PICKLEBALL CANADA LAUNCHES NATIONAL COACHING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM WITH TENNIS CANADA

September 8, 2021

Pickleball Canada Organization (Pickleball Canada) AND Tennis Canada today announced a long-term agreement on pickleball coaching development across Canada. Pickleball Canada and the Tennis Professionals Association (TPA) — Tennis Canada’s coaching development arm — will collaborate in the development and implementation of a nationwide pickleball coaching education and certification program accredited by the Coaching Association of Canada’s National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).

Pickleball Canada is pleased that Mark Renneson has joined TPA to lead this initiative under the terms of this five- year agreement with Tennis Canada. Courses will begin in October 2021, with pilot sessions to be held in advance. Mark will work closely with Deanna Hanes, Pickleball Canada’s Vice-President of Sport Development and Competition to develop and roll out the program. With these two well qualified individuals working together, the emerging program is well positioned to provide excellent coaching for new and existing Canadian pickleball players for years to come.

“As one of the fastest growing sports worldwide, this collaborative agreement with Tennis Canada will only help the long-term development of pickleball in Canada”, said Karen Rust, President of Pickleball Canada. “We look forward to working with Tennis Canada to help build and strengthen both of these great sports in our country.”

“Our research clearly indicates that pickleball – while being a fast-growing, independent sport – can be part of the tennis pathway for life for some of the over three million frequent tennis players in Canada”, said Michael Downey, President and CEO of Tennis Canada. “These players include pickleball in their menu of recreation sports, so it makes sense that Tennis Canada assist an emerging sport that can be played on tennis courts and is included in the offering of many tennis clubs.”

Mark Renneson has built a strong reputation in the world of pickleball and pickleball coaching development. Through his business, Mark trains pickleball players and serves as a consultant to clubs and other pickleball organizations across North America. He is well known to pickleball fans in Canada and abroad and is a regular colour commentator at major pickleball tournaments.

Pickleball remains the fastest growing sport worldwide, with over 350,000 pickleball players across Canada. This number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. As the number of players grows, so does the need for well-trained coaches. This agreement will allow Pickleball Canada to leverage Tennis Canada’s existing infrastructure and status with NCCP and the Coaching Association of Canada.

For more information, please contact:
Deanna Hanes
Pickleball Canada Organization
613-888-7968