The #1 source for pickleball news in New York's Greater Capital Region. Written by a journalist and pickleball player.
518: Men are welcome, clinics and an update on the East Greenbush pavilion
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#065 Oct. 23, 2025 | Read on the web Men join the Thanksgiving pickleball traditionThis year’s Thanksgiving at Emma Tournament (Nov. 22–24 at The Emma Willard School in Troy) has something new — men’s doubles and mixed doubles events. After years as a women’s-only tournament, it’s exciting to finally welcome the guys to join the fun. There are already have strong sign-ups in several divisions, but we’re hoping to round out the brackets with more men’s teams. Check the list below to see how your division is shaping up. The tournament has always been about more than great pickleball. Players bring food for the Mount Ida Pantry and clothing for Joseph’s House, both in Troy. Raffle sales support those causes, too — it’s a weekend that blends competition and community. The super early bird discount ended, but the regular early bird discount is available through Nov. 3, so it’s a great time to lock in your spot. Register at https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/2025-thanksgiving-at-emma-willard Advanced Injury Prevention and TreatmentDiscover a proven injury prevention program from Dr. Tim Maggs, a sports medicine expert with over 45 years of experience, 300+ published articles, and 8 peer-reviewed studies. Dr. Maggs unique Feet First System focuses on biomechanics—correcting foot asymmetry and hip imbalance with custom orthotics to reduce injury risk. Don’t let pain keep you from the pickleball court. Visit www.drtimmaggs.com to start your injury prevention journey today. SPONSOR
Registrations for Emma TournamentHere is a detailed list at registrations at the Thanksgiving at Emma tournament thus far. Womens Doubles – Nov. 22, 2025
Mens Doubles – Nov. 22, 2025
Mixed Doubles – Nov. 23, 2025
Coed Doubles Scramble – Nov. 24, 2025 (does not count toward DUPR)
https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/2025-thanksgiving-at-emma-willard Upcoming tournamentsNov. 8-9: Capital Cup at True Pickleball Nov. 14-16 Support Our Heroes at Southern Saratoga YMCA Nov. 22, 23 & 24: Thanksgiving at Emma 2026 Tournaments - mark your calendarApril 11-13, 2026: US Open in Naples, Fla. June 13 & 14, 2026: Flutters of Hope (rain-date June 20 & 21) July 25- 26 2026: 6th Annual Chuck Allen Memorial Tournament at Jenkinsville
Sportime Junior Academy starts Saturday - spots availableDesigned for young players, ages 7-15, the Junior Pickleball Academy training programs introduce the game through fun drills and supervised, competitive game play. Certified Pickleball coaches introduce fundamental skills including the dink, drive, serve and return, as well as rules of the game, point scoring systems and proper court positioning. Oct. 25 - Dec. 13, Saturdays 11 a.m. to noon, eight weeks for $175 Call: (518) 356-0100 or Text: 518-535-9180 Clinics at Guilderland YMCABeginner Pickleball clinicHttps://operations.daxko.com/programs/redirector.aspx?cid=3063&pid=11080&sid=3256677 Upcoming clinics at Impact Athletic CenterPickleball101: Designed for beginners, this four-week program introduces the fundamentals of pickleball in a relaxed, supportive setting. Players will learn the rules, grip, serving, dinking, and scoring while practicing through fun, low-pressure drills and games. The class is led by experienced instructors, and all equipment is provided—though participants are welcome to bring their own paddles. Dates: November 5, 12, 19, and 26 Pickleball 201: This next-level class builds on the foundation from Pickleball 101. Participants will refine their serve and return, improve shot placement, and learn how to move effectively with a doubles partner—including when to approach the non-volley zone, or “kitchen.” Students should already be comfortable with court positioning, scoring, and the basic flow of play. Dates: November 4, 11, 18, and 25
Spots left in True leaguesTrue Pickleball Club’s fall leagues begin Monday, November 10. The sessions run six weeks to avoid the holidays, except for Thursday leagues, which span four weeks. Playing in a fall league is the only way to secure a spot in the winter leagues. Register on Court Reserve. There are a few spots left in...
Oct. 25: Halloween Inflatable Day at PicklersOn Saturday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m., you can play at Picklers for $11 if you wear an inflatable. The cost is $12.50 otherwise. Oct. 29 Halloween Round Robin at Southern Saratoga YMCAThe Halloween Round Robin at the Southern Saratoga YMCA features themed play sorted by skill level. Participants compete in standard round robin format in a festive, community-driven environment. Costumes are optional but encouraged to add to the seasonal spirit.
Oct. 31: Graveyard Rave at TrueA Graveyard Rave will be held Friday, October 31, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at True. Guests are encouraged to wear graveyard-themed costumes. The evening will include spooky finger foods, ghoulish punch, desserts, and three hours of open play. Awards will be presented for the best costumes. All events will take place at True Pickleball Club, 195 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham. For inquiries, call 518-776-1170. Court reservations can be made at https://www.playtruepc.com/reserve.
Building on Love raffle has another Pickleball TreeTickets are on sale for the Building on Love Trees of Hope Raffle, which once again, has a tree full of pickleball items. Ticket Raffle Page:https://secure.qgiv.com/event/bolholidays2025/store/ Main Holiday Event Page:https://secure.qgiv.com/event/bolholidays2025/ Saturday Open Play at Sportime benefits cancer foundationSportime Schenectady's Pickle n' Pink Open Play on Saturday (10/25) from 1-4pm costs $15. Half proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen foundation.
East Greenbush 4-court pavilion almost readyI played my first game at the not-quite-yet open pickleball pavilion in East Greenbush next to True Value. The owners have named the facility Columbia Pickleball. The surface felt great. The club plans to use Court Reserve. A soft opening is in the works. I hope to see you on the courts! Cathleen Crowley Denbeaux
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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....