WORCESTER, Monday, March 10, 2025 – Worcester Public Schools (WPS) has been selected to receive a grant from USA Pickleball’s inaugural “Grow the Game” program. The grant is designed to expand access to pickleball in schools and communities by providing essential equipment and resources.
WPS is among 51 organizations, including schools, colleges, and community groups across 27 states, chosen to participate in the initiative. Numerous physical education teachers recently received professional development at Doherty Memorial High School on how to incorporate the game into their classes.
The grant includes a Franklin pickleball equipment bundle and educational materials through the Youth Pickleball Provider (YPP) membership. The resources provided as part of the grant will support the integration of pickleball into WPS’s physical education curriculum. These include lesson plans, instructional videos, activity/station cards, and access to a USA Pickleball Ambassador who will offer additional guidance to instructors.
The grant will allow WPS high school physical education teachers to continue teaching pickleball as part of the curriculum. As part of the USA Pickleball Growing the Game Grant, WPS received 72 paddles, 3 nets, and 200 pickleballs. Additionally, teachers participated in a two-hour professional development training with USA Pickleball Ambassadors from the Worcester area.
The “Grow the Game” program aims to make pickleball more accessible, particularly in schools and underserved communities. An estimated 192,286 individuals will benefit from the program, which will give students the chance to participate in this growing sport.
USA Pickleball’s initiative targets organizations that have a demonstrated need for equipment and dedicated space for play. By incorporating pickleball into physical education classes, WPS will provide students with a structured opportunity to engage in an active sport that promotes lifelong fitness and social interaction.
This grant will help WPS enhance its sports programs and offer a fun, safe, and inclusive activity for students of all ages and abilities.
For more information about USA Pickleball’s Grow the Game program, visit the USA Pickleball Serves website.