Episode 6: Pickleball for kids & teens in Europe

ABOUT THIS EPISODE //

Stories and ideas from youth players.
In this episode of Pickleball Passport, we hand the mic to the next generation: 8 young players between 13 and 18 from across Europe share how they discovered the sport, what needs to change to support youth pickleball – and their big visions for the future.

Whether you're a parent, player, club leader or federation member – this episode is your chance to hear what youth players actually need, want, and wish for. Also: Stay tuned to learn more about inspiring initiatives worldwide and our special JOOLA gear giveaway!

In this episode, we cover:

• Why Europe needs to take youth pickleball more seriously
• Honest perspectives from 8 junior players on competing, learning, and growing in the sport
• Initiatives like NJP and Junior PPA – what Europe can learn
• Ideas on how clubs, federations, and organizers can take action
• Why this is more than just “a kids’ topic”

Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life:

• Xavier David from the Netherlands – Instagram @xavierdavids14 & @PickleballPower
• Piet Bemelmans from Belgium – Instagram @pietbemelmans.pickleball
• Jannick Degering from Germany – Instagram @sfd75ev
• Harry & Gracie Hamilton from Ireland – Instagram @harry.hamilton.pb / @graciehamilton.pb
• Dani & Beni Haijnal from Ireland – Instagram @thedanihajnal / @benihajnal
• Arwid Dahlin from Sweden – Instagram @arwiddahlin_pb

LEARN MORE – LINKS //

• NJP – National Junior Pickleball
• Junior PPA Tour
• European School Education Platform: eTwinning Pickleball Project

QUESTION OF THE WEEK //
We’d love to hear your thoughts! What does your club or country do to support kids and youth in Pickleball? Comment on RAQT's Instagram@raqtfamily post for this episode and use #pickleballpassport to join the conversation.

EPISODE SPONSOR //
Thanks to JOOLA EUROPE for supporting this episode.

• Check out the JOOLA Europe Shop
• Follow on Instagram@joolaeurope.pb

GET IN TOUCH //
Feedback? Questions? Ideas? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love to the cabin crew & podcast hosts Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com