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Toronto, Ontario – Pickleball Canada is thrilled to announce that the Pickleplex Social Club has been selected as the host venue for the 2026 Pickleball Canada National Championship, taking place August 25 – 30, 2026, at Pickleplex’s Downsview and Vaughan locations within the Greater Toronto Area.

These two state-of-the-art facilities will provide an exceptional championship environment, showcasing pickleball at its highest national level within purpose-built, dedicated pickleball venues. The championship will feature competition across 21 indoor pickleball courts over five days, offering athletes, officials, and spectators a premier event experience in one of Canada’s largest and most diverse metropolitan regions.

“It’s an honour to host Canada’s top pickleball athletes for this year’s national championship and our team is already hard at work with Pickleball Canada to create a fantastic experience for players coming from all over the country,” said Steven Fry, Co-Founder & CEO, Pickleplex Social Club.

The event is expected to welcome players, officials, volunteers, and spectators from coast to coast, further strengthening and expanding the national pickleball community. Championship categories will include women’s and men’s singles, women’s and men’s doubles, mixed doubles, as well as Pickleball Canada’s Provincial Team Competition (PTC), which will be held during the week of competition.

In 2026, the Provincial Team Competition will play an enhanced role within Pickleball Canada’s athlete pathway, serving as one of the evaluation criteria for selection into Pickleball Canada’s National Development Program. This initiative supports the identification and development of athletes as Canada continues to strengthen its presence on the international pickleball stage.

“The National Championship brings together individuals from all across our thriving pickleball community in Canada, and we can’t wait to work with the Pickleplex Social Club in growing the event and providing a first class player experience for our athletes,” said Pickleball Canada’s Executive Director, Barry Petrachenko.

The 2026 Pickleball Canada National Championship promises to be a landmark event, celebrating athletic achievement, community connection, and the continued evolution of pickleball across the country.

Stay connected and informed by following Pickleball Canada on social media for important updates and news leading up to the National Championships.

More information:

info@pickleballcanada.org 

Jordan Sinclair

jordan@pickleplexclub.ca

Are you enthusiastic, outgoing, and passionate about expanding pickleball? We’re looking for dynamic and outgoing individuals who are eager to contribute their time and energy to Pickleball Canada. Whether you’re interested in event planning, community outreach, or assisting with our communication efforts, we would love to have you on board!

Key Responsibilities:

• Represent Pickleball Canada organization in their community.
• Assist with social media engagement and content creation.
• Help facilitate communication between different teams and stakeholders.
• Engage with our audience via email, phone, or in person to share updates and promote initiatives.
• Be willing to take an active leadership role in their pickleball community. 
• Collaborate with other volunteers and staff to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

Ideal Candidate:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Outgoing, personable, and comfortable engaging with diverse groups of people.
• Strong organizational skills with an ability to multitask and manage time effectively.
• Creative mindset with the ability to think on your feet and solve problems.
• A passion for our cause and a desire to help us reach our goals.
• Previous volunteer or work experience in similar roles is a plus, but not required.

Why Volunteer with Us?

• Build new connections with professionals and like-minded individuals.
• Make a tangible impact on our organization and community.
• Receive training, support, and recognition for your contributions.

Information about Pickleball Canada’s Ambassador Program: 

The Pickleball Canada Ambassador Program is an initiative designed to strengthen Pickleball Canada’s connection with its membership nationwide. The program seeks individuals from across Canada to represent Pickleball Canada within their local pickleball communities. Ambassador appointments are for a one-year term, with the opportunity for renewal for up to a maximum of three years.

How to Apply:

Please fill out this application form here: 

Ambassador Application Form 

Please note all applications are due by January 30th, 2026

Any questions can be directed to elizabeth.werner@pickleballcanada.org

Ottawa, ON  – Pickleball Canada is proud to announce a significant milestone in the growth of the sport across the country: the national membership base has now exceeded 90,000 individuals.

This achievement marks another year of extraordinary momentum for pickleball in Canada. For context, Pickleball Canada recorded 80,000 members at this time last year and 63,147 members in November 2023, representing one of the fastest-growing participation rates among organized sports in the country.

“This achievement is the result of the terrific dedication shown by our entire Pickleball Canada community,” said Barry Petrachenko, Pickleball Canada Executive Director. “Our stakeholders at the provincial and local levels play an essential role in advancing the sport, and together we are building a stronger, more connected national pickleball landscape.”

Participation in pickleball continues to rise nationwide. A survey conducted in early January 2025 estimated that 1.54 million Canadians play pickleball annually, with notable growth in the 35–54 age group, further demonstrating the sport’s expanding reach across the country.

As membership grows, Canadians gain access to a wide range of benefits through Pickleball Canada, including:

• Comprehensive insurance coverage
• The National Coaching Certification Program
• A national accreditation pathway for officials
• Preferred pricing on software tools for tournaments and pickleball programming
• Access to sanctioned tournaments across Canada
• Exclusive discounts from Pickleball Canada’s Corporate Partners

These benefits contribute to safer play, enhanced coaching quality, and consistent, high-standard competition from coast to coast.

Pickleball Canada extends sincere appreciation to the volunteers, provincial/territorial organizations, sponsors, officials, and board members whose contributions have helped advance the sport. This milestone would not have been possible without the collective effort of the entire pickleball community.

Contact Information:

info@pickleballcanada.org

Ottawa, Ontario — Pickleball Canada is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with the Inclusive Place of Pickleball (IPOP), recognizing IPOP as an Official Partner in the area of Strategic Facility Development (SFD).

“Our role as a task team partner with Pickleball Canada is one of the highlights of IPOP’s journey,” said Chris White, Co-Founder and CEO of IPOP. “As the only invited private member of the Strategic Facility Development Task Team, we’re helping bridge the gap between non-profit pickleball associations and the corporate world. We want to ensure the sport’s growth is built on sustainability, collaboration, innovation, and long-term community benefit.”

As part of this partnership, IPOP has assisted in the development of Pickleball Canada’s Facility Development Guidebook, created in conjunction with Pickleball Canada’s Facility Task Team — a group established at the end of 2024 and composed of members with expertise in facility development within their community. 

The creation of the Task Team stemmed from a nationwide survey conducted by Pickleball Canada in January 2025, which identified a lack of facilities as one of the primary barriers preventing Canadians from participating in the sport. In response, Pickleball Canada established the Task Team in late 2024 to help address this challenge and begin reducing this barrier through the development of the Facility Guidebook. 

The Guidebook serves as a step-by-step guide to help individuals, associations, and organizations plan and open new pickleball facilities, addressing key questions such as whether to lease, buy, or build, and outlining the fundamentals for successfully operating a pickleball venue in Canada.

“We’re thrilled to welcome IPOP as an Official Partner in SFD,” said Barry Petrachenko, Executive Director of Pickleball Canada. “This Facility Development Guidebook is a meaningful step toward bridging the gap created by the shortage of pickleball facilities across Canada—something that would not have been possible without IPOP’s expertise and support.”

Through this collaboration, IPOP will provide leadership and expertise to support Pickleball Canada’s national efforts in facility planning and development. The partnership is designed to accelerate the creation of high-quality pickleball infrastructure nationwide, giving communities of all sizes greater access to safe, sustainable, and inclusive places to play.

In addition to facility development, Pickleball Canada and IPOP will collaborate on player development initiatives, including youth programs, referee training, and collegiate and high-school engagement, to create clear pathways from grassroots participation to competitive play.

By combining IPOP’s hands-on experience with Pickleball Canada’s national reach, the two organizations aim to simplify the path from concept to completion, offering practical, evidence-based guidance that supports the sustainable growth of pickleball facilities across the country.

The Facility Development Guidebook is freely available on the Pickleball Canada website and can be accessed directly through this link.

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About IPOP (Inclusive Place of Pickleball)

IPOP is a community-first organization dedicated to growing the game of pickleball through world-class facilities, inclusive programming, and partnerships that foster health, connection, and lifelong play. Created to provide comprehensive Design, Build, Operate, and Maintain (DBOM) solutions, IPOP bridges the gap between community passion and professional execution by partnering with nonprofit and volunteer-run associations to deliver the business infrastructure, capital access, and technical expertise needed to develop and sustain pickleball facilities.

IPOP specializes in municipal, government, and First Nations P3 (Public-Private Partnership) projects, and also works directly with private developers who want to add pickleball as a valuable community amenity. With facilities across British Columbia and new locations in development nationwide, IPOP continues to lead the way in making pickleball accessible for everyone.

About Pickleball Canada

Pickleball Canada is the national governing body for the sport of pickleball in Canada. The Canadian Pickleball Association was established in 2009 and then incorporated as Pickleball Canada in 2011. The organization works to promote and develop the sport at all levels, from grassroots to high-performance. Their mission is to promote the growth and development of pickleball nationwide by providing leadership, resources, and opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels.

Pickleball Canada is responsible for coordinating and delivering pickleball events across the country, including the National and Regional Championships, which bring together top players from across Canada to compete for the title of national champion. With a growing number of players and clubs across the country, pickleball is Canada’s fastest-growing sport, and Pickleball Canada is at the forefront of this exciting movement.

For more information, please contact info@pickleballcanada.org or visit pickleballcanada.org.

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Media Contact:

Inclusive Place of Pickleball (IPOP)
hello@ipop.fun

Pickleball Canada 

info@pickleballcanada.org

Introduction:

Pickleball Canada is the national governing body for pickleball within Canada and is looking for a qualified firm to assist in soliciting sponsorships for the organization.

As the official national sport organization for pickleball, Pickleball Canada oversees the growth and development of the sport at all levels, from grassroots participation to elite competition. We are now looking to expand our partnerships and commercial initiatives through strategic sponsorship acquisition.

Background:

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in North America, with over 1.54 million players annually in Canada. Its popularity spans across all demographics due to its accessibility, low cost, and social nature.

Pickleball Canada currently represents nearly 90,000 members nationwide, with more than 400 affiliated clubs across all 10 provinces and one territory. The organization continues to develop programs, tournaments, and partnerships to serve its growing membership base.

Key highlights include:

• National Championships: Canada’s largest pickleball event, attracting over 800+ athletes from across the country each year.
• Provincial Championships: Supported by Pickleball Canada in all 10 provinces, each hosting hundreds of players annually.
• Regional Events: Nearly 100 tournaments held annually with the potential for sponsor engagement opportunities at the local level.

These events and our membership base present significant opportunities for corporate partners to connect with one of the fastest growing and most inclusive sports in the country.

Scope of Work:

The selected firms will be responsible for the following:

• Developing and executing a sponsorship strategy.
• Identifying and securing national corporate sponsors which looks to support Pickleball Canada’s membership and growing initiatives.
• Creating partnership packages and sponsorship materials.
• Supporting negotiations and contract management for sponsorship agreements.

Proposal Requirements:

All proposals must include:

• A full company profile outlining experience within the sport industry (i.e past sports companies the organization as worked alongside)
• Proposed summary of commission structure
• Proposed approach and method for attaining sponsorship
• Project timelines and key milestones
• Reasons why the organization wants to represent Pickleball Canada

All proposals must be submitted by November 28, 2025 to info@pickleballcanada.org

Any additional questions can be addressed to Elizabeth.werner@pickleballcanada.org

Ottawa, ON – Pickleball Management Group (PMG), a leading provider of innovative pickleball court and event solutions, and Pickleball Canada, the national sport governing body for the sport of pickleball in Canada, are proud to announce a new partnership establishing PMG as the Official Rollout Court provider for the organization. This two-year agreement marks a significant milestone in PMG’s global expansion.

PMG’s Rollout Pickleball Courts are fully customizable in the colours, sizes, and branding of your choice, offering unmatched versatility for both indoor and outdoor competition. A typical Rollout pickleball court comes in 5 six foot wide by 60-foot-long rolls and the entire 30’x60’ court can be installed on concrete, asphalt or wood surfaces in less than an hour. PMG’s new revolutionary PickleDeck subfloor system now
allows court installation on any surface including grass, turf, compacted dirt, clay, etc. As part of the agreement, PMG will supply two premium Rollout Courts to Pickleball Canada for use in future National Championships.

In addition to their Rollout court product line which also includes a variety of nets and court barriers, PMG also runs pickleball events ranging from major tournaments to pop- up social events. The company also has put decades worth of heath and fitness club experience to work on developing and managing new and existing pickleball club facilities.

“Based on the company’s strength in the U.S., it’s a logical strategy for us to expand into international markets,” said Scott Winters, Co-Founder of PMG. “We are extremely excited about the new partnership with Pickleball Canada and look forward to accomplishing this goal with them in the future.”

Pickleball Canada is proud to welcome PMG as our official Rollout Court partner,” said Barry Petrachenko, Executive Director of Pickleball Canada. “PMG’s innovative court technology delivers a new level of professionalism and accessibility while making a strong impact on the sport. We look forward to working together to support the growth of pickleball across Canada.”

The two-year partnership is part of a shared vision between both organizations to elevate playing standards and expand pickleball’s footprint across new markets.

About Pickleball Management Group (PMG):
Pickleball Management Group LLC (PMG) is an international sports company located in Northern California with warehousing in Denver, Colorado. The company was founded by Charlie Hauser and Scott Winters, specializing in permanent and portable pickleball court equipment sales/rentals, and development and management of pickleball events and club facilities.  PMG has installed courts and activated events across the US including; major tournaments in Hawaii, Atlantic City, Naples, Kansas City and Las Vegas and street festivals, trade shows and corporate events with ESPN, Amazon, Chubbie’s, Chicken N Pickle, QVC, etc.  During the past year, PMG’s Rollout Pickleball Courts brand has been chosen as a sponsor partner by the top organizations in the sport including; USA Pickleball, The APP Tour, Pickleball Canada and the largest pickleball event in the world, the 2025 US Open Pickleball Championships. 

Check out their website at pickleballmanagement.com for more details. 

About Pickleball Canada:
Pickleball Canada is the national governing body for the sport of pickleball in Canada. The Canadian Pickleball Association was established in 2009 and then incorporated as Pickleball Canada in 2011. The organization works to promote and develop the sport at all levels, from grassroots to high-performance. Their mission is to promote the growth and development of pickleball across the country by providing leadership, resources, and opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. Pickleball Canada is responsible for the coordination and delivery of pickleball events across the country, including the National and Regional Championships, which brings together top players from across Canada to compete for the title of national champion. With a growing number of players and clubs across the country, pickleball is Canada’s fastest growing sport and Pickleball Canada is at the forefront of this exciting movement.

For more information, please contact info@pickleballcanada.org or visit pickleballcanada.org

Contact Information:
Pickleball Management Group:
Charlie Hauser:
charlie@pickleballmanagement.com  
(910) 279-0999
Scott Winters
scott@pickleballmanagement.com 
(303) 995-4305

Pickleball Canada
info@pickleballcanada.org

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in Canada, with over 1.37 million Canadians playing at least once a month. It is a fun, inclusive, and rewarding activity that brings people of all ages together, making it the perfect sport for families to enjoy.

To celebrate this momentum, the second Saturday in August has been officially recognized as National Pickleball Day, a day to promote and honour the sport that connects us all.

This year, National Pickleball Day fell on Saturday, August 9th, and communities across the country came together to celebrate the sport. Here are some highlights:

• Pinawa, Manitoba – The community hosted a connector event in honor of National Pickleball Day. The Beaujesour Pickleball Club sent nine players to participate in the three-hour event. In total, 21 players intermixed between the two clubs to play games, and the organizers hope it will become an annual tradition.
• Shediac, New Brunswick – Shediac Pickleball Club celebrated by taking players on a trip back to 1965, marking not only Canada’s National Pickleball Day but also the 60th anniversary of the sport’s invention. Players enjoyed games using classic wooden paddles, followed by a corn boil and other fun activities, making it a celebration to remember.
• Niagara, Ontario – The Niagara Indoor Pickleball Association (NIPA) hosted a free all-day event with a complimentary BBQ for members and guests. As part of the nationwide celebration led by Pickleball Canada, NIPA aimed to bring members together and introduce newcomers to the sport. President and Founder James Fraser emphasized the club’s focus on both pickleball and community. NIPA will also run beginner clinics starting in September, offering two-session programs for $25 (refundable with membership). The volunteer-run non-profit, a Pickleball Ontario affiliate, opened its Fenwick location in October 2024 and has grown to 189 members.
• Delta, British Columbia – The Delta Pickleball Association hosted its first-ever Dream Maker Round Robin tournament at the newly renovated Cromie Park courts. Nearly 140 players participated in a Major League Pickleball-style format, possibly the largest event of its kind in Canada. Teams of six were formed across various skill levels (2.0–3.0+) to ensure fair and fun play, especially for beginners. Following the games, participants enjoyed lunch and a social gathering. The event raised $1,260 for the Delta Community Animal Shelter. With over 900 active members, the Delta Pickleball Association continues to foster a fun, social environment, support player development and advocate for the sport at all levels of government.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 8th, 2026, for National Pickleball Day 2026!

If you have additional stories from National Pickleball Day 2025, please share them at info@pickleballcanada.org

Pickleball Canada, one of the largest pickleball federations in the world, has officially adopted DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) as its official rating system.

This national partnership cements DUPR as the standard for all players, coaches, and organizers across Canada, bringing a unified and trusted rating framework to the fastest-growing sport in North America.

A Shared Vision for Canadian Pickleball Growth

Under this partnership, every Pickleball Canada member will be required to have a DUPR rating, ensuring consistency across grassroots, recreational, and competitive play. All Pickleball Canada sanctioned events will also use DUPR for seeding, providing fairness, transparency, and accuracy in competition.

Barry Petrachenko, CEO of Pickleball Canada, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“We are proud to provide our members with access to the premier global rating system. DUPR supports level-based play, and this partnership will significantly enhance competitive equity and player connectivity on a national scalee are thrilled to provide our members with the best rating system in the world. DUPR is the gold standard, and this partnership will help us promote level-based play and greater connectivity for players nationwide.”

Players, organizers, and coaches will benefit from:

• One Standardized Rating: DUPR’s trusted 2.000–8.000 scale brings clarity and fairness to all levels of Canadian pickleball, from club play to elite tournaments.
  
  
• Smarter Player Development: Real-time, match-based ratings give players an accurate reflection of performance and progression.
  
  
• Simplified Event Organization: Tournament directors can now seed brackets, set divisions, and manage events seamlessly with DUPR integration.
  
  

A Step Toward Greater Connectivity

This alignment strengthens Canada’s role in the global pickleball community and unites players nationwide under one technology platform. By adopting DUPR, Pickleball Canada joins a growing network of federations, clubs, and leagues worldwide that are standardizing play and building a stronger, more connected future for the sport.

“DUPR exists to unify and grow pickleball globally, and this partnership with Pickleball Canada is an incredible step forward,” said DUPR CEO Tito Machado. “We are proud to provide Canadian players with the most accurate and dynamic rating system in the sport.”

ABOUT PICKLEBALL CANADA

Pickleball Canada is the national governing body for the sport of pickleball in Canada. The Canadian Pickleball Association was established in 2009 and then incorporated as Pickleball Canada in 2011. The organization works to promote and develop the sport at all levels, from grassroots to high-performance. Their mission is to promote the growth and development of pickleball across the country by providing leadership, resources, and opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. Pickleball Canada is responsible for the coordination and delivery of pickleball events across the country, including the National and Regional Championships, which brings together top players from across Canada to compete for the title of national champion. With a growing number of players and clubs across the country, pickleball is Canada’s fastest growing sport and Pickleball Canada is at the forefront of this exciting movement. For more information, please contact info@pickleballcanada.org or visit pickleballcanada.org

ABOUT DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world’s leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and federations. DUPR’s dynamic system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to provide an accurate evaluation of players worldwide, on a scale from 2.000 to 8.000. DUPR is the official rating system of Pickleball Canada, the United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Life Time, The Picklr, and many more. DUPR also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the largest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and organizers can sign up for free at www.dupr.com.

Winnipeg, MB – August 15, 2025 – Pickleball Canada is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new event – the Provincial Team Competition (PTC) – set to debut at the 2025 Myoflex® National Championship Presented by HearingLife. This event will feature six provinces going head-to-head in a friendly, competitive, inter-provincial team format, showcasing top-tier talent and fostering provincial pride.

The inaugural competition will take place on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Taylor Tennis Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with awards presented later that evening during the Athlete Reception which is being held at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada.

‘The Provincial Team Competition is the result of a terrific effort on the part of our host committee and our provincial associations. It will provide an exciting opportunity to showcase our athletes in a team format while fostering a healthy sense of pride and competition among the provinces’, said Pickleball Canada’s Executive Director Barry Petrachenko.

Event Overview

Each provincial team will consist of 16 to 24 players, all rated 4.0 or higher. The competition will be split into two divisions:

• Open Division – Open to players of all ages
• Masters Division – Open to players aged 50 and above

Teams will compete in five event categories:

• Men’s Doubles
• Women’s Doubles
• Mixed Doubles
• Men’s Singles
• Women’s Singles

Competition Format

• Scoring: 2 points per win, 1 point per tie, 0 points per loss
• Format: Round-robin play to determine rankings, followed by playoffs (quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals)
• Rankings Impact: All results will be recorded and applied to each player’s Canadian Tournament Player Rating (CTPR) and Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR).

This exciting new event will become a permanent annual fixture of the National Championship, with new elements and participating teams added each year.

To view full provincial team rosters, click here.

For more information, contact info@pickleballcanada.org.