORA also incorporates breaks for classes, such as a class in June, then not offering it again until August. Switching venues from session to session also gives classes a fresh feel for both students and parents.
NORA has found that the “sweet spot” for class times is between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, as most parents can get their children to classes or can make carpool arrangements during those times.
“It’s not too early and not too late in the day when they have another activity going on or have to go somewhere as a family. It’s been very successful,” Chris stated.
Other tips from Chris for clubs looking to start a youth program include:
- Start small with one class or one age group at a time
- Focus on what your club does well and stay true to your strengths
- Use feedback to adjust and grow sustainably year-over-year
The NORA Youth Pickleball programming offers a successful blueprint to launching and maintaining a youth pickleball program. Being intentional with class offerings, age-appropriate skills, timing, location and maybe a little help with some like-minded friends can make it all happen! Take the plunge and get those little ones out on the court. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
How did NORA start its youth pickleball program?
NORA launched in the fall of 2021 with elementary students, grouping classes by grade level and running four-week after-school sessions focused on foundational skills, from warm-ups and rules to controlled hitting and match play.
How can a club find instructors for a youth pickleball program?
NORA relied on volunteers from the local Lakeshore Pickleball Club. Membership-based clubs can post flyers looking for helpers or approach their more invested adult players about volunteering.
What is the best time to schedule youth pickleball classes?
NORA found that Monday–Thursday weeks work better than four Mondays in a row, and that the sweet spot for class times is between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
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