BUILDING THE FUTURE
PLAY, GROW & BELONG
Kids can grow, compete, and connect through pickleball.
A community where young athletes belongs.
HOW WE STARTED
When my son, Jack, discovered pickleball at age seven, it quickly became clear that this wasn’t just a passing interest. As he began to enter adult tournaments and hold his own against much older competitors, I realized there were no high-quality tournaments just for juniors. My daughter Lily, a competitive swimmer who enjoys pickleball recreationally, also didn’t have a way to participate with others of similar age and skill level. There was no place where kids could compete against their peers, form friendships, and grow together—they needed a place to enjoy the game and find a community to belong to.
So, in 2022 I helped organize the first junior pickleball tournament in Las Vegas. It was small—just 40 kids—but the energy, the joy, the sense of community was undeniable. In 2024, with support from JOOLA Pickleball and DUPR, I officially launched the National Junior Pickleball (NJP). Since then, the NJP Tour has hosted regional tournaments across the country, welcoming thousands of players and families into a community that continues to grow organically.
I started NJP because I believe that kids deserve their own stage and space to participate in the sport—no matter their skill level. They deserve events that are tailored to their development, their joy, and their potential. Playing on the NJP Tour is about more than medals—it’s about building a pathway from the littles who are just starting to play, to the teens dedicated to training to compete at the highest levels.
– Courtney Loughridge, Founder CEO
NJP IS A PLACE FOR KIDS TO GROW IN THE SPORT, TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS,
AND TO DISCOVER WHAT THEY’RE CAPABLE OF—ON AND OFF THE COURT.
WHAT WE’RE ABOUT
The National Junior Pickleball (NJP) Tour was created to empower and unite the next generation of pickleball athletes. Our mission is to provide exceptional, juniors-only tournaments and experiences that foster meaningful competition, personal growth, and a sense of belonging for players ages 8–18 across all skill levels—from beginners picking up a paddle for the first time to advanced players training for collegiate and professional opportunities.
We believe that youth deserve a dedicated space to compete, connect, and develop both as athletes and individuals. NJP IS BUILDING A VIBRANT, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY WHERE YOUNG PLAYERS AND THEIR FAMILIES FEEL SEEN, SUPPORTED, AND INSPIRED.
Each NJP Tour event is designed not just as a tournament, but as an opportunity for kids and teens to learn life lessons through sport—sportsmanship, resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
As we grow, NJP is committed to being the premier platform for junior pickleball in the U.S. and beyond—serving as a bridge between grassroots development and the future of the sport at the highest levels.
NJP is proud to be supported by many of the leading brands in pickleball. Our tour is powered by JOOLA Pickleball, with additional major support from Franklin X-40, Skechers Pickleball, MyPadl, and generous contributions from a growing list of product partners. These partnerships help us elevate the NJP experience for every junior player and provide a premier experience at affordable.
WHERE WE’RE GOING
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, NJP is focused on scaling with purpose and heart. We’re building strategic partnerships with premier venues across the country to provide more frequent, high-quality opportunities for Juniors to compete. At the same time, we’re growing our vibrant community of players, parents, and referees, while aligning with brands that believe in the power and future of youth sports.
From the first 0-0-2…
To meet growing demand, we’re expanding the number of Regional events nationwide and have introduced a new 8–10 age division to better serve our youngest athletes.
…To Center Court
We’re also launching an Elite Division at select Regionals—designed specifically for highly skilled players 18 and under. This division creates space for high-level Juniors to compete in a positive, community-driven environment where they can explore new partnerships and rediscover the joy that brought them to the game. Medalists in the Elite Division earn cash prizes and free tournament entries, adding an exciting incentive to top-tier play.
NJP is committed to creating meaningful, memorable experiences for Junior athletes at every level. These aren’t just tournaments—it’s a place where junior players forge friendships, families connect, and kids discover their confidence on and off the court.
OUR STORY
Courtney Loughridge is deeply committed to nurturing the junior pickleball community. For two years, she tirelessly sought tournament opportunities for her son, Jack (@Jack_pickleball), who often had to compete against adults due to the lack of youth options. Her daughter Lily, a competitive swimmer who enjoys pickleball recreationally, also didn’t have an avenue to participate with others of similar age and skill level.
Drawing from her background in community programming and non-profit development, Courtney embarked on a mission to address these unmet needs for parents like herself. She created NJP as a supportive community where players—from beginners to advanced—can compete against their peers in a friendly environment and share their passion for pickleball.
Phil Raschke
Registration & Tournament Operations
I retired from the Seattle Fire Department in 2022 and moved to Phoenix, Arizona to enjoy the sunshine and pickleball. I’ve been a lifelong sports participant and fanatic, including playing and coaching youth and high school football, which eventually led me to running leagues and tournaments for various sports. About eight years ago, I discovered pickleball, and my competitive fire was re-ignited. My youngest son was drawn into the sport as well, and playing with him opened the opportunity to run youth pickleball tournaments—creating a space where young players can experience the joy of competition, build friendships, and enjoy everything pickleball has to offer.
Patti Chess
Match Coordinator
Patti grew up both playing and coaching various sports, including tennis and soccer. Originally from St. Louis, she has lived in Las Vegas since 1978.
She played tennis from 1997 until she discovered pickleball in 2013. Since that time, Patti has served as a USA Pickleball Ambassador, an IPTPA certified instructor, as well as President and Board member of Southern Nevada Pickleball (501c3).
Patti has seen the positive impact pickleball has had on individuals getting into the game and loves to see the joy that happens as they learn the sport.
Ruben Dominguez JR
Volunteer Coordinator
Ruben’s background spans communications, donor relations, and hospitality, but he’s just as at home on a pickleball court or out exploring the open road.
Whether it’s playing competitive matches with friends, hiking through national parks, or heading out on a new road trip, he’s always chasing the next adventure.
At NJP, Ruben brings that same energy and passion to helping young athletes grow through the game of pickleball.
Ben McNair
Player Development
Profile coming soon…
Wende Steiner
Head Referee
Profile coming soon…
Pam Leslie
Head Referee
Profile coming soon…
The National Junior Pickleball Tour is a supporter of an online training initiative using educational content created by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. This collaboration will provide sports abuse awareness and prevention training to our staff, parents, and players. The U.S. Center for SafeSport offers training, tools, and resources to help build positive environments so every athlete—amateur to competitive—feels safe, supported, and strengthened through sport. A SafeSport user account is required for access to FREE SafeSport training courses for parents and players.
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.
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.