In the heart of Stamford, a unique collaboration is taking shape—one that blends fitness, fun, and community spirit to empower young people across Fairfield and Westchester counties. At the center of it all is Pickleball America, one of the nation’s largest indoor pickleball facilities and a proud champion of youth engagement through sport.
But this is more than just a story about pickleball. It’s about what happens when a fast-paced, easy-to-learn game meets the passion of local youth organizations with a shared mission: to uplift, engage, and support young people, especially those who need it most.
In recent months, Pickleball America has partnered with key community-focused groups—including Future 5, the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, and the Mill River Collaborative—to bring pickleball into after-school programs. These collaborations are intentionally focused on introducing the sport to underserved youth, opening doors to experiences that foster connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
For many kids, stepping onto the court at Pickleball America is their very first time playing an organized sport. But the joy is immediate. Laughter bounces off the walls as kids rally back and forth, learning not only the rules of the game but also lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
“Pickleball is more than a sport—it’s a gateway to confidence, friendships, and healthier habits,” said Pernille Halbro, Director of Pickleball at Pickleball America. “We’re thrilled to create opportunities for kids to discover something they can pick up quickly, enjoy deeply, and potentially carry with them for life.”
Indeed, pickleball’s accessibility is one of its greatest strengths. The game is easy to learn, low-cost, and doesn’t require elite athleticism—making it a perfect fit for all kids, regardless of background or experience. Whether it’s their first paddle swing or their hundredth rally, kids are moving their bodies, building resilience, and forming lasting bonds.
Youth organizations like Future 5 and the Boys & Girls Club see firsthand the broader impact. Through pickleball, students are finding new ways to manage stress, connect socially, and engage in structured activities that nurture leadership and communication skills. The Mill River Collaborative, with its focus on urban greenspaces and wellness, sees the sport as a natural
fit for their mission to build vibrant, healthy communities.
The benefits are undeniable:
Physical fitness that feels like fun, not a chore.
Mental health support through movement, play, and peer connection.
Socialization that crosses school districts and neighborhoods.
Confidence-building that carries off the court into classrooms and homes.
“Pickleball, unlike other sports, has a high level of socialization,” said Joe Schipani, Chief Pickleball Officer at Pickleball America. “It fosters communication, fair play, and life skills. When kids commit to learning, practice regularly, and grow through the sport, they’re gaining more than athletic ability—they’re learning how to win at life.”
With youth programs, summer clinics, after-school access, and community events all in motion, Pickleball America is more than a sports facility—it’s becoming a launchpad for the next generation of healthy, confident, and connected kids.
For these young players, every serve is a step toward something greater.
When kids commit to learning, practice regularly, and grow through the sport, they’re gaining more than athletic ability—they’re learning how to win at life.