Afterschool Programs

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What is WePickle?

WePickle offers comprehensive pickleball instruction and programming for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Headquartered in Charleston, SC, with an additional presence in Atlanta, we provide personalized instruction, skill-building clinics, and organize pickleball tournaments. As we continue to expand to new locations, our core mission remains focused on fostering self-confidence in players and building strong, supportive communities. Through the game of pickleball and the leadership of our passionate team, we strive to bring this vision to life and create a positive, engaging environment for players of all backgrounds.

How does the afterschool programming process work?

WePickle's afterschool pickleball program is designed to be fun, engaging, and educational for students of all skill levels. We provide all necessary equipment, including nets, paddles, and balls. Our trained instructors will lead each session, focusing on teaching the fundamentals of pickleball while emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, and physical fitness.

The program typically runs for 6-8 weeks with one class offered per week and takes place at your school or designated recreation center. Sessions are structured to accommodate both beginners and more advanced players, ensuring that all students feel comfortable and challenged. Students are welcome to bring their own paddle if they prefer, though it’s not required. The only other requirements are athletic shoes and a water bottle.

We believe that pickleball is a fantastic way for students to stay active, build confidence, and develop important life skills like communication, leadership, and perseverance. Our goal is to make each session enjoyable while fostering a sense of community and respect among participants.

If you have any further questions or would like more information about starting a program at your school, feel free to reach out! We're excited to bring the game of pickleball to your students.

Where are your sessions held?

Our sessions are typically held at local schools, recreation centers, and community facilities. We work closely with each location to ensure the space is suitable for pickleball, including having enough room for courts and the necessary equipment. We are flexible in using both outdoor and indoor spaces and can collaborate with the location to create temporary court space when needed, ensuring a great playing experience for all participants.

Is the program length customizable?

The programs are completely customizable! Ideally, we teach an 8 week program to properly cover skill development, understanding of the rules, scoring and playing points and games. WePickle can develop a program for whatever time period works for the location.

Do you provide transportation for students?

No. WePickle does not provide transportation for students.

Who teaches the programs and where do you find your staff?

At WePickle, all of our classes are taught by experienced pickleball instructors. Our instructors are selected for both their expertise in the sport and their passion for teaching. They are carefully vetted to ensure they not only have a deep understanding of pickleball but also possess the ability to engage and motivate students of all skill levels.

We source our staff from a variety of places, including local pickleball communities, certified instructor networks, and our own professional training programs. All of our instructors undergo background checks in accordance with the requirements of the hosting location, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

Our instructors are committed to fostering a positive, encouraging environment where students can develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy the game. If you have any more questions or would like more information about our instructors, feel free to reach out!

How many students are in a class and what is your instructor to student ratio?

The size of our classes primarily depends on the available space and the number of courts. For example, if we have space for only one court, the class size is typically limited to 8-12 students. If additional space is available, we can set up multiple courts and increase the class size accordingly. In some cases, we also incorporate wall drills to maximize the use of available space.

For larger groups, we offer the option to run multiple sessions, such as scheduling younger and older students at different times, either back-to-back or on separate days. The ideal student-to-instructor ratio is 12:1 or fewer to ensure individualized attention and effective learning.

In cases where more nets are available, we can scale up our class sizes. For example, with up to four nets, we can comfortably accommodate 20+ students per session. We are committed to maintaining a high-quality experience for all participants, ensuring that every student receives personalized guidance and support during their time on the court.

What happens if a class is canceled due to weather?

If possible we will go indoors for that session. If space or class size prohibits us from moving, the rain outs will be made up at the end of the program or if schedule allows another day in the week.

Is WePickle insured?

Yes. Proof of Insurance is available upon request.

How do parents and schools communicate with WePickle staff?

WePickle provides all email and direct phone numbers for the staff at the time of sign up. If there are any questions or concerns, we will make ourselves available to discuss.

What schools are you in today?

As of January 2025, WePickle has programming in 25+ schools in the Charleston and Atlanta metropolitan areas and new programs are projected to bring us over 50 by May 2025. Some participating schools include Porter Gaud School (Charleston), First Baptist School of Charleston, Mary Ford Elementary (Charleston), and Benjamin E. Mays High School (Atlanta). 

How do I get a new school signed up to work with WePickle?

Email us at wepicklebuis@gmail.com to learn more or get started!