NEW HORIZONS Seniors Pickleball Academy
New Horizons SENIORS PICKLEBALL ACADEMY
Pickleball Guelph Association (PGA) is pleased to announce the launch of our 2026 New Horizons for Seniors initiative - the Seniors Pickleball Academy (SPA). Funded in part by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), the Academy will provide free, structured pickleball instruction for 120 players aged 55+ through five cohorts of 24 players each.
The Academy begins this fall with two cohorts for experienced, competitive-level players at REAL Pickleball,
This registration opportunity is specifically for the first two competitive-player cohorts.
PGA MEMBERS 55+ - PRIORITY REGISTRATION OPENS AUGUST 23
Registration for Cohorts 1 and 2 opens Sunday, August 23, 2026, exclusively for PGA members aged 55+. This priority period will remain open through Sunday, August 30. After that date, any remaining spaces will be offered to Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA) members and the general public, with all registration closing Sunday, September 13, 2026.
With only 24 spaces in each cohort, PGA members interested in participating are encouraged to register during the priority period.
COHORTS 1 & 2 - PROGRAM DETAILS
These cohorts are designed for experienced, competitive-level players who want to refine their fundamentals and doubles game, strengthen their competitive strategies and tactics, and learn how to effectively mentor less-experienced players.
Location: REAL Pickleball, Edinburgh Road, Guelph
Dates: Saturdays, September 26 - October 31, 2026
Cohort 1: 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Cohort 2: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
October 31 only: To avoid a conflict with Halloween, Cohort 2 will meet from 12:00 noon-2:00 p.m. instead of 4:00-6:00 p.m.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
During the first four weeks, participants will work on the skills, strategies and tactics that experienced competitive players need to succeed on the court, including:
- Serving and return of serve
- The first five shots
- Doubles strategies and tactics
- Effective competitive play
- How to mentor and support less-experienced players
The program is about more than improving your own game. An important part of the Academy is learning how to share your knowledge, give back to the pickleball community and help other players develop their skills and confidence.
BRING A FRIEND & MINI ROUND ROBIN
Week 5 puts the mentoring component into action. Each participant will bring a less-experienced friend for a one-hour session and use what they have learned to help that player develop their game. Participants should invite their friend now so they are ready to take part. Please note that Week 5 is a one-hour session for each participant and their guest.
The final week will feature a mini round robin tournament, giving participants an opportunity to put the skills, strategies and tactics developed during the Academy into practice in a fun, competitive environment.
FULL PARTICIPATION IS REQUIRED
Participants must be able to attend all six weeks of the program - no exceptions. Each session builds on the previous one, and the mentoring component depends on consistent participation. If you cannot attend every lesson, please do not register.
WHO SHOULD REGISTER?
This program is intended for experienced, competitive-level pickleball players aged 55+ who want to improve their own game while contributing to the development of others. It is a good fit for players interested in refining their fundamentals, strengthening their doubles strategies and tactics, developing mentoring skills, sharing their knowledge and giving back to the pickleball community.
The Seniors Pickleball Academy is funded in part by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program, and there is no cost to participate.
REGISTER FOR COHORT 1 OR 2
PGA member priority registration opens Sunday, August 23, 2026.
The Seniors Pickleball Academy is funded in part by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program, and there is no cost to participate.
REGISTER HERE - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!
PGA - Growing the sport and creating meaningful opportunities for our members.