2025 in Review

Growth, Access, and Impact in 2025 at Southern Pickleball Academy

In 2025, Southern Pickleball Academy continued to build on its mission of expanding access to pickleball while using the sport to strengthen youth and communities across our region. With expanded school programming, successful youth and community events, tournaments that brought competition and camaraderie, and a growing roster of partners and sponsors, this year demonstrated the power of grassroots investment in youth and community health.

Opening Courts in Schools: Opportunities That Matter

A cornerstone of our work has been bringing pickleball into schools where students may never have had the chance to play before. In 2025, Southern Pickleball Academy completed equipment donations to every school in both Aiken and Edgefield County, ensuring that students from middle school through high school have ongoing access to nets, paddles, balls, and court setup materials. This investment has created opportunities for physical education classes, after-school clubs, intramural activities, and student-led play that simply didn’t exist before.

By placing equipment directly into schools, we’ve helped unlock pickleball as a standard part of students’ activity options — giving them a sport that’s accessible, social, and adaptable to all skill levels. This presence in schools lays the groundwork for lifelong participation and helps support physical activity during crucial developmental years.

Battle of the Paddles: Tournament Play for Youth

One of the standout events of 2025 was our Battle of the Paddles Youth Pickleball Tournament, held May 17 at Gregg Park Civic Center. As the only junior pickleball tournament in the area, this competition provided youth ages 9–18 with their first real tournament experience in a friendly scramble format — no partner required, inclusive age divisions, and a supportive environment designed to encourage participation more than performance.

Volunteers staffed the event from start to finish, greeting players at check-in, briefing them on the day’s play with our motto “If you had fun, you won!”, and helping keep courts running smoothly. Swag bags from sponsors like Xfinity and Revolin Sports added to the excitement, and the awards podium celebrated young athletes who showcased skill, sportsmanship, and a love for the game.

Battle of the Paddles wasn’t just a tournament — it was a practical next step for students who have been introduced to pickleball in school or through First Paddle programming, giving them the real-world competitive experience that keeps players engaged and eager to improve.

First Paddle: Youth Development, Skill by Skill

The First Paddle program continued to grow as our flagship youth development initiative, progressing beyond basic play to structured levels of instruction, character development, and skill refinement. This year we launched First Paddle’s official branding and website, implemented volunteer safety and training policies, offered CPR/First Aid certification for volunteer coaches, and expanded programming to include Level 2 (Skill Builders) based on community interest.

Participants in First Paddle developed not only core pickleball skills, but also resilience, sportsmanship, and confidence — qualities that carry far beyond the court and into every part of their lives.

Community Engagement: Clinics, Events, and Partnerships

Beyond schools and youth programs, Southern Pickleball Academy maintained an active presence in public community spaces throughout the year. We hosted regular open-play events — from Pickleball & Pizza to Dinks & Donuts — welcoming newcomers and experienced players alike.

We also ran targeted clinics with organizations like the Salvation Army Red Shield Youth Center and engaged families at community gatherings including Earth Day celebrations and STEM festivals. These outreach activities provided approachable, low-barrier entry points to pickleball and helped connect diverse populations with opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.

Tournaments That Unite: Reindeer Games Recap

The Third Annual Reindeer Games tournament returned in December at Dink’d Pickleball in Augusta, featuring age and skill divisions with competitive play in Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. This hallmark event brought players together, strengthened local pickleball networks, and generated valuable support for Academy programming.

Held with strong volunteer engagement and community sponsorship, Reindeer Games continues to be a highlight of our tournament calendar and a meaningful fundraiser that directly supports youth and outreach efforts.

Grants, Visibility, and Financial Momentum

Financial support and visibility are critical to sustaining and expanding our impact. In 2025, Southern Pickleball Academy received funding from SRNS Outreach and Comcast/Xfinity, launched a Qualified Charitable Distribution awareness campaign, and maintained a highly transparent operational profile, including earning the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

Media appearances, partnerships, and strategic outreach have helped raise awareness of our mission and create new pathways for community engagement.

Looking Ahead: Join Us in the Next Chapter

Our work is far from finished. As interest in youth pickleball grows — and as more students, families, and community members discover the benefits of this sport — Southern Pickleball Academy will continue expanding access, strengthening programs, and building organized pathways from school PE classes to competitive play.

If you’re passionate about youth development, community health, and making a measurable impact with your time or resources, there’s a role for you here. Volunteers power our events, support our youth initiatives, and help us run programs that change lives. Donors fuel equipment, scholarships, and expanded reach. Together, we are building opportunities that extend far beyond the baseline.

Thank you to our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and advocates. Your partnership enables meaningful experiences that keep kids active, connected, and ready to take center stage — on the court and in their communities.

Be Part of What Comes Next

The growth and impact of Southern Pickleball Academy in 2025 were made possible by people who chose to get involved — by giving their time, sharing their expertise, and investing in opportunities for youth and communities.

As we look ahead, there are many ways to be part of what’s next:

• Volunteer at youth tournaments, clinics, and community events

• Support our programs through one-time or recurring donations

• Partner with us as a sponsor or community advocate

• Spread the word by sharing our mission with friends and colleagues

Whether you’re passionate about youth development, community health, or the simple joy of pickleball, your involvement helps create access, build confidence, and open doors for the next generation of players.

👉 Learn more about volunteering or supporting Southern Pickleball Academy at southernpickleballacademy.org.