Southern Pickleball Academy Making Positive Impact on Youth Through Sport
Southern Pickleball Academy in Aiken is making a big impact on youth in the community by promoting important life lessons and core values through the sport of pickleball. The nonprofit organization has donated over $20,000 in gear to local middle and high schools and is focusing on youth and teen mental health.
Cindy Ogden, the board secretary at SPA, emphasizes the importance of building connections through pickleball, stating that these connections can have lifelong impacts on young individuals. The academy is hosting a new player clinic on April 26th, as well as sponsoring events like “First Friday pickleball and pizza” and the upcoming Battle of the Paddles pickleball scramble on May 17th for kids ages 8-18.
Youth tournaments are rare, but the Battle of the Paddles will feature three age brackets and professionally officiated gold medal matches. Registration is required for the event, and more information can be found on the Southern Pickleball Academy website.
This initiative by Southern Pickleball Academy is not only promoting physical activity and sportsmanship but also fostering important connections and values in the youth of Aiken.
