It all started with a simple question from a seven-year-old boy. Courtney Loughridge’s son, Jack, was a talented young pickleball player, often finding himself on the podium next to adults. While the victories were exciting, he wanted something more. As Courtney recalls, “My son was like, ‘But are there any other kids here?’ He was really serious about it, and it was his primary sport.”

That simple question was a lightbulb moment. Courtney, a mom with a background in building community programs, realized kids didn't just need a place to play; they needed a place to belong.

From a Local Clinic to a National Movement

NJP Founder Courtney Loughridge with her family.

True to her nature as a problem-solver, Courtney didn’t wait for a solution—she created one. She organized a small kids’ clinic in Las Vegas, which soon grew into a larger event. When over a hundred families flew in from across the country and even Canada, she knew she’d tapped into a universal need.

“All the families said, ‘We need this. This is what we need and we’ve been missing,’” Courtney says. “Because it was more than just a tournament. It was a community where kids got to hang out.”

In January 2024, National Junior Pickleball (NJP) was officially born, and its growth has been nothing short of remarkable. With a packed schedule of regional tournaments, NJP has created a vibrant and supportive ecosystem for junior pickleball players.

A “Kids-First” Philosophy

NJP's entire philosophy is "kids first," a focus Courtney maintains passionately. “It’s always about the kids and the family first,” she explains. “We’re focused on building not just pickleball players, but building great athletes, great sportsmanship, and great people beyond the court.”

This philosophy is woven into every aspect of NJP’s events.

Fair Fights: They use DUPR ratings to group kids by skill and age, keeping matches competitive and fun.
No Partner? No Problem: You don't even need a pre-arranged doubles partner to sign up. NJP helps pair kids up on-site, removing a major barrier for new players.
It's a Weekend, Not a War: The events are three-and-a-half-day affairs that feel more like a pickleball festival than a tournament. There's singles, doubles, and even a team day, so kids get tons of playing time with different people.

The Importance of Integrity and Sportsmanship

A group of kids having fun at a National Junior Pickleball event.

NJP is built on an unwavering commitment to integrity. Referees are a significant investment, but as Loughridge says, "Refs set the standard for behavior and fairness. Kids know results are about play, not arguments. That creates a safe space."

This consistent presence reinforces the values of fair play and respect. Loughridge's mantra, "today's opponent might be tomorrow's partner," is a constant reminder to the young athletes to be gracious in both victory and defeat.

It's Not Just About the Pickleball

The sense of community at NJP events is incredible. Parents who were strangers on Friday are organizing group dinners by Saturday. The kids are playing Spikeball in the hallways between matches. It's the kind of community you hope for in youth sports but rarely get. The “village” approach to running tournaments ensures that everyone feels welcome and valued.

"We want them to find a place like they're not alone," Courtney emphasizes. "They will find a place to belong and friends to leave with so they can keep playing pickleball for as long as they want to."

A Smarter Way to Rank Players

NJP is constantly evolving, recently launching its new NJP Tour Rankings to fix a major headache in youth sports: the endless chase for points. The system is designed to reward talent over travel.

It’s built on a “Best Four” model, where only a player’s top four results in a 12-month period count. This allows kids to track their progress and be recognized for excellence without sacrificing their school and family life. "For too long, junior players felt pressure to chase points by showing up everywhere,” says Loughridge. “NJP Tour Rankings recognize talent and growth... kids can focus on school and family, compete when it makes sense, and still be rewarded.”

The NJP Difference

National Junior Pickleball is more than a series of tournaments. It's a movement shaping the future of the sport. By prioritizing community, integrity, and sportsmanship, NJP isn't just creating great pickleball players; it's building a generation of confident, well-rounded individuals. For families looking for a place where their children can thrive both on and off the court, NJP is the answer.

How National Junior Pickleball is Building a Community of Leaders