National Junior Pickleball:

Pickleball's popularity has led it to become one of the largest played sports across the country. Originally a sport popular amongst the senior community, it has trickled down to younger generations. Although the large majority of players is still adults, the number of junior participants is growing rapidly. Recognizing this, Courtney Loughridge, mother of Jack Loughridge, founded National Junior Pickleball (NJP) just a few years ago. What began as a local initiative in Las Vegas, Nevada, has now blossomed into the largest series of junior pickleball tournaments across the United States and Canada.

The Mission:

NJP brings together over 100 kids aged 8-18 from diverse backgrounds and regions, fostering a vibrant community of young athletes passionate about pickleball. But NJP is not just about competition; it's about inclusivity and opportunity.

At the heart of NJP's mission is the belief that every junior player deserves a chance to compete against peers of similar age and skill level. In many tournaments, adult participants dominate registrations, leaving junior players struggling to find suitable opponents. NJP addresses this challenge head-on by providing a platform exclusively dedicated to junior pickleball enthusiasts.

Each NJP tournament is a testament to the organization's commitment to inclusivity and opportunity. The events kick off with pickleball clinics and skills evaluations, where kids not only hone their abilities but also forge connections with potential partners. From singles to doubles and team competitions, NJP offers a diverse range of events tailored to suit every player's preferences.

Competition for ALL Juniors:

While the tournaments are currently co-ed, Courtney Loughridge envisions a future where NJP hosts more girls-only events, further promoting gender diversity and equity in pickleball. Regardless of gender or experience level, NJP strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment where every participant can thrive.

The testimonials from parents and players alike speak volumes about the impact of NJP on young athletes. Emerald Polotu, mother of AnaLia (10), Avei (9), and Lesila (8), recounts her daughters' first tournament experience with enthusiasm: 

"My girls played in their very first tournament and had the greatest time learning and growing with friends their age. It was awesome to see these girlies improve over just a couple days of play. This weekend definitely sparked a new love and focus for them to make pickleball training a priority alongside the other sports they play. To say we're excited for what's ahead in an understatement." 

But make no mistake; NJP is not just about fostering camaraderie; it's also about cultivating competitive excellence. Junior players like Wil Shafer, Jace Morris, Jaden Lam, and Xavier NvCorchuk exemplify the caliber of talent nurtured by NJP. These rising stars frequently compete in pro-qualifier matches nationwide, showcasing their skills on the national stage.

Growing Into the Future:

JP's partnership with DUPR ensures that every match contributes to players' ratings, providing valuable feedback and opportunities for growth. Whether it's your first tournament or you're a seasoned competitor, NJP guarantees an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, competition, and plenty of pickleball action.

Looking ahead, NJP's future is bright, with upcoming tournaments scheduled in Missouri, Idaho, Orlando, and more locations to be announced soon. Each event promises to unite junior players and families from across the region, further expanding and strengthening the junior pickleball community. For more information on these events, please visit the NJP website. 

NJP's Orlando event will be held in conjunction with JOOLA's Pickleball Celebration. The registration fee includes entry into ALL events- clinic, singles, doubles and 4 player team event. All players will also receive an event t-shirt, swag bag, and LOTS of pickleball play through round robin style competition. To sign up for the NJP event at the JOOLA Pickleball Celebration, click here.