Pickleball BC’s (“PBC”) Phase 2 of Activating Youth Pickleball in BC (“AYPBC”)—Vancouver’s North Shore Regional 2025/2026 Update

PBC’s AYPBC Phase 2 program expanded to 7 Regions across BC (Phase 1 was 3 Regions) in 2025/2026 and Maggie Murch led the new Vancouver North Shore Region. As part of this effort, North Shore Pickleball Club (“NSPC”) partnered with PBC to implement AYPBC Phase 2 in this Region. The school year 2025/2026 marked an exciting season of growth for the North Shore’s elementary and high school’s pickleball program, which was made possible through outstanding leadership, strong community partnerships, and the dedication of volunteers as outlined further below.

With the assistance of exceptional NSPC coordinators Wendy Holtan and Joan Burke, the region expanded their reach and introduced hundreds of students and teachers to the sport.

Here’s a look at the many highlights and accomplishments that made this school year’s program such a tremendous success:

• Ten North and West Vancouver teachers completed the NCCP Level 1 coaching certification, funded by PBC’s AYPBC program initiatives supported by PBC, viaSport BC and Pickleball Canada
• Four schools (Queen Mary, Dorothy Lynas, Eastview, and Alcuin, grades 7-10), participated in AYPBC’s four-week introduction to pickleball program with an emphasis on giving teachers the confidence to coach students independently today and in the future
• Hosted four teacher staff socials, which were always a huge hit and the best way to get teachers excited to play pickleball with their students
• A full day of pickleball introduction at Bowen Island Community School reaching 10 classes
• Alcuin College – introduction to grades 3 – 6
• A full day at Lynnmour Elementary – grades 3 – 7
• NSPC members donated 60 paddles and balls allowing the program to provide two complete school sets to Queen Mary and the new Cloverly Elementary, opening in Fall 2026

• Owl Sports donated four paddles and balls to Tine Parker, North Vancouver School District Administrator, Healthy Futures for the OneAbility Games
• Highlands, Canyon Heights and Ross Road Elementary schools brought a few classes down to Fairgrounds Pickleball for pickleball sessions
• ​Argyle Secondary brought all of their grade 9 physical-education students down to Fairgrounds

According to Maggie Murch, NSPC Youth Development Coordinator: “It was a busy Spring and we can’t thank all our volunteers enough! These programs required more than 95 volunteer shifts and they stepped up! We simply couldn’t have run this without them! And I couldn’t have done this without Joan and Wendy—thank you SO much! We truly have the most supportive and generous pickleball community!

Next year, we will likely look at introducing some programs at different times of the school year as well. If you’re keen to get involved, please do let Wendy, wholtan@shaw.ca; Joan, jburke@shaw.ca; or I know! Thank you NSPC!!!”

David Snell, PBC President says: “Looking at what our AYPBC team has accomplished so far and what we are planning in the future, AYPBC is well positioned to make pickleball a lasting part of youth physical education on Vancouver’s North Shore, across BC, and next school year with the help of Pickleball Canada, to other interested provinces and territories.

With more NCCP certified teacher coaches and leaders, enhanced teaching methodologies and documentation, expanded equipment access, and strong volunteer and community support, more schools are likely to adopt our favourite sport independently, creating sustainable youth participation. Over time, this will increase lifelong involvement in pickleball, strengthen local clubs and facilities, and develop the next generation of players, coaches, and volunteers.”

PBC President David Snell continues to say: “Also we should acknowledge that the AYPBC initiative would not be possible without the dedication to youth programming demonstrated by our BC Affiliated Clubs and Associated Partners and their hard working volunteers along with viaSport BC grants, donations from PBC, PCO, and Franklin Sports, and the numerous regional school personnel who tirelessly worked around the clock to make this happen”.

For additional information, contact:
David Snell, PBC President
President@PickleballBC.ca