Brooklyn Pickleball Team's Vision for Youth Development in the Sport

The Brooklyn Pickleball Team is on a mission to cultivate young talent through a structured development pathway. COO Adam Behnke discusses the introduction of Junior Major League Pickleball, aimed at providing youth with competitive opportunities similar to the professional league. With initiatives like the Conquer Kids program, the team is committed to ensuring that young players have a clear route to progress in the sport. This article explores their vision and the importance of grassroots participation in fostering the next generation of pickleball players.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 1, 2026, 21:18 IST

Building a Pathway for Young Talent

Adam Behnke, the Chief Operating Officer of the Brooklyn Pickleball Team, has shared the organization's ambitious plans for nurturing young talent. The aim is to establish a comprehensive pathway that guides players from grassroots initiatives to the professional arena. During a discussion on the Empower Pickleball podcast, Behnke highlighted the introduction of Junior Major League Pickleball, designed to provide young athletes with a competitive environment similar to that of Major League Pickleball, which is rapidly gaining popularity.

“We wanted to ensure that junior players have a platform to showcase their skills and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Major League Pickleball,” Behnke remarked. Many participants in the Junior MLP teams are already excelling in the PPA Junior Tour. However, due to the differing schedules of the PPA and MLP throughout the year, the initiative aims to offer juniors the chance to compete continuously if they wish.

Behnke disclosed that the first season of Junior MLP is currently being piloted with approximately ten teams, including the Orlando Squeeze, Miami, New Jersey 5s, and Palm Beach Slicers. “We are thrilled with the teams that have joined us, as they are contributing to an essential layer in the journey toward becoming a professional player,” he stated.

He emphasized the long-term goal of creating a structured development system where each level seamlessly transitions into the next. “When considering the broader perspective, we began with the professional tier, which is the apex of the pyramid. The challenge was to establish the supporting layers beneath it to foster sustainable growth for the sport,” Behnke explained.

“In recent years, we have successfully integrated Minor League Pickleball directly beneath the professional level, followed by Junior Major League Pickleball, with the pathway continuing to expand.” Behnke underscored that grassroots involvement is crucial to this framework. “From Brooklyn Pickleball's viewpoint, our Conquer Kids program serves as the cornerstone of this entire pathway. It all starts there. This year, we engaged because we recognized young talents like Ethan excelling at high levels, and we aimed to create a clear progression route for the upcoming generation in the sport.”

In recent years, the Brooklyn Pickleball Team has broadened its reach beyond its professional lineup through junior development programs, partnerships with schools, and community initiatives. Behnke reiterated on the Empower Pickleball podcast that sustainable growth hinges on providing young players with a defined path from grassroots pickleball to the professional level.