New Tournament Series Focuses on NEXT GENERATION of Pickleball Players
Buoyed by a new tournament series that is focused on a younger age bracket , the next generation of pickleball players is shattering the myth that pickleball is a seniors-only sport .
By Jennifer Brozak Photos by Steve Taylor
The tournament series , which the Association of Pickleball Professionals ( APP ) launched in 2021 , is the first of its kind . It is primarily focused on developing champion pickleball players in the 16-23 age range . Aptly named the APP Next Gen Series , the tournament ’ s mission is to create a platform for America ’ s top young pickleball players to compete and receive coaching from senior professionals .
“ The mission for APP Next Gen is to develop America ’ s next champions ,” said Ken Herrmann , CEO and creative founder of the series . “ This is done not only through match play , but by educating both the player and parents about the road their child is taking if considering a career in professional pickleball .”
The APP Tour is the Official Pro Partner Tour of USA Pickleball and has been endorsed by both the Senior Pro and Super Senior Pro councils . Herrmann said he launched the APP Tour in June of 2019 after he spent time developing a vision for all players , ranging from amateur to professional .
Part of that vision was focusing on young players .
“ This current generation of players is the future of the sport ,” Herrmann explained . “ If we are able to get this sport into the Olympics , then it is this group of players who will be