Life Time, the leading healthy lifestyle brand and foremost provider of pickleball amenities, programming, and leagues, has announced a collaboration with DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) to introduce a major new junior pickleball program.
Play-Centered Activities
This initiative aims to acquaint more youngsters with the rapidly expanding sport in America.
In a climate where 70% of children cease participating in sports by the age of 13 (as reported by the National Alliance for Youth Sports), Life Time‘s inventive junior curriculum places significant emphasis on learning through enjoyable practice sessions, as opposed to drills and instructional sessions that youngsters may find unengaging.
Life Time’s junior pickleball program prioritizes these play-centered activities, aiding children in developing their athletic abilities while fostering a genuine fondness for the sport.
Pickleball Proficiencies And Life Skills
Children will acquire pickleball-specific proficiencies and life skills through weekly round-robin games, with a focus on solidifying game-related aptitudes, aligning with age and developmental stages, and imparting valuable life lessons within a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
This pickleball curriculum, crafted by Life Time in conjunction with technical and collaborative marketing support from DUPR, is specifically designed to nurture the next wave of enthusiasts and represents an unprecedented offering for junior players on this scale. Remarkably, children as young as four years old will have the opportunity to participate.
Ajay Pant, Life Time’s Vice President of Racquet Sports says, “We are proud to launch the first junior pickleball pathway leveraging our renowned Life Time destinations.
“We have an established track record of creating life-long joy through racquet sports with our SMART junior tennis programming at Life Time and now are applying the same expertise to create joy of the sport for junior athletes in pickleball.”
“Fair, Level-Based Play”
Commencing October 2nd, Life Time will introduce junior pickleball programming at its Minnesota facilities equipped with pickleball courts. Furthermore, the program will be extended to encompass the entirety of its network of athletic country clubs featuring pickleball, slated for completion by year-end.
DUPR Executive Director David McCune expanded on the long-term goals: “Our pickleball-specific and stage-based teaching system for kids is based on the principle of fair, level-based play.
“For kids who are dreaming of going further, this program is also the first step on their path to going pro. From juniors to College National Championships, to Minor Leagues, to Major League Pickleball… all in their Life Time!”
Five New Permanent Courts Per Week
Life Time has entered into a strategic partnership with DUPR, implementing its official rating system across all Life Time clubs featuring pickleball. Since early 2022, Life Time has engaged in a program of consistently erecting indoor and outdoor pickleball courts at a rate of five new permanent courts per week.
Many of these facilities are equipped with viewing areas, stadium-style seating, and social lounges. The ambitious goal is to have a total of 1,000 pickleball courts operational by the conclusion of 2024.
Notably, Life Time holds the distinction of being the largest proprietor and manager of pickleball and indoor tennis courts.
For additional details, please refer to the Life Time Pickleball website.
Life Time, Inc.
Life Time (NYSE: LTH) is dedicated to empowering individuals to lead healthy, fulfilling lives through its extensive portfolio of over 165 athletic country clubs spread across the United States and Canada.
The company’s comprehensive approach to healthy living encompasses all facets of well-being, addressing healthy aging and entertainment for individuals ranging from 90 days to 90+ years old.
Backed by a workforce of over 35,000 committed professionals, Life Time is steadfast in delivering premier programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events, and comprehensive digital platform.
DUPR
DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) stands as the most precise and globally recognized pickleball rating system, trusted by the foremost Pickleball clubs, tours, and professionals worldwide.
The new DUPR app is HERE! Exciting new features include:
— DUPR (@DUPRpb) August 1, 2023
-Group Messaging
-Tracking Rating Changes
-Match Impact Visibility
-Completely Rebuilt User Interface
For more information about the DUPR App and the full release, visit: https://t.co/0ndmHU4QDQ#dupr #duprpb #onerating pic.twitter.com/u5OgWH0UMb
Irrespective of age, gender, location, or skill level, all players receive ratings on the same scale, ranging from 2.00 to 8.00, based on their match outcomes.
DUPR is freely accessible and is available to anyone seeking a rating.
