Youth Pickleball Course Teaches More Than Just the Game
Sixteen youths between the ages of 10 and 16 recently completed a six-week course in pickleball and transferrable life skills, marking a significant milestone in their athletic and personal development. The First Paddle course, organized by the Southern Pickleball Academy and held at St. John’s Methodist Church, went beyond teaching the basics of pickleball to instill important values such as etiquette, conflict resolution, responsibility, communication, resilience, integrity, and sportsmanship.
Bob Fogle, co-director of the academy, emphasized the importance of these skills in shaping the youths’ character and preparing them for success both on and off the court. The participants had the opportunity to put their newfound skills to the test in a mini-tournament, gaining valuable experience and a taste of competitive play.
Beth Eberhard, the academy’s other co-director, highlighted the progress made by the youths throughout the course, regardless of their initial skill level. She expressed excitement about the program’s potential for expansion to reach more age groups and ability levels in the future.
Looking ahead, Eberhard mentioned plans for follow-up sessions and more focused instruction to further enhance the participants’ skills and knowledge of the game. Certified pickleball instructor Lisa Barrett-Johnson praised the youths for their quick learning and enthusiasm, noting that pickleball is a fantastic sport for young people to engage in.
With over 40 million pickleball players in the United States, Barrett-Johnson emphasized the importance of growing the sport among younger demographics. By introducing children to pickleball at a young age and providing them with the necessary skills and values, the Southern Pickleball Academy aims to cultivate a new generation of passionate and skilled players. Plans are already in motion to offer the course again in the near future, with hopes of expanding the reach and impact of the program.
