Pickleball isn't just for retirees anymore.
As the sport continues its explosive growth, there's a huge opportunity to introduce the next generation of players to the game through focused youth programming.
At Johns Design & Consulting (JDC), we've worked with pickleball facilities nationwide to develop successful business models and programming strategies. One pattern we've observed is clear: the most successful facilities are those with comprehensive offerings that include dedicated youth programming.
Why Focus on Youth Pickleball?
The demographics of pickleball are shifting, with young players representing the fastest-growing segment of players.
According to the 2024 State of Pickleball Report by SFIA and Pickleheads, pickleball added over 1 million children under the age of 18 from 2022 to 2023 alone.
These statistics tell a compelling story:
- Youth under 18 now make up over 21% of all pickleball players
- While the 25-34 age bracket has the most participants (2.3 million people), youth participation is growing at the fastest rate
- The average age of pickleball players has dropped to 34.8 years, down significantly from 41 in 2020
- More schools are adding pickleball to their physical education programs
This youth movement represents not just today's opportunity but tomorrow's market as well.
For facility owners, capturing this demographic now creates a customer pipeline that could last decades.
Benefits of Youth Programming for Your Facility
Adding youth programs has multiple benefits beyond just filling courts.
1. Expanded Revenue Streams
Youth programming opens up several new revenue channels:
- After-school programs
- Weekend clinics
- School holiday camps
- Summer camps
- Youth leagues and tournaments
- Family memberships
2. Off-Peak Court Utilization
Youth programs can fill traditionally slower daytime hours:
- Weekday afternoons (3-5pm)
- School holidays
- Summer weekdays
3. Family Engagement
Youth programming doesn't just bring in kids. It brings in entire families:
- Parents often stay to watch (food & beverage opportunities)
- Family open play sessions are more attractive
- Multi-generational tournaments create community events
4. Long-Term Membership Pipeline
Today's junior players are tomorrow's adult members:
- Build brand loyalty from a young age
- Create a continuous membership pipeline
- Develop future competitive players who will use your facility extensively
Successful Youth Programming Models
Several proven formats can help you launch successful youth pickleball programs.
After-School Programs
Partner with local schools to offer structured after-school pickleball programs. These can run 1-3 days per week immediately after school dismissal, providing a consistent revenue stream and court utilization during otherwise slow weekday afternoon hours.
Summer Camps
Full-day or half-day summer camps represent one of the most lucrative youth programming opportunities. These typically run in weekly sessions throughout summer break, providing consistent revenue during what might otherwise be slower months.
Youth pickleball camps should include:
- Age-appropriate skill development
- Fun games and competitions
- Multi-sport activities to prevent burnout
- End-of-week tournaments
Gotham Pickleball in NYC has successfully implemented this model, offering programs specifically designed for students when school is not in session. As they recently shared on Instagram:
Youth Leagues
As players develop skills, structured league play keeps them engaged and continuing to improve. Consider creating:
- Age-based divisions (8-10, 11-13, 14-16)
- Skill-level divisions for more experienced players
- Team formats that encourage socialization and friendly competition
Family Programming
Bridge the generation gap with programming specifically designed for families:
- Parent-child tournaments
- Family night specials (discounted court time for families)
- "Learn together" clinics where parents and kids can both start from scratch
Implementation Best Practices
Follow these guidelines to create safe, effective youth pickleball programming at your facility.
1. Hire the Right Coaches
Youth coaching requires a different skill set than adult instruction:
- Look for coaches with education or childcare backgrounds
- Prioritize patience and positive reinforcement abilities
- Consider certification in youth sports coaching
- Background checks and mandated reported training are essential
2. Age-Appropriate Equipment
Standard equipment may be challenging for younger players:
- Provide junior-sized paddles with smaller grips
- Consider using lower nets for the youngest players
- Use larger, slower balls for beginners to build confidence
3. Focus on Fun First
While skill development is important, maintaining engagement through fun is what keeps kids coming back:
- Incorporate games and challenges
- Use colorful targets and obstacles
- Create achievement systems with badges or certificates
- Keep instruction periods short with plenty of active play
4. Safety Considerations
Youth programs require additional safety measures:
- Maintain appropriate coach-to-player ratios (1:6 for youngest players)
- Create clear check-in/check-out procedures for security
- Have emergency contact information readily available
- Train staff in basic first aid
Marketing Your Youth Programs
Strategic promotion is the key to getting the word out about your youth programming.
School Partnerships
Develop relationships with local schools:
- Offer free introductory sessions for PE classes
- Create field trip opportunities
- Provide special group rates for teachers who organize class outings
Social Media Showcase
Document and share the success of your youth programs:
- Create highlight reels of tournaments and camps
- Share participant testimonials
- Post "progress journeys" of developing players
- Use technology like PodPlay's replay feature to capture and share exciting youth rallies
Family Referral Programs
Incentivize current families to bring in new participants:
- Offer discounts for referring new families
- Create "bring a friend" days with special youth pricing
- Host free community youth events that serve as program introductions
Measuring Success Beyond Revenue
While youth programming creates immediate revenue, the true value lies in how youth members impact your facility long-term.
Retention Metrics
Track how many youth participants:
- Return for multiple programs
- Convert to regular players
- Bring family members and friends into your facility
Community Impact
Consider the less tangible benefits, like:
- Creating positive community perception
- Developing relationships with schools and youth organizations
- Building multi-generational facility loyalty
Sport Development
Your facility can play a key role in developing the sport by:
- Identifying and nurturing talented young players
- Creating development pathways to competitive play
- Building lifetime participants in the sport
Planning for the Future
As your youth programming grows, consider these next-level opportunities:
Competition Teams
Develop competitive youth teams that represent your facility:
- Create travel teams for regional tournaments
- Host inter-club matches with other facilities
- Build pride and identity among your youth players
Youth-Focused Facility Enhancements
Consider physical facility modifications to better accommodate young players:
- Dedicated youth courts with adjusted dimensions
- Fun, colorful court graphics for beginning players
- Youth-friendly social spaces
Junior Instructor Programs
Create pathways for your most dedicated youth players to become part of your team:
- Junior coaching assistant programs
- Youth referee training
- Leadership development through sport
Investing in Your Future
Youth programming isn't just a nice addition to your pickleball facility. It's an essential investment for a forward-thinking business model.
As the current generation of pickleball enthusiasts ages, facilities that have invested in youth development will find themselves with a built-in pipeline of lifelong players.
By introducing pickleball to children and teens today, you're not just filling court time and generating additional revenue, you're securing the future of both your facility and the sport itself.
Ready to develop youth programming for your facility? Contact JDC today to learn how we can help you implement successful youth programs.
