USA Pickleball JUNIOR SPOTLIGHT
USA PICKLEBALL TEACHES YOUTH HOW TO PLAY PICKLEBALL ON
‘ NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH LESTER HOLT : KIDS EDITION ’
By Emma Masur
For this issue ’ s Junior Spotlight , Pickleball Magazine is shining a light on the youth players that keep the great sport of pickleball feeling young ! While many adults throughout the United States are avid pickleball players , many of their kids are taking to the courts with enthusiasm to learn more about the fastest growing sport in America . The sport is known for both its social and active draw , making it the perfect game for children and their parents to play together . As more kids are taking pickleball by storm , the sport has continued to grow in popularity , making it the ideal summertime game for families across the country .
National news outlets have picked up on the pickleball popularity wave , and many are taking time to highlight the sport as a great activity for the whole family . When “ NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt : Kids Edition ” reached out to USA Pickleball Media Relations Representative Laura Vossberg Gainor for a feature on the sport , the response was met with immediate excitement — a handful of lucky kids were going to learn to play pickleball on national television ! Gainor quickly sprung into action , rallying more than 30 kids of all ages and playing levels to local pickleball courts just in time for the shoot .
Each child was given a USA Pickleball paddle to learn to play the game . With USA Pickleball ambassador Mike Guyot and Nocatee , Florida , certified youth pickleball instructor Ivan Ramirez attending the shoot , each adolescent had the opportunity
to learn the sport , practice shots with their friends and family , and experience firsthand what it ’ s like to be part of a national television segment .
The goal of “ NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt : Kids Edition ” is to educate youth viewers on interesting topics related to travel , cooking , weather , sports , lifestyle , and more . Pickleball fits right into the mix , with millions of kids across the country learning from their parents , picking up paddles , and flooding the courts to sharpen their game . The opportunity to showcase kids playing pickleball on national television highlights the sport as a fun and engaging game for all ages and athletic abilities .
“ USA Pickleball ’ s mission is to promote the development and growth of pickleball , getting as many people as possible , of all ages , playing the game ,” said Gainor . “ I am very grateful to NBC for allowing our kids to share their love of the game and encourage other kids to ask their parents to take them out to the pickleball courts . Pickleball is for the whole family : kids , parents , grandparents .”
To watch the full feature and to view a series of instructional videos to teach your kids the game , visit
usapickleball . org . •
PHOTO BY MARIS KIRS PHOTOGRAPHY .