JOOLA is thrilled to partner with the Golden Gate Pickleball Foundation (GGP), a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, to bring much-needed pickleball equipment to schools across San Francisco. Together, we’re helping introduce students to the sport, fueling their enthusiasm, and overcoming unexpected challenges along the way.

"Our foundation has lofty goals for growing pickleball in the Bay Area, including one day having pickleball become a high school varsity sport. A huge step in making this happen is through our partnership with JOOLA!," said Ryan Blanton, Marketing Chair.

San Francisco, with its compact 7x7-mile footprint, faces significant court space limitations, and high schools are no exception. GGP initially set out to bring pickleball to every high school within a year, but the reality has been more complex. Many PE departments are already stretched thin, and finding dedicated space for pickleball can be difficult. However, once students get the chance to play—whether on a tennis court without official pickleball lines or any available space—their excitement is undeniable.

Breaking down these barriers takes more than just emails and phone calls. The GGP team has learned that showing up in person makes all the difference. They’ve visited schools, engaged directly with PE teachers, and introduced pickleball firsthand with JOOLA equipment packages and expert instruction. Each time, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Our JOOLA equipment packages have been a game-changer for schools with tight budgets. While pickleball may not have been a priority for some schools initially, having access to the right equipment has made all the difference. Students have embraced the sport, and the impact is clear. One after-school program supported by GGP started with just nine students. Now, with two full sessions and a waiting list of 12, they’re considering adding another JOOLA package to keep up with demand.

Upcoming Events
Golden Gate Pickleball Spring Showdown