Category: Uncategorized

Pickleball Canada has officially launched its Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify a host for the 2027 Pickleball Canada National Championships, the organization’s premier event. Hosted annually, the National Championship brings together 800+ pickleball players in the country, celebrating excellence in play from recreational athletes to elite competitors. The event delivers significant economic, community, and sport-development benefits to the host region while celebrating excellence in Canadian pickleball.

Hosting the Pickleball Canada National Championships leaves a lasting legacy for the local community, positioning the host region as a hub for the continued growth of pickleball while welcoming athletes from coast to coast. The event generates meaningful economic benefits through participant registrations, local sponsorships, merchandise, and eligibility for municipal, provincial, and federal sport hosting grants. 

Beyond the economic impact, hosting elevates the profile of the host city and club on a national stage, creates valuable volunteer and community engagement opportunities, and strengthens local pickleball culture. From a sport development perspective, the National Championships shine a spotlight on local facilities and provide access to promotional initiatives that help grow and sustain the sport long after the event concludes.

Through the 2027 Request for Proposals process, Pickleball Canada is seeking hosts that can demonstrate strong operational capability, access to high quality facilities, experienced event management personnel, and the ability to support and collaborate closely with Pickleball Canada staff in delivering a premier national championship experience.

Interested parties must submit a Letter of Intent by March 2, 2026. Full bid proposals are due by April 1, 2026. Proposals will be reviewed by Pickleball Canada, with a successful host expected to be announced following the evaluation process.

Please review the full RFP document that outlines hosting requirements, evaluation criteria, event scope, and submission details.The full RFP document can be found here.

For more information or questions regarding the RFP process, interested parties may contact tamara.edwards@pickleballcanada.org

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.

Position Title:                            Manager of Officiating

Position Type:                           Volunteer (approx.10-15 hours per week)

Application Deadline Date:   February 13, 2026

Location:                                   Remote

Expected Start Date:               March 1, 2026

Compensation:                          Expense Reimbursement and Stipends

Supervisor:                                Executive Director

Description of Duties

• Lead and manage the Pickleball Canada Officiating Program, including development, recruitment, evaluation, and maintenance.
• Support the development and oversight of the annual officiating budget.
• Oversee the delivery of officiating programs through the Officiating Workgroup at the provincial and territorial levels, ensuring training standards and rule updates are current and effectively communicated.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all officiating-related matters, maintaining effective communication with stakeholders and Pickleball Canada staff, particularly the Director of Events & Programs.
• Support Tournament Directors and Pickleball Canada staff in maintaining high standards of safety, risk management, and tournament operations regarding officiating matters.
• Oversee the Certified Referee Evaluation and Referee Maintenance Programs, including appeals, performance monitoring, and compliance expectations.
• Triage complaints involving credentialed referees.
• Supervise program volunteers, including the Officiating Testing Coordinator and Officiating Database Coordinator.
• Make recommendations on officiating program personnel appointments, including volunteer positions and the Head Referee for National Championships, to the Executive Director through the Director of Events & Programs.
• Liaise with international federations on officiating matters and represent Pickleball Canada’s interests.
• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Executive Director through the Director of Events & Programs.

Position Requirements:

• Current or previously recognized Pickleball Canada Credential Referee.
• Experience in developing and delivering programs.
• Ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships with staff, volunteers, and external service providers.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities, multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong team player with the ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated proficiency in using computer programs, including Word documents, spreadsheets, presentations, online meetings, and digital filing systems.
• Ability to act in the best interests of the officiating program, while managing varied stakeholder interests and inputs.
• Understand the principles of Safe Sport, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
• Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of Pickleball Canada.

NOTES:

Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset.

A satisfactory police records check will be required as a condition of appointment.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume in one pdf document file named [LASTNAME, FIRST NAME, MANAGER OF OFFICIATING APPLICATION] by February 13, 2026, to: hr@pickleballcanada.org.

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