The Association of Pickleball Players has revealed a youth development program to help players aged 18 and under chart a clear course to progress onto the prestigious APP Tour. The announcement follows hot on the heels of the reveal of the 2024 APP Next Gen National Team roster.

Tailored Coaching And Educational Opportunities

With an increasing demand for junior pickleball players to receive essential training and resources, the APP Junior Circuit steps in to provide just that. Through tailored coaching and educational opportunities, junior players will hone their skills and position themselves on a proper trajectory towards the APP Next Gen Series. 

This series has already supported numerous champions who have hit the dizzy heights of the APP Tour, with luminaries like Alix Truong, Riley Bohnert, and the prodigious Jorja Johnson, who clinched a Triple Crown victory at a remarkably young age recently.

Read more about the Next Gen National Team here.

A Top-Tier Tournament Experience

The APP Junior Circuit promises a top-tier tournament experience tailored exclusively for players under 18. Participants will receive an APP Junior Circuit rating corresponding to their age and the divisions they compete in, with rating points allocated based on performance. 

More importantly, all players will have the chance to vie for glory at the APP Junior National Championships, scheduled for December at The Fort, the APP’s headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Melissa McCurley, the APP executive vice president of competition, emphasized the organization’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of pickleball luminaries when she said,  

“The youth movement in pickleball has really taken the sport by storm, and we’re proud to expand our support for the sport’s future stars. The APP has always been an advocate and resource for players of all ages and skill levels, but our commitment to youth initiatives sets us apart.”

Chicken N Pickle Events

This summer, the APP will host three Junior Circuit events at Chicken N Pickle facilities in San Antonio, Texas; Wichita, Kansas; and St. Charles, Missouri. Those eager to learn more about these events can find additional information here.

Launched in 2021, the APP Next Gen Series blazed a trail as the premier program dedicated to cultivating top-tier American pickleball talent aged 16-23. The series offers coaching, mentorship, and educational opportunities facilitated by seasoned professionals, with the ultimate aim of grooming players to represent the United States in global pickleball competitions under the auspices of the APP.

The 2024 APP Next Gen U.S. National Team boasts a formidable roster comprising talented individuals from across the nation. This select group will benefit from a comprehensive program of seminars, on-site coaching, international exposure, and development camps, all aimed at fostering a robust foundation for each team member.

“Build A Successful Foundation”

Ken Herrmann, founder of the APP, emphasized the pivotal role of education and team support in achieving success:

“The mission of the APP Next Gen U.S. National Team is to educate and build a successful foundation for each squad member through seminars, on-site coaching, international exposure, and development training camps.

“The key to success is education, and building a team to help support oneself in any professional endeavor will help achieve success. We are truly proud to provide a platform for growth and international stewardship, creating pathways to success for every player regardless of skill level.”

Herrmann will head the 2024 APP Next Gen U.S. National Team alongside esteemed coaches Chad Edwards and Lee Whitwell.

“A Huge Honor”

The 2024 APP Next Gen U.S. National Team roster is made up of Riley Bohnert (Louisville, Kentucky), Jayden Broderick (Greenville, South Carolina), Alia Brown (Alpharetta, Georgia), Jack Foster (Vero Beach, Florida), Ava Kalist (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania), Spencer Lanier (Newberg, Oregon), Richard Livornese (East Amwell Township, New Jersey), Cameron Luhring (Parkersburg, Iowa), Lauren Mercado (Las Vegas, Nevada), Jack Munro (Austin, Texas), Brooke Revuelta (Miami, Florida), Kaden Seward (Joplin, Missouri) and Ivy Tschetter (White Bear Lake, Minnesota).

“Being part of the APP Next Gen U.S. National Team is a huge honor,” says Bohnert. Not only does it create even more friendships for me, but it also provides great coaching. It has been an honor to be coached by Ken and especially Chad, who has always been there for me and has helped me in any way he can.”