FEATURE
USA Pickleball Serves
Grows the Game
Charitable arm names 51 awardees of grant program . by JENNIFER ROGERS
USA Pickleball Serves , the charitable arm of USA Pickleball , announced the inaugural 51 awardees of its Grow the Game grant program , a new initiative designed to enhance the accessibility of pickleball across the United States . The grants will provide essential equipment and resources to schools and community organizations , helping to spread the popularity of pickleball across the country . Through these contributions , more than 192,000 individuals are expected to benefit directly from the program .
Growing the Game of Pickleball
Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country , with millions of players taking part . As it continues to grow , USA Pickleball aims to ensure that more individuals and communities have the resources to experience all the benefits of pickleball firsthand .
“ The Grow the Game grant program was created to encourage and support organizations and schools to bring pickleball to their communities ,” said Brenda Puga , USA Pickleball ’ s director of community relations . “ By equipping these groups with the necessary tools and resources , we ’ re making strides toward our mission of growing the game and fostering a love for pickleball in every corner of the country .”
A Nationwide Impact
In total , the program awarded grants to 51 organizations and schools located across 27 states . This includes a variety of awardees , such as public schools , community organizations , youth programs , and five universities . Each will receive Franklin pickleball equipment bundles ( including paddles , balls and portable nets ) tailored to their specific needs and educational resources provided through USA Pickleball ’ s Youth Pickleball Provider ( YPP ) membership .
The YPP membership includes access to the “ Let ’ s Play Youth Pickleball ” playbook , activity and station cards , instructional video series , 20 lesson plans , and additional discounted equipment . Additionally , each awardee will have the chance to connect directly with a local USA Pickleball Ambassador . Ambassadors are volunteers who promote the sport of pickleball and USA Pickleball in their local community .
Grow the Game Grant Program Awardees :
• ACCEL – Phoenix , AZ
• Ada – Greer , SC
• Americana YMCA – Zachary , LA
• Anansi Charter School – El Prado , NM
• BMC Durfee High School – Fall River , MA
• Boise State – Boise , ID
• Boone Middle School – Boone , IA
• Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff – Flagstaff , AZ
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