SOYPA - South Okanagan Youth Pickleball Association is a community organization helping to introduce pickleball to young people throughout Summerland, Penticton and the surrounding South Okanagan. It was formed six months ago to give youth opportunities to learn, play and enjoy one of Canada’s fastest growing sports, which also led to the creation of a school pickleball club involving approximately 20 to 30 students. 

Programs were also delivered at Summerland Elementary, Trout Creek Elementary, KVR Elementary, Columbia Elementary and SenPokchin Elementary in Oliver. This fall, SOYPA plans to double its school programs to involve Skaha Elementary, Wiltse Elementary, Uplands Elementary, Kaleden Elementary, and West Bench Elementary.

To expand the number of qualified instructors available in the region, SOYPA hosted a Pickleball Canada Level 1 Coaching Certification Course at Holy Cross School in June. Seventeen participants attended. We also ran a local ProD session for teachers at Skaha Elementary, where 22 local teachers were involved.

The association is also working with the YMCA to develop Tuesday afternoon youth pickleball programs at two former elementary school facilities. Giants Head Elementary in September will offer Grades 4 to 7 pickleball sessions on Tuesdays, 3 p.m. to 5 pm.  A similar Tuesday program may begin at Parkway Elementary in Penticton in January. 

SOYPA is planning a South Okanagan youth pickleball tournament for Saturday, September 26, 2026. We will invite players from Penticton, Summerland, Oliver, Osoyoos, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon, and other communities

SOYPA President Mark Tamblyn said the association’s first season demonstrated that young people are enthusiastic about learning pickleball when given the opportunity.

“The response from the students, teachers, schools, coaches and community supporters has been extremely encouraging,” Tamblyn said. The goal this fall is to double the number of schools in the program. To do this, we need to double our volunteer base. ‘  

To continue meeting the program's demands, we would welcome any Volunteer help, equipment donations, financial donations, or sponsorships.  Any association or persons interested in helping may contact any of the following executive members or supporters. Mark Tamblyn, President; Allison Schubert, Vice President; Jay Mangan, Secretary; Karen Cheung, Treasurer; Janice Clary, Volunteers; Doug Power, Karen Gallangher - Summerland Schools coordinators; Jim Kocsis, Penticton Schools coordinator

Email   SOYPA - soypainfo@gmail.com

      Media contact: Mark Tamblyn, President, South Okanagan Youth Pickleball Association (SOYPA)
Phone: 604-970-4041   Email: mtamblyn@pacificcoast.net.  Edit as desired.