The Pesega Pickleball Club recently hosted the Back to School Kids Tournament bringing young athletes together for friendly competition and personal growth. 

The tournament aimed to develop not only the physical fitness of participants but also their leadership, resilience, and teamwork.

Tournament organiser Brother Nemes explained the unique format of the event.

“This is an opportunity for kids to lead at times and be led by their team. Unlike previous tournaments where players only had a partner, this event featured teams of five or six kids. Each team played at least four matches, which encouraged a mix of leadership and teamwork,” he said.

“We balanced the teams to create fair competition. This approach teaches patience, resilience, and emotional strength, especially for those who might not win. Losing is part of learning, and this helps kids develop the mental and emotional tools needed for success.”

Brother Nemes also highlighted the physical and social benefits of pickleball. 

“Racquet sports like pickleball improve hand-eye coordination and can even increase lifespan. But beyond the physical aspects, this sport builds community and camaraderie. Whether you’re 14 or 65, you can play and compete on an equal footing because of the unique dynamics of pickleball,” he shared.

Participants of all ages expressed their enthusiasm for the tournament. 

Sausili, 12, said, “I like to play pickleball because it’s really fun to go with my family and friends before school starts.”

Shauna Cruz, 14, a more experienced player, emphasised her role in encouraging younger participants. 

“As older players, we need to set a good example and show up for tournaments. That way, the little ones can be encouraged to come and see that even experienced players participate,” she said. 

“I hope pickleball grows here in Samoa. It’s getting really popular, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”

Pickleball enthusiast Zaldi Sua described the sport as “unique, awesome, and the best to play.” Zaldi encouraged others to try the game, saying, “If you like playing sports or want to learn a new game, come to pickleball and find your talents.”

For Selena Hunt, a seasoned player with roots in tennis, the sport is about giving back to the community and supporting the younger generation. 

“I want my nieces and nephews to experience what we did playing tennis. Pickleball is an easy transfer, and it’s a great opportunity for Samoan kids, who are naturally talented, to go further—even to the Olympics,” she said. 

Selena’s message to young players was simple: “Show up. We’ll support you in every way we can, but the most important thing is to show up.”

Brother Nemes sees a bright future for pickleball in Samoa. 

“There’s so much potential here. If kids give pickleball a chance, they could even earn scholarships in the future. Samoan kids are athletic and have raw talent. With dedication, I believe we could see Samoan players in the Olympics as early as 2028 or 2032,” he said.

He concluded with an invitation to all ages: “Pickleball is a sport for everyone. It’s not just for old people, as I initially thought. It’s friendly, competitive, and not too physically demanding. Give it a try. Join us, play with us, and enjoy it as much as we do.”

The Pesega Pickleball Club continues to inspire youth and families through their dedication to fostering both athletic and personal development in Samoa.