Youth Pickleball League
ACTIVE KIDS. STRONGER COMMUNITIES.
A fun, inclusive and professionally run youth pickleball league, delivered in partnership with municipalities, giving kids a structured pathway into one of Canada's fastest-growing sports.
About Pickle Pals
Pickle Pals is all about kids: getting them active, helping them make friends, and building the confidence that comes from learning a new sport together. It's a youth pickleball program made just for young players, with a fun, safe and supportive place to play, whether they're picking up a paddle for the first time or ready to compete.
Players take part in three 8-week seasons a year (Winter, Spring and Fall) across three age groups (ages 7–9, 10–13 and 13–16), and each age group has three tiers. Developmental covers the basics and scoring, Intermediate builds serving and rallying, and Competitive is for advanced serves, rallies and match play. Every child gets a clear path to grow at their own pace.
Pickle Pals was started by Mathew Maione and Cody Hodgson, both former professional hockey players with experience in professional pickleball in the CNPL. Together they're bringing what they learned as pro athletes to the next generation: good coaching, teamwork and a love of the game.
“More than a game — a platform for healthier, happier and more connected communities.”
Community Impact
Encourages physical activity, active living and overall well-being for local youth.
A safe, structured and positive recreational outlet for local youth.
Increases utilization of existing municipal pickleball courts and amenities.
Brings families together and builds a sense of community.
Minimal to no direct cost — a turnkey youth sport opportunity without building a new league internally.
Confidence, teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership are built into every session.
Programs & Schedule
Three age groups, each with all three tiers:
Three 8-week seasons every year:
Winter: mid-January to early March
Spring: late April to mid-June
Fall: mid-September to early November
Professional coaching, plus every player gets a jersey, a paddle and a ball.
Learning the game: scoring, rules and all the basics.
Building serving and rallying skills, with consistent serves and sustained rallies.
Advanced, competitive play: advanced serves, rallies and match play.
Programming adapts to available court space and community demand. Communities not yet ready for a full league can start with introductory youth clinics.
Communities & Partners
We're working with municipalities across the GTA to become founding communities. The municipality provides or facilitates access to suitable indoor or outdoor courts; our team manages and delivers the program from start to finish — registration, coaching and staffing, scheduling, equipment, jerseys, administration and communication.
The league is led by founders Mathew Maione and Cody Hodgson.
Get Involved
Want your child to play? Register your interest and we'll let you know when your community opens.
Register InterestBring a turnkey youth league or introductory clinic to your community courts.
Partner With UsHelp coach, support events or sponsor jerseys and equipment for local kids.
Lend a HandContact
Questions about the league, partnerships or registration? Send us a note.