When Traditional Sports Don't Fit: A First Paddle Success Story

It's hard to be a boy without a sport. Especially if you're more into computers and less into competition. More in your head than in your muscles. More into books than bruises.

Yet this is where Weston* found himself. A teenager without a team. A quiet guy, wanting to be a part of the athletic world but not finding the right sport. His parents had tried getting him involved with all the traditional sports, but nothing seemed to fit.

Until he started with First Paddle.

Weston started finding other ways to play, participating in Southern Pickleball Academy's Pickleball & Pizza gatherings and other events. He progressed rapidly, moving from the Novice to the Skill Builders class in about a month.

He even stepped out of his comfort zone and into a leadership role when he was asked to speak to a group of adults about the First Paddle program. This was a big step for this soft-spoken young soul, but one Weston was willing to take to support the program that helped him find his way.

With First Paddle's emphasis on fun instead of winning (our motto is "If you had fun, you won!"), with this sport's strategy of placement over power, and with a focus on character traits that reach beyond the court and into life, Weston had found his sport.

So many of our youth are not involved in sports for a variety of reasons. Not everyone has the skills or competitive spirit to play basketball, soccer, baseball, or football. Others obsess on video games or spend their time scrolling through TikTok or finding "friends" on social media.

First Paddle campers enjoy camaraderie on the courts as they practice their skills.

Yet the "fun factor" of pickleball that we focus on in the First Paddle program keeps the game lighthearted and engaging. And the short games and multiple partners keeps the attention on camaraderie instead of competition. Real, in-person friendships develop. Kids who might otherwise give up on sports find success in pickleball.

We want to expand our program to reach more kids like Weston. Kids who don't fit in with other sports. Kids who might not otherwise be able to participate due to financial barriers. Kids who need a chance to succeed both on the court and in life.

Your support can make a difference. Whether through volunteering, making a one-time or ongoing contribution on Giving Tuesday, or setting up a Qualified Charitable Distribution to benefit First Paddle, you can help write more First Paddle Success stories. All the Westons out there will thank you.

*Name changed to protect anonymity.

Click here for info on QCDs.                           Click here for info on Giving Tuesday.