We give European Pickleball a voice!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE //
Welcome aboard Pickleball Passport, the first-ever podcast dedicated to the European Pickleball community. Powered by RAQT.com, the go-to platform for Pickleball tournaments, leagues, and events across Europe, this podcast explores the rise of Pickleball across the continent!

The journey begins and we take you on a special journey about how Pickleball is taking off across Europe – from grassroots movements to growing national federations, and from local pioneers to international ambitions.

This episode paints a picture of a sport in motion – one that is rapidly growing, but developing very differently in each country.

What you’ll hear in Episode 1:

• How Pickleball began in countries like Turkey, Ireland, Sweden, and beyond
• What challenges players and organizers have faced building the sport locally
• Why the growth differs from one nation to another – and what role federations, clubs and communities play
• Exclusive guest interview: Fatih Dervent, Board Member of the European Pickleball Federation (@europeanpickleballfederation), on the movement's challenges and potential
• Real stories and voices from the Players Lounge –authentic stories from top players and influencers across the continent

TEST YOUR PB KNOWLEDGE//
Which of these countries was NOT part of the inaugural European Pickleball Championships in 2024?

• Sweden
• Spain
• Ireland
• Netherlands

The correct answer will be revealed in the episode, so don’t miss out!

TIME STAMPS //

(00:00) - Introduction, welcome & what you can expect from this podcast

(02:51) - „Europe“ – the big picture

(05:33) – Differences to the US

(08:05) - Challenges of Pickleball in Europe

(29:14) – DUPR & rankings in Europe & Competitive Play

(23:37) – How the sport is organized in different countries of Europe

(48:10) – Interview with special guest Fathi Dervent, Board member oft he European Pickleball Federation (EPF)

(01:00:00) – Wrap-Up & what to expect from upcoming episode 2

PLAYER’S LOUNGE VOICES // 

A huge thank you to the amazing players from the Players Lounge who contributed their voices to this episode:

• Mustafa Enestebik (top player)// Turkey
• Pim Huberts (top player & volunteer at Pickleball Amsterdam) // Netherlands
• Howard Castillo (intermediate player & founder of Dinking Times) // Ireland
• Boris Paque (top player) // Belgium
• Jens Larsson (raqt.com founder) // Sweden
• Marc Declercq (top player) // Spain
• Scott Mayo // Wales
• Karolina Owczarek // Poland

EPISODE SPONSOR SHOUTOUT // 

This episode is proudly powered by Dinking Times – Europe’s first and only magazine dedicated to the Pickleball community, a project from the Dinking Hub.

ABOUT //

RAQT.com is your ultimate destination for all things Pickleball in Europe, offering a comprehensive platform for tournaments, leagues, and events across the continent with some oft he most beautiful locations to play. Follow us on instagram for updates @raqtfamily.

GET IN TOUCH //

We’d love to hear from you! Feedback? Ideas? Want to be one of the player’s lounge voices or special guests? Interested in sponsoring one of the episodes Or just send us some Pickleball Cabin Crew love? Drop an air-letter (E-Mail) to podcast@raqt.com.