Pride in Play Youth Initiative
Every Child Deserves a Court.
Free pickleball clinics for underserved youth across California and beyond — teaching sport, building character, and creating belonging one rally at a time.
Why We Do This
Sport Is a Civil Right.
California and beyond is one of the most economically diverse regions in California. While Palm Springs thrives, neighboring communities face high poverty rates, limited after-school programming, and few safe spaces for kids to simply play.
Pride in Play changes that. We partner with schools, parks, and community centers to deliver free, structured pickleball clinics — no equipment needed, no cost to families, no barriers to entry. Just a court, a coach, and a kid who deserves to be there.
How It Works
The Clinic Model
Every Pride in Play clinic follows a proven 4-step framework designed to maximize impact and community connection.
Partner Site Identified
We work with schools, parks, recreation centers, and community organizations to identify host sites with court space or open pavement. We bring everything else.
Equipment Provided
The Pride supplies all paddles, balls, portable nets, and safety gear. Participants never need to purchase or bring anything — just show up ready to play.
Certified Instruction
Trained Pride coaches deliver a 6-session curriculum covering fundamentals, strategy, sportsmanship, and life skills. Sessions run 60–90 minutes after school or on weekends.
Community Celebration
Every clinic ends with a closing rally — families invited, local boosters present, kids showcasing what they've learned. It's a celebration of belonging as much as sport.
The Curriculum
Six Sessions. A Lifetime of Skills.
Welcome to the Court
Court safety, equipment intro, basic grip and ready position. Building comfort and excitement.
The Dink & The Drive
Groundstrokes, the dink game, and understanding court zones. Developing touch and control.
Serve & Return
Legal serve mechanics, return positioning, and rally consistency. Building the foundation of every point.
The Kitchen Game
Non-volley zone strategy, patience, and soft game mastery. The mental side of pickleball.
Match Play
Supervised match play, score-keeping, and sportsmanship in action. Real competition in a safe environment.
Closing Rally
Showcase matches, family celebration, certificates of completion, and a pathway to continued play.
Partner With Us
Host a Clinic at Your Site
We're actively seeking schools, parks, recreation centers, and community organizations across California and beyond to host Pride in Play clinics. If you have a space and a community that could benefit, we want to hear from you.
Zero Cost to Your Organization
The Pride covers all equipment, coaching, and logistics. You provide the space and the kids.
Flexible Scheduling
After-school, weekend, or summer sessions — we work around your calendar and community needs.
Ongoing Relationship
Partner sites become part of The Pride network, with access to future programming, events, and resources.
Community Recognition
Your organization is featured in our Booster Directory, social media, and annual impact report.
Get Involved
Coach. Mentor. Show Up.
Pride in Play runs on the energy of volunteers. Whether you're a certified pickleball coach or just someone who believes every kid deserves a fair shot, there's a role for you.
Clinic Coach
Lead sessions using our curriculum. USAPA certification preferred but not required — we provide training.
Court Assistant
Support coaches during sessions, help with equipment setup, and keep energy high on the court.
Closing Rally Host
Help organize and run the family celebration at the end of each clinic series.
Program Coordinator
Help us identify partner sites, schedule clinics, and manage logistics behind the scenes.
Take the First Step
Host a Clinic or Volunteer
Fill out the form below and our Youth Program Director will be in touch within 48 hours.
Get Involved
Ready to Be Part of This?
Join the club, become a member, add your name to our interest list, or support us with a donation.