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!
What you’ll hear in Episode 6:
• 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”
TIME STAMPS //
(00:00)–(02:01)– Intro
(02:02–(05:25) – Youth Pickleball in Europe: Where are we at?
(05:26)-(10:35) – Global inspiration: NJP, Junior PPA & more
(10:36)–(56:02)– Voices from the Players Lounge: Youth take the mic
(56:30)–(57:44) – Wrap-Up & JOOLA Giveaway
PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS //
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.
ABOUT RAQT //
RAQT.com is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round.
Download the RAQT app – available in the Apple App Store & Google Play Store.
Plan. Play. Compete.
GET IN TOUCH //
Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love to the cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com