As pickleball participation surges nationwide with a 311% increase over the past three years according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, one Charlotte organization is leveraging the sport's popularity to create meaningful impact in underrepresented communities.
Black Pickleball & Co., founded in 2023, has quickly evolved into a major networking hub for Charlotte's Black community, offering benefits that extend far beyond recreational play.
"Black Pickleball & Co. is a community-based organization that teaches pickleball financial literacy to underrepresented communities," Kayla Brooks, founder and president of the nonprofit, said.
Brooks explained the organization was created with the specific intention of providing cross-class connections and economic opportunities through the increasingly popular sport.
"We wanted to make sure that people who are Black, African American, underrepresented, that they have the opportunity to be able to engage in such business deals, networking opportunities through playing the sport of pickleball," Brooks said.
The organization's impact has grown substantially since its inception, with hundreds now attending their events across Charlotte. The nonprofit has created a welcoming environment for newcomers to the sport while simultaneously building business relationships and community connections.
"My heart is full that they have been a part of our mission to enable them to learn the game," Brooks shared about the organization's growing membership.
Black Pickleball & Co. hosts events at various pickleball venues throughout Charlotte, including Rally Pickleball, Tipsy Pickle, and LABCITY Pickleball Club. Their programming combines athletic instruction with networking opportunities and financial education tailored to the community's needs.
Source: https://www.wcnc.com/article/features/black-pickleball-co-creates-opportunities-charlotte/275-0010aef0-0125-4fad-87f8-95fdb9c53639