The #1 source for pickleball news in New York's Greater Capital Region. Written by a journalist and pickleball player.
518: A lot happening in Capital Region pickleball
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#070 Feb. 5, 2026 | Read on the web Share your pickleball newsThere's a lot happening in upcoming weeks — leagues, clinics, drills tournaments and a few community-driven events worth highlighting. If you have a pickleball event or stories about something special in your pickleball community, feel free to send them to me at cathleen@pickleball518.com and I will publish them. Send pictures too. People love photos! Note: I generally don't run individual photos from the medal podium unless there is something newsy about it. Publishing medals from our local players would be a full time job! But you should definitely share your medal photos on the Pickleball of the Capital District Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pickleballcapital/
Dink for Diabetes at TrueLet’s Dink for Diabetes is a charity pickleball event supporting Breakthrough T1D, an organization dedicated to accelerating breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes and its complications. The event will be held March 6, 2026, from 5–8 p.m. at True Pickleball Club, in Latham. The evening features open play, refreshments, raffles, and a social atmosphere centered on community and giving back. Participation is $75 per person, with limited spots available. Those unable to play are still encouraged to support the cause through donations of any amount. The event is organized by Pamela Yunginger, Katie Marschilok and Jane Harding. Yunginger was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2021, and pickleball and regular exercise have become an important part of managing the disease. The fundraiser combines that passion with a shared commitment to supporting research and advocacy through Breakthrough T1D. You can register to play, or donate here: https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=10442&pg=personal&px=13387050 Zumba & Pickleball at True PickleballTrue Pickleball and certified Zumba instructor Nate Wood will host their second Zumba & Pickleball event on March 1 from 10 a.m. to noon at True Pickleball, 195 Troy-Schenectady Road in Latham. The two-hour session begins with a fast-paced Zumba class from 10–11 a.m., followed by open-play pickleball from 11 a.m. to noon. Both portions are designed for all experience levels, including those new to Zumba, pickleball, or both. The cost is $10 for the full event. Registration is available by phone at 518-776-1170 or by email at manager@playtruepc.com.
Paddles in Bloom at the Schenectady YMCAThe 3rd annual Schenectady YMCA Paddles in Bloom tournament is set for March 21–22 and is now open for registration. https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/paddles-in-bloom-2026 Split-age pickleball tournament at the Southern Saratoga YMCAThe Love Dinks 50 Over 50 Under Split-Age Pickleball Tournament on Feb. 15 is a mixed doubles event pairing one player age 50 and older with one player under age 50. The split-age format is designed to encourage intergenerational play while maintaining competitive balance. https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/love-dinks-50-over-50-under-split-age-1 Full list of upcoming pickleball tournamentsFeb 15 | Love Dinks 50 Over 50 Under at Southern Saratoga Y Feb. 21–22 | Cabin Fever Pickleball Tournament at Glens Falls YMCA March 21–22 | 3rd annual Paddles in Bloom to benefit the Schenectady YMCA April 11–18 | US Open in Naples, Fla. June 5–7 | Dink for a Cure to benefit the Arthritis Foundation at Siena College June 13–14 | Flutters of Hope (rain date June 20–21) June 17–19 | Empire State Games (New York Senior Games) July 25–26 | 6th annual Chuck Allen Memorial Tournament at Jenkinsville Aug. 29–30 | Mohawk Pickleball Club Summer Slam 3
Instructor-led drill sessions at FryeGuysFryeGuys Pickleball Club in Clifton Park announced the newest addition to its staff, Kyleen Dye, a certified coach with the Better Pickleball Coaching Team, a nationally recognized program that runs pickleball camps across the country. Kyleen is offering instructor-led drill sessions on Fridays from 11 a.m. to noon. The sessions focus on specific skills based on the needs of those attending and include coaching feedback on form and technique. FryeGuys plans to add additional instructor-led sessions in the future. Sign up on Court Reserve. Pickleball Programs at the Greenbush YMCAThe Greenbush YMCA is offering a Learn to Play Pickleball program for beginners and those with little to no experience, running Feb. 15–March 8 on Sundays from 8–9:30 a.m. Participants will learn the basic rules, scoring, court positioning, and fundamental skills such as serving, volleying, and game strategy in a supportive environment. Certified instructors lead drills and gameplay with an emphasis on safety, sportsmanship, and confidence. All equipment is provided. https://operations.daxko.com/Programs/ProgramDetails.aspx?pid=3287426 Kids camp at Greenbush YMCAThe Greenbush YMCA is also offering a Youth Pickleball Program for ages 7–10, running Feb. 16–20, Monday through Friday from 1–2 p.m. The program introduces young players to pickleball through age-appropriate drills and games focused on serving, scoring, movement, and teamwork, while building confidence, coordination, and overall fitness. https://operations.daxko.com/Programs/ProgramDetails.aspx?pid=3287438
Picklers Winter League UpdatePicklers’ most recent round of winter leagues filled rapidly when registration opened, with some leagues reaching capacity in under one minute. In response to continued demand, the club has added two additional winter leagues and indicated it may expand offerings further based on interest. A new Sunday Intermediate League will run Sundays from 3–5 p.m., beginning Feb. 15. The eight-week league is geared toward intermediate players and costs $125, with signups opening Monday at noon on Court Reserve. The Advanced Ladder League has shifted from Wednesday nights to Sunday evenings from 7–9 p.m., also starting Feb. 15. This eight-week league costs $125, with registration currently open on Court Reserve. Picklers noted that interest in league play remains strong and that additional leagues — including later evening weekday options or weekend evenings — may be added if demand continues.
VAIR Named Official Rating System for NCPA TournamentsVAIR has been named the official rating system of National Collegiate Pickleball Association tournaments, the governing body of collegiate and junior pickleball.
Healing well and will be back on the court soon, Cathleen
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Pickleball518: Pickleball news from Upstate New York
The #1 source for pickleball news in New York's Greater Capital Region. Written by a journalist and pickleball player.
Hello Reader, Registration is open for the 4th Annual Dink for A Cure Pickleball Tournament benefiting the Arthritis Foundation. The tournament returns to Siena University (under newly installed lights) as part of Arthritis Community Weekend. The weekend includes the Walk to Cure Arthritis, the pickleball tournament and a wellness expo, with more than 1,000 people expected to attend the weekend's activities. The pickleball tournament will have divisions for all skill levels, and age divisions...
#073 March 19, 2026 | Read on the web Dink for a Cure returns to Siena for fourth annual tournament weekend Dink for A Cure, a charity tournament to benefit the Arthritis Foundation, will return to Siena University June 5–7. More than 200 players are expected to compete across 16 indoor courts inside the Siena field house, with a full slate of team, singles, doubles and skinny singles events. The tournament continues to grow each year, with a wide range of skill and age divisions, including...
#072 March 5, 2026 | Read on the web Team competition planned for Dink for a Cure at Siena College Registration for the Dink for a Cure Pickleball Tournament benefiting the Arthritis Foundation opens next week. This year there will be both a team event (Friday night, June 5) AND a traditional tournament on Saturday and Sunday (June 6–7). The team event will take place Friday, June 5, from 5:30–9 p.m. Teams must have at least two men and two women, with up to eight players allowed per team....