Kuching’s young pickleball hopefuls had plenty to smile about last week as the second Junior Pickleball Holiday Camp wrapped up at The Mad Pickleball courts in Boulevard Shopping Mall. Over three days, children aged seven to twelve were put through their paces in a programme that blended skill development, competitive play and character building.
Organised by Daywalker Junior and VIBRANCE Pickleball Group, with the backing of the Kuching Pickleball Association, the camp was more than just a holiday activity. It offered drills on speed dinking, footwork and match play, while also instilling values of discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship. Mini‑tournaments and mixed doubles matches kept the energy high, and the ‘Future Pro’ finals gave participants a chance to showcase serve placement, third‑shot drops and court communication.
Building for the Future
Daywalker Junior Academy founder Sally Bong described the camp as another step in nurturing the next generation of players. “With pickleball growing rapidly in Malaysia, we want to continue giving children opportunities to learn the sport in a fun and positive environment,” she said, noting that every participant left with a certificate to mark their involvement.
Encouraged by the strong response, organisers are already planning follow‑up activities. Monthly clinics are in the works, alongside a junior tournament scheduled for next year. The aim is clear: to create a pathway for young athletes to stay active, sharpen their skills and grow with the sport.
Kuching’s pickleball community may be small for now, but with initiatives like this camp, the foundations are being laid for something much bigger. The enthusiasm shown by the children—and the commitment from organisers—suggests the sport’s future in Malaysia is in safe hands.
