INTRODUCTION
Activating Youth Pickleball In BC (“AYPBC”): Advancing BC Pickleball Schools
ADVANCING BC PICKLEBALL SCHOOLS - PICKLEBALL BC ASSOCIATION ("PBCA") AND VIASPORT 2024/2025 PROJECT
Building Pickleball Schools K-7 – the Framework for Pickleball Clubs and School Leaders
Background
In June 2024 viaSport BC announced a grant proposal of up to $30,000 per BC Provincial Sport Organization under a BC Sport Participation Program called the “Provincial Sport Development Fund”. The BCSPP supports programs that attract children, youth, Indigenous and under-represented populations to lead active and healthy lifestyles through involvement in sport while also helping to support communities delivering physical activity programming throughout the province. Programs taking place between July 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025 were eligible to apply. PBCA felt that we qualified, and PBCA applied on June 30th 2024.
Grant Award: PBCA was happy to announce that our bid was successful and we are the recipients of a viaSport $30,000 Grant, September 2024
As part of PBCA's proposal to ViaSport, we identified 3 regions in the province that would help lead the charge with us. Thompson/Okanagan, Vancouver and Lower Vancouver Island
Vancouver Pickleball Association ("VPA"), Janet Martini President, was the first to step up as Region 1 Vancouver and contribute not only to overall project coordination and manpower (given their several years of EVES K-7 youth pickleball training experience and knowledge), but also to invest in the project. Next was Region 2 Vancouver Island with Victoria Regional Pickleball Association Connie McCann President who stepped up with both project manpower but also an investment. Then on behalf of Thompson Okanagan Region 3, Vernon Pickleball Club Youth Committee under Rick Klein committed. Our 3 Regions and club representation was formed!
The budget that we proposed included: investments from PBCA and our partners; equipment (bags, paddles, nets and balls) for 3 Regions; programming oversight and Regional coordination; monthly “Learn and Play” sessions; NCCP training for coaches; school planning Framework documentation and teaching guides, tool sets and curriculum documentation.
The objective is to have a youth programs K-7 resource package including a curriculum and tool set posted on our PBCA website for all clubs to utilize in mid 2025.
So now that we have been awarded the funds and the project is well underway, what is the plan for phase two of this project? With several project meetings under our belt, having lined up some sponsors and project principals, here is the summary of some of our major goals of our ABC-YP Project:
We welcome any questions or comments to [email protected] on this significant new PBCA initiative made possible by viaSport British Columbia!
Building Pickleball Schools K-7 – the Framework for Pickleball Clubs and School Leaders
Background
In June 2024 viaSport BC announced a grant proposal of up to $30,000 per BC Provincial Sport Organization under a BC Sport Participation Program called the “Provincial Sport Development Fund”. The BCSPP supports programs that attract children, youth, Indigenous and under-represented populations to lead active and healthy lifestyles through involvement in sport while also helping to support communities delivering physical activity programming throughout the province. Programs taking place between July 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025 were eligible to apply. PBCA felt that we qualified, and PBCA applied on June 30th 2024.
Grant Award: PBCA was happy to announce that our bid was successful and we are the recipients of a viaSport $30,000 Grant, September 2024
As part of PBCA's proposal to ViaSport, we identified 3 regions in the province that would help lead the charge with us. Thompson/Okanagan, Vancouver and Lower Vancouver Island
Vancouver Pickleball Association ("VPA"), Janet Martini President, was the first to step up as Region 1 Vancouver and contribute not only to overall project coordination and manpower (given their several years of EVES K-7 youth pickleball training experience and knowledge), but also to invest in the project. Next was Region 2 Vancouver Island with Victoria Regional Pickleball Association Connie McCann President who stepped up with both project manpower but also an investment. Then on behalf of Thompson Okanagan Region 3, Vernon Pickleball Club Youth Committee under Rick Klein committed. Our 3 Regions and club representation was formed!
The budget that we proposed included: investments from PBCA and our partners; equipment (bags, paddles, nets and balls) for 3 Regions; programming oversight and Regional coordination; monthly “Learn and Play” sessions; NCCP training for coaches; school planning Framework documentation and teaching guides, tool sets and curriculum documentation.
The objective is to have a youth programs K-7 resource package including a curriculum and tool set posted on our PBCA website for all clubs to utilize in mid 2025.
So now that we have been awarded the funds and the project is well underway, what is the plan for phase two of this project? With several project meetings under our belt, having lined up some sponsors and project principals, here is the summary of some of our major goals of our ABC-YP Project:
- Now that schools are back in session, help kick off the project in each of the 3 Regions, supported by PBCA, the EVES experts and our Regional Affiliated Clubs mentioned above
- In order to “Advance Youth Pickleball K-7 in BC” (pickleball for schools, in schools, by schools) we will provide equipment, coaches, curriculum for youth pickleball programming K-7, and pickleball club support in our 3 Regions
- Ensure pickleball thrives and is sustainable - embedded within schools’ curriculum, woven into the fabric of a school-as-a-community, powered by schools with community sport support
- Effect school educators’ collaboration with sport leaders in their communities
- Build a prototype for developing physical literacy and nurturing social interaction for elementary school students of all abilities and ages
- Cornerstone for advancing pickleball and creating opportunities for the greatest number of children and young people
- Continue the support of a sport that is wonderfully and incomparably ... fun!
We welcome any questions or comments to [email protected] on this significant new PBCA initiative made possible by viaSport British Columbia!
Partners in the ABC-YP Project Left to Right (Top to Bottom on Mobile): Pickleball BC Association, ViaSport, Vernon Pickleball Association, Vancouver Pickleball Association and the Victoria Regional Pickleball Association
Activating Youth Pickleball in BC (“AYPBC”) Phase 2: viaSport BC Grant and Request For Expressions of Interest
Pickleball BC Association (“PBCA”) has now received a grant of $20,000 to kick off our AYPBC Phase 2 project thanks to viaSport BC, a PBC further investment, and other donations from Phase 1 participants. Thus, we are gearing up for Phase 2.
In summary, David Snell, PBCA President says: “Phase 1 accomplishments included 11,000 introductions to pickleball K-7 youth, we provided our 20+ Elementary schools in the program with equipment for the students (nets, paddles, balls and bags) and trained 33 coaches 23 of whom obtained NCCP Level 1 certification. Pickleball introductions were made through intramural activities, PD days, and part of the program included hosting ‘Slamborees’ that were designed to involve multiple schools, various coaches at the school and district level to provide sustainability and the adoption of pickleball as part of the regular school curriculum.”
Expressions of Interest Wanted
In Phase 2 up to four additional Regions will be added to the project (making a total of 7 Regions in Phase 2) supported by our Affiliated or Associated Clubs in those Regions. Phase 1 Regions included Victoria, Vancouver, and Vernon.
Each Region will have a responsible Club and a Regional Coordinator to oversee the Regional team - typically someone who has been coaching youth, perhaps a (retired) teacher with PE experience and someone with a high level of enthusiasm for getting youth involved in sports at an early age (5 – 13 years old).
We have a Teacher’s Guide being finalized for Phase 2 curriculums particularly for Elementary students and including Coaching Unit Guides, FAQ’s, PBC website pages dedicated to supporting documentation, and a lot of guidance to share with our participating Regions.
Please send your expressions of interest to [email protected] outlining your level of interest in participating in AYPBC Phase 2, potential Regional team members and their background and other information that you feel may be of interest given the description above and the many posts on our PBC website “AYPBC” pages here.
Update From December 15, 2025
Activating Youth Pickleball In BC ("AYPBC") Phase 2 BC Regions Announced
Pictured above early 2025: Big smiles all around when the equipment was delivered to Rogers Elementary in Victoria, B.C. PE Teacher Karlie MvEvay with three Grade 5 students are keen to be in the Pickleball Club starting post March break.
According to David Snell, Pickleball BC Association President: “It is my pleasure to announce that our PBC Youth Committee and AYPBC Phase 1 leaders have approved that the following new 4 Regions, plus our 3 existing ones, will be included in our 2025/2026 Phase 2 initiatives going forward (sponsoring PBCA Affiliate Club in brackets):
1. Region 1 - Vancouver (Vancouver Pickleball Club)
2. Region 2 - North Shore (North Shore Pickleball Club)
3. Region 3 - Vancouver Island (Victoria Regional Pickleball Club)
4. Region 4 - Sunshine Coast (Sunshine Coast Pickleball Club)
5. Region 5 - Northern BC (Quesnel PC)
6. Region 6 - South Okanagan (South Okanagan Youth Pickleball Association*)
7. Region 7 - Thompson/Okanagan North (Vernon PC)
Thanks again to our Phase 1 Regional participants and congratulations to our Phase 2 Regions (full story here) funded by viaSport BC, PBC, Pickleball Canada, equipment manufacturers such as Franklin Sports and several Affiliate Clubs.”
Please contact our Youth Committee Co-Chairs if you have any questions at [email protected].
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*BC Interior’s Youth Pickleball Is Underway Through The Formation of The South Okanagan Youth Pickleball Association
The timing could not have been better with Pickleball BC Association’s (PBCA) Activating Youth Pickleball in BC’s (AYPBC) Phase 2 initiative kickoff than with the formation of PBCA’s 102nd club—The South Okanagan Youth Pickleball Association (SOYPA). …
For a full story of South Okanagan Youth Pickleball Association, read our December 15th 2025, “The Kitchen Sink” newsletter column “News From Our Clubs” here.
1. Region 1 - Vancouver (Vancouver Pickleball Club)
2. Region 2 - North Shore (North Shore Pickleball Club)
3. Region 3 - Vancouver Island (Victoria Regional Pickleball Club)
4. Region 4 - Sunshine Coast (Sunshine Coast Pickleball Club)
5. Region 5 - Northern BC (Quesnel PC)
6. Region 6 - South Okanagan (South Okanagan Youth Pickleball Association*)
7. Region 7 - Thompson/Okanagan North (Vernon PC)
Thanks again to our Phase 1 Regional participants and congratulations to our Phase 2 Regions (full story here) funded by viaSport BC, PBC, Pickleball Canada, equipment manufacturers such as Franklin Sports and several Affiliate Clubs.”
Please contact our Youth Committee Co-Chairs if you have any questions at [email protected].
###
*BC Interior’s Youth Pickleball Is Underway Through The Formation of The South Okanagan Youth Pickleball Association
The timing could not have been better with Pickleball BC Association’s (PBCA) Activating Youth Pickleball in BC’s (AYPBC) Phase 2 initiative kickoff than with the formation of PBCA’s 102nd club—The South Okanagan Youth Pickleball Association (SOYPA). …
For a full story of South Okanagan Youth Pickleball Association, read our December 15th 2025, “The Kitchen Sink” newsletter column “News From Our Clubs” here.
