COLD LAKE - The Cold Lake Pickleball Club, in conjunction with Pickleball Alberta, is offering a pickleball clinic specifically designed for up-and-coming juniors, aged 12 to 18 years old.
The clinic will take place at the Assumption Gym in Cold Lake and is an opportunity for young athletes to develop their skills in this fast-growing sport. Dates for the clinic begin in late April and wrap up in early May.
Pickleball has gained immense popularity in recent years, but there remains a misconception among youth that it is only for older generations. "It's not just for granny anymore," says Lara Bates, treasurer of the Cold Lake Pickleball Club.
Bates points to Anna Leigh Waters, a highly accomplished pickleball player who began playing professionally at just 12 years old. Bates praised Waters as an exceptional player with an impressive win record and earning potential, noting that her success is unlikely to be surpassed due to her age and ongoing career.
The upcoming junior clinic aims to spark an interest in youth by showcasing the sport’s competitive opportunities.
Beyond competition, the clinic also aims to foster a lifelong love of sport.
“Basically, what we're trying to do is we're working in conjunction with Pickleball Alberta to try and find the next Olympic gold medalist. Because hopefully it's going to be at the Olympics in the next go-round," Bates explains. The pickleball community is hopeful that the sport will be included in the 2028 Olympics.
Bates says the goal is to raise awareness and give local youth a chance to connect through pickleball, since it’s a sport that can be both competitive and social.
The clinic will be held over multiple sessions, allowing players to learn and develop at their own pace.
"Pickleball Alberta has actually inspired this Hotshot program, and they've developed it," Bates explains.
Pickleball Alberta is handling all aspects of the clinic, including registration, fees, and coordination. With a Level 2 coach travelling from Edmonton and everything set up at Assumption School, the next step is to spread the word and encourage kids to register.
The clinic will cater to players of all skill levels.
“We're able to meet the kids where they are in their knowledge and skill. If they're a beginner, we'll start right from the beginning, and if they're advanced, they'll get to hone their technique and learn strategies to take their play to the next level," Bates says. "If the kids have never really played much pickleball, we'll start with just an intro."
Although the clinic is geared toward ages 12 to 18, Bates says younger athletes are welcome to join if the schedule isn’t too overwhelming for them.
Coaching will be led by Coach Della Curry from Pickleball Alberta, with support from two local club members in their 20s who recently earned Level 1 certification.
Bates is optimistic about the future of youth pickleball in Cold Lake.
“I'm starting to see some kids out there outdoors. It's slow, but it's coming. We're hoping to inspire a young athlete who might find that pickleball is their true passion, and maybe they're going to want to take it to the next level for themselves."
The junior pickleball clinic will take place over two weekends, beginning on April 25, from 7 to 8 p.m. Sessions will continue on April 26 and 27, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and again on May 3 and 4.
The cost of the clinic is $75, with an additional $25 fee for Pickleball Alberta and Pickleball Canada memberships for those who are not already members. Each participant will receive a Poach Paddle, safety glasses, and a cap.
For those interested in registering for the clinic, more details can be found by contacting [email protected]
