TheStoryBehindLittlePicklers
We started with a simple idea: every kid deserves a sport that makes them feel confident, capable, and excited to come back.
Hi, I'm the Heart Behind Little Picklers
For over a decade, I have been teaching kids how to move, compete, and believe in themselves through sports. But a few years ago, something shifted when I picked up a pickleball paddle for the first time.
I watched a group of kids try pickleball at a community event in Fort Lee. Within minutes, even the shyest ones were laughing, rallying, and high-fiving each other. That moment stuck with me. Pickleball had something special: it was easy enough to start having fun right away, but challenging enough to keep kids coming back to get better.
I dove in headfirst. I trained, competed, and earned my certifications. I spent hundreds of hours figuring out how to teach the sport in a way that actually works for young athletes, not just scaled-down adult drills, but sessions designed from the ground up for how kids learn, focus, and have fun.
That is how Little Picklers was born. What started as a handful of kids at a local court in Fort Lee has grown into a program trusted by schools and families across Bergen County, NJ. And honestly, I still get the same thrill watching a kid land their first clean dink as I did on day one.
Experience You Can Trust
When it comes to your child, credentials matter. Here is what I bring to every session.
10+ years of teaching and coaching experience
3+ years specializing in youth pickleball
Fully background-checked and certified
Active competitive pickleball player
Fun and Real Skill-Building Are Not Opposites
Too many youth sports programs make kids choose between having fun and actually getting better. At Little Picklers, we refuse to pick one. Every session is engineered to be the highlight of a kid's week while building genuine athletic skills they will carry for life.
We believe that when kids feel safe, supported, and excited, learning happens naturally. That is the sweet spot where real growth lives, and it is exactly where we operate every single day.
Our Core Values
These are not just words on a wall. They shape every decision we make and every session we run.
Safety First
Every session is run by a background-checked, certified coach. We maintain small group sizes, age-appropriate equipment, and a structured environment so parents can feel confident their child is in good hands.
Fun Always
Kids learn best when they are having a blast. Our sessions are designed around games, challenges, and positive energy. If a kid leaves without a smile, we have not done our job.
Growth Mindset
We celebrate effort over outcomes. Every missed shot is a learning moment, every improvement is worth cheering for. We teach kids that getting better at anything starts with being willing to try.
Inclusivity
Pickleball is for everyone. No matter their athletic background, every child is welcome here. We adapt our coaching to meet each kid where they are and help them grow at their own pace.
Why Parents Trust Little Picklers
We know you are not just picking a program. You are choosing who gets to spend time with your child.
- Every coach is fully background-checked and certified before they step on the court
- Small group sizes ensure every child gets real coaching attention
- Structured curriculum designed specifically for youth athletes ages 7-13
- Open communication with parents after every session
- Programs built in partnership with local Fort Lee and Bergen County schools
- Focus on character development alongside athletic skills
Ready to See What Little Picklers Is All About?
Whether you want to bring youth pickleball to your school or have questions about our programs, we would love to hear from you.