Pickleball, the sport that has captured the hearts of millions, is growing exponentially across the United States. Among its most enthusiastic players are the young athletes who represent the future of this dynamic sport. The National Junior Pickleball (NJP) organization is at the forefront of this youth movement, providing an unparalleled platform for junior players to compete, learn, and grow. With events like those held across the nation, NJP is transforming the landscape of youth pickleball and creating unforgettable experiences for young athletes and their families.

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The NJP Experience

The excitement and friendship of NJP tournaments are palpable from the moment the kids step onto the courts. Maverick, a 12-year-old player, encapsulates the spirit of these events perfectly:

“NJP is the absolute BEST tournament for Juniors. In both Arizona and Missouri, there was nonstop pickle play, great kids, and fun times on and off the court.”

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He reflects on the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that NJP strives to foster, where every match is an opportunity not just for competition, but for making lasting memories and friendships.

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Ariana A, aged 13, also shared her enthusiasm about her NJP experience:

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“My first NJP experience was simply amazing! Everyone involved in the organization of this event was kind, welcoming, and extremely supportive. They did a fantastic job of running a fair and smooth tournament. I got to compete and become friends with exceptionally talented kids from around the country. Overall, it was a fun and pleasant experience and I can’t wait to participate in the next National Junior Pickleball event!!”

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From ensuring fair play to creating a supportive environment, NJP's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of their events.

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DUPR’s Role at NJP

Courtney Loughridge, founder of  NJP, agrees that the common story among parents of players is that there is a lack of recreational games for kids.

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“Parents say that their kid only plays rec with adults, don’t have any kids to play with and they don’t want to play against adults in tournaments. We don’t know where they fit in or what their true skill level is.” Courtney says.

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NJP has continuously supported the growth of pickleball by utilizing the DUPR platform at the start of every junior's pickleball journey.

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“On the first evening of the event, NJP evaluators watch during skills clinic and king of the court style open play to ensure players are in the correct general skill bucket of beginner, intermediate, and advanced, as well as age groups of 12U, 14U, and 18U”, Courtney states.

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DUPR has been a way for the Juniors to play competitive games within their age and skill in singles, doubles, and team events with players from all around the country.

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She adds “all of these matches are reported to DUPR, so they have an accurate skill rating by the end of the event”. 

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The use of DUPR at NJP tournaments has led Juniors to easily find level-based clinics, leagues, and tournaments regardless of age in tournaments outside of the league as well.

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“Once Juniors have a DUPR, they can more easily know where they should register and can use their DUPR to track their pickleball journey as they grow and develop”, Courtney says. 

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The NJP Championships in October will be seeded accordingly using DUPR ratings, to help ensure that brackets are fair and balanced throughout the field. 

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A Community of Support

One of the standout features of NJP is the strong sense of community it builds among participants and their families. Tina L, mother of 10-year-old Madison, expresses her gratitude for the organization’s family-friendly approach:

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“As a parent, I’m thrilled that NJP is geared to benefit the kids!! They have so much fun and play so many games! Kids and parents building new friendships! It reminded us of our travel soccer club days!”

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The round-robin play format ensures a fair and competitive experience, as brackets are organized by similar skill levels and age groups, allowing participants to compete against peers of comparable ability. Beyond the excitement on the courts, players can enjoy a variety of perks, including free swag. The top three winners in each age and skill division will be honored with medals and a podium ceremony, celebrating their achievements in style. Additionally, the event provides opportunities to connect off the courts, fostering lasting memories and networking with potential partners and sponsors, enhancing the overall experience for all attendees. NJP events are also designed to allow players to meet and get to know each other before committing to a team. Players can sign up for the tournament with or without a doubles partner or team.

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Empowering the Next Generation

The mission of NJP goes beyond organizing tournaments; it is about empowering young athletes and helping them reach their full potential. By providing a structured yet enjoyable environment, NJP helps players develop their skills, gain confidence, and learn important life lessons through sport. The organization’s dedication to youth development is evident in every aspect of its operations, from the high-quality facilities to the professional and supportive staff.

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Looking Ahead

As NJP continues to grow and expand, the future looks incredibly bright for young pickleball players across the country! With each tournament, NJP not only showcases the talent of junior athletes but also strengthens the pickleball community, one match at a time.

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For more information about upcoming events and how to get involved, visit the National Junior Pickleball website. Whether you’re a young player eager to compete, a parent looking to support your child’s passion, or a pickleball enthusiast wanting to witness the future of the sport, NJP offers something truly special. Join the NJP community and be part of the exciting journey as we nurture the next generation of pickleball stars!

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