BUILDING THE FUTURE

PLAY, GROW & BELONG

Kids can grow, compete, and connect through pickleball.
A community where young athletes belongs.

IN THE NEWS

NJP is lighting up the junior pickleball world, and the buzz is spreading fast. From local courts to national headlines, everyone’s talking about the energy, talent, and community we’re building.

The National Junior Pickleball (NJP) Tour is about to make history. As part of the 2025 JOOLA Celebration, NJP will host its largest-ever juniors-only tournament—bringing together over 200 athletes aged 8–18 from across the United States, plus competitors from Ecuador and South Korea.

Las Vegas, NV – July 29, 2025 – National Junior Pickleball (NJP), the premier competitive platform for youth pickleball in the U.S., has announced a groundbreaking partnership with MyJourney Pickleball (MJP), the developer of DUPR Coach to ensure every junior player enters NJP events with a trusted and accurate rating. 

National Junior Pickleball - Girl with a ponytail points to the front, flanked by two boys holding pickleball paddles

Gen Z is Changing the Game

Pickleball isn’t just your grandparents’ game anymore. More younger players than ever are picking up a paddle for the first time. The sport is seeing a surge in popularity among Gen Z (ages 13-28), with young adults (18-24) showing the highest participation rates. This young generation is driving a new wave of energy and excitement in the game.

The National Junior Pickleball (NJP) Tour is about to make history. As part of the 2025 JOOLA Celebration, NJP will host its largest-ever juniors-only tournament—bringing together over 200 athletes aged 8–18 from across the United States, plus competitors from Ecuador and South Korea.

Pickleball’s popularity has led it to become one of the largest played sports across the country. Originally a sport popular amongst the senior community, it has trickled down to younger generations. Although the large majority of players is still adults, the number of junior participants is growing rapidly. 

“Kids need other kids to play against.” That was the driving force behind the creation of National Junior Pickleball (NJP), which Courtney Loughridge founded just a few years ago. This series of tournaments began locally in Las Vegas, Nevada, but has since grown into the largest series of junior tournaments nationwide.

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. 

NJP North Carolina Regional