Why U SPORTS Should Consider Adding Pickleball as a Sanctioned Sport
The sport of pickleball has been making waves in North America, with its popularity skyrocketing in recent years. Known for its easy-to-understand rules and competitive nature, pickleball has captured the attention of players of all ages and backgrounds. Despite its rapid growth, Canadian university sports have yet to embrace this emerging sport.
U SPORTS, the governing body for university athletics in Canada, has not expanded its list of sanctioned sports in nearly two decades. The last addition was curling in 2008, leaving many to wonder why a sport as popular as pickleball has not been included.
In contrast, the NCAA in the United States has been more proactive in adding new sports to its roster, with beach volleyball and women’s wrestling being the most recent additions. Club teams in American colleges have even organized their own national championships for pickleball, further highlighting the sport’s growing popularity.
With pickleball gaining traction across the country, including as an intramural program at Queen’s University, there is a call for Canadian universities to take notice and consider adding pickleball as a sanctioned club or varsity sport. The versatility of pickleball, which can be played both indoors and outdoors, makes it an accessible option for schools looking to expand their athletic offerings.
As the fastest-growing sport in North America, pickleball has the potential to elevate U SPORTS to new heights and attract a wider audience to university athletics. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing emerging sports trends, Canadian universities can position themselves as leaders in sports development on the continent.
