The #1 source for pickleball news in New York's Greater Capital Region. Written by a journalist and pickleball player.
518: A wood paddle tournament for old school players and kids pickleball for the new players
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#079 June 25, 2026 | Read on the web Summer is for kidsIf you've been looking for a way to get your kids involved in pickleball this summer, this may be the best lineup of junior programming I've ever seen. Clubs across the Capital Region and beyond are offering everything from beginner clinics and weeklong camps to guided play sessions and ice cream socials. Whether your child has never picked up a paddle or is ready to build match experience, there are options for a wide range of ages and skill levels. >> BREAKING NEWS: I have started a Team Reach for PARENTS of pickleball-playing kids. The join code is 518youth. We need to get more kids playing pickleball or our favorite sport is not going to survive. Please share today's newsletter with friends who have kids!
Columbia Courts expands youth clinicsColumbia Courts is adding more one-hour youth clinics taught by certified IPTPA instructor Mary Pat Knepper. The clinics include separate sessions for ages 7-10 and 11-14, with paddles provided. Organizers are gathering feedback from parents to determine future days and times. Upcoming clinics Monday, June 29
Wednesday, July 8
Registration is available through CourtReserve or by calling 518-275-0941. FryeGuys announces Junior Pickleball CampFryeGuys Pickleball will host a weeklong Junior Pickleball Camp July 27-31 in Clifton Park. Camp includes daily instruction, a camp T-shirt and snacks. Morning session
Afternoon session
Cost is $100 for the week. SPORTIME introduces Junior Learn & PlaySPORTIME Capital Region has added Junior Learn & Play to its summer programming lineup. The weekly sessions are open to children ages 6-12 and feature instruction from SPORTIME's coaching staff in a fun, welcoming environment. Details
SPORTIME Capital Region also has Teen Nights this summer, offering supervised, social open play for players of all skill levels every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. The program includes giveaways, swag and a fun atmosphere where teens can play, meet other young players and improve their game. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. www.sportimepickleball.com True Pickleball Club offers weeklong Kids ClinicTrue Pickleball Club will host a Kids Clinic series from Monday, June 29, through Friday, July 3, giving young players the opportunity to learn pickleball fundamentals while staying active in a fun, team-oriented environment. Designed for players ages 8-16, the daily sessions will focus on pickleball skills, game play, sportsmanship and cooperative team-building activities. Instruction will be tailored to participants' ages and experience levels. Players may register for individual days or multiple sessions. Multi-day and sibling discounts are available. Details
Registration: True launches Youth Guided Play & Ice Cream SocialsTrue Pickleball Club is introducing Youth Guided Play & Ice Cream Socials on Saturdays and Sundays beginning June 27-28. Unlike a traditional clinic, Guided Play allows young players to gain real match experience with instructors providing coaching and guidance throughout the games. Ice cream is included, and paddles and balls are provided. Players should have a basic understanding of pickleball rules and scoring before attending. The guided play/ice cream socials will take place on Saturday and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. https://www.truepickleballclub.org
Bousquet announces New England Wood Paddle ChampionshipSometimes the newest trend is an old one. Bousquet Sport in Pittsfield will host the New England Wood Paddle Championship July 16-19, giving every competitor the same style of traditional wood paddle. The tournament emphasizes strategy, consistency and shot-making while celebrating pickleball's roots. Each registration includes a complimentary wood paddle. Registration is $70 for the first event and $25 for additional events, plus software fees. Tournament information: Register now for ADK's Chuck Allen Memorial TournamentRegistration is filling quickly for the 6th Annual Chuck Allen Memorial Pickleball Tournament, hosted by ADK Pickleball Club on July 25-26 at the Jenkinsville Courts in Queensbury. The tournament benefits Women in Need, an organization that supports women, children and families throughout Warren, Washington, Saratoga and Essex counties. Men's and women's doubles will be played Saturday, July 25, with mixed doubles on Sunday, July 26. The event features two age divisions (Under 50 and 50+) and all skill levels are welcome. Registration is $35 for one event or $45 for two events. Registration closes July 18. https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/5f0afd1d-e254-4afa-8b69-ba21ae3c7771
Southern Saratoga YMCA hosts Dink to Donate fundraiser⬆️ Click to watch Jen's latest video. Funny as always:https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18udBypqxB/ The Southern Saratoga YMCA will host its annual Dink to Donate fundraiser on Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., raising money for the YMCA's Circle of Champs program, which supports local children facing life-threatening illnesses and their families. Participants simply make a donation, grab a paddle and try to dink a pickleball into a bucket for a chance to win prizes. Organizers have assembled an INSANE collection of raffle items, including paddles, bags, apparel, restaurant gift cards, coolers and gift baskets. A free barbecue featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, Bilinski's sausages and drinks will also be available. Last year's event raised more than $8,000, and organizers hope to top that total this year. https://cdymca.org/events/dink-donate Hockey Hut celebrates Independence Day with Fourth of July tournamentHockey Hut in Clifton Park is bringing players together for a Fourth of July pickleball tournament, with registration now open through CourtReserve. The event on Friday July 3rd at 9 a.m. offers an opportunity to enjoy holiday weekend competition with fellow Capital Region players. SPORTIME launches summer weekly specialsSPORTIME Capital Region has rolled out a full schedule of weekly summer programming beginning June 22. Highlights include:
This Friday's Dinner & Dinks will feature Frisky Fork Waffle Tacos and The Beverage Cart, along with supervised open play. Open play is $5 for members and $15 for nonmembers.
Wilton Pickleball Club opens registration for Session 3 ladder leaguesRegistration is now open for Session 3 of the Wilton Pickleball Club DUPR Round Robin Ladder League at McGregor Links Country Club. Women's play begins Tuesday, July 28, followed by the co-ed league on Wednesday, July 29. A men's league is also planned, with details coming soon. The leagues provide organized, competitive play while welcoming both McGregor Links members and nonmembers. Registration:
Lots of action on the coaching sceneLooking to sharpen your game? A growing number of certified instructors are offering pickleball programming throughout our extended region. This week features new clinics, private instruction and specialty programming from coaches in southern Vermont and the Berkshires. While these programs are a bit outside our core coverage area, they're close enough to make for a worthwhile day trip. But first, Xtreme Pickleball Club has space for coachesAre you a pickleball coach looking for court space? Xtreme Pickleball Club in Amsterdam (2 minutes off Interstate 90) has courts available to rent for coaches on most days and time slots. The venue has 3 dedicated courts and a practice court. Interested coaches are encouraged to contact mbarker@vairified.com for info. Coach Whitney Kraft hosts clinics in southern VermontCertified instructor Whitney Kraft is offering a new lineup of six-week pickleball clinics through Manchester (Vermont) Parks & Recreation, with classes designed for players from advanced beginners through intermediate-plus. The Thursday programs include:
In addition to group clinics, Kraft offers private, semi-private and small-group lessons. Reserve a spot by visiting manchester-vt.gov or contact Coach Whitney Kraft with any questions, or to book the private, semi private or 3+me lessons: (914) 486-8570. Leia Miller expands pickleball programming throughout the BerkshiresCertified IPTPA Level II instructor Leia Miller is expanding pickleball opportunities throughout Berkshire County, offering private instruction, clinics, coached play sessions, corporate wellness events and community programming for players of all skill levels. Her business also includes pickleball apparel and accessories, with plans underway for a Tropical Pickleball & Fitness Retreat in 2027. Learn more: North Eastern Racquets Summit brings coaches and club leaders togetherThe North Eastern Racquets Summit will take place Aug. 12 at Brook Bound Inn in Wilmington, Vermont, bringing together club owners, coaches, instructors and racquet sports professionals from across the Northeast. The afternoon summit will feature moderated discussions with new club owners, guest speakers, networking opportunities and on-court play in pickleball, padel and Typti. Meals, social events and outdoor activities are included. The event is free for RSPA members and $30 for nonmembers. Discounted lodging is also available at Brook Bound Inn. For more information or to RSVP, contact Whitney Kraft at WKraft@brookboundinnvt.com.
A sweet story of serendipitySomething happened to me the New York Empire State Senior Games that made me laugh and once again appreciate volunteers. I was helping on the score desk during one of those chaotic stretches when new divisions were starting, others were finishing and medals were flying out as fast as we could hand them out. Kati, the tournament director, told me that someone named Dawn had stopped by earlier, offered to help with medals and left her phone number. Kati had texted Dawn and asked her to come help. "I know Dawn," I said. I spotted my friend Dawn Petit watching matches, walked over and asked, "Can you help with the medals?" "Of course!" Dawn said, and followed me over to the medal stand. Dawn awarded the medals while Kati and I juggled playoffs, launched new divisions and answered player questions. When Dawn finished, she told me "I've always wanted to do that!" And she went back to watching the games. A few minutes later, another woman walked up wearing a bright yellow shirt with "Volunteer" across the front. "Hi," she said. "My name is Dawn. I'm here to help with the medals." Turns out that was the Dawn Kati had texted. Dawn Petit had simply answered the call because someone needed help. You can never have too many volunteers at a pickleball tournament. And apparently, sometimes you can't have too many Dawns, either. If you'd like to volunteer at a Pickleball518 tournament, fill out this quick form. Hope to see you on the court, 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.
#084 Oct. 15, 2026 | Read on the web Albany seeks volunteers to bring pickleball to more players The city of Albany is looking for pickleball enthusiasts willing to share their love of the game and help expand opportunities for residents to play. Volunteers are needed to help run open play sessions at Albany West Community Center, 520 Livingston Ave., and to introduce children to pickleball during weekday morning programs. The city also hopes to connect with other community centers (JCC, Boys...
#083 Oct. 1, 2026 | Read on the web Want to sponsor Thanksgiving at Emma tournament? Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 5th annual Thanksgiving at Emma Pickleball Tournament in Troy. A big thank you to ShinePro Window Cleaning and Worthington Flowers (owned by pickleball player Sam Swart), who have already signed on as sponsors! If you own a business— or know one that would like to support a fun local event while reaching the Capital Region pickleball community—I 'd love to hear...
#082 Sept. 17, 2026 | Read on the web Pickleball518 takes on table tennis Last night, Pickleball518 players and friends gathered at All+ Table Tennis in Menands for a free night of ping pong — and we had a blast. We also introduced the table tennis crowd to a little piece of pickleball culture: the after-match paddle tap. It’s such a familiar part of pickleball’s sportsmanship and community that we barely think about it. The table tennis players thought it was a little strange, but hopefully...