2026 Membership Survey Results
Pickleball Manitoba 2026 Membership Survey
Message from Ted Fardoe, President of Pickleball Manitoba
Thank you to all members who participated in our first Pickleball Manitoba membership survey. Your feedback provides important insight into what we are doing well and where we need to improve.
The results confirm that our membership is engaged and committed to the sport. At the same time, members are looking for stronger and more clearly defined value, more opportunities to play—both competitive and recreational—and easier access to information.
We are committed to acting on this feedback and to keeping members informed as we move forward.
Highlights
- Strong member loyalty
- 71% likely to renew
- 57% members for 3+ years
- Membership value opportunity
- Many members rated value as moderate, indicating an opportunity to strengthen and better communicate benefits
- Highly engaged but aging demographic
- 93% of respondents are 50+
- Highlights a critical need to grow participation among younger players
- Communication is generally effective
- 88% satisfied
- Members are looking for clearer, more centralized, and easier-to-access information
- Province-wide participation
- 63% Winnipeg
- 37% Brandon and rural Manitoba
- Positive advocacy
- 63% would recommend membership
- Why members join
- Tournaments
- Insurance coverage
- Supporting the growth of pickleball
We Heard From You
Competition & Organized Play
- Strong demand for more sanctioned tournaments:
- Regional
- Age-based
- Skill-based
- Need for a centralized tournament calendar
- Desire for improved rating system fairness and transparency (DUPR)
Recreational Play
- A significant number of members primarily play recreationally
- Many do not regularly participate in tournaments
- Demand for:
- More organized recreational play opportunities
- Social leagues and events
- Programming that provides value beyond competition
Growth & Access
- Need for more indoor and outdoor courts
- Limited access to consistent places to play in some regions
- Increased demand for:
- Clinics (introductory and intermediate)
- Structured training programs (ongoing development)
- Youth programming
Membership Value & Communication
- Members are seeking stronger and more clearly defined value
- Requests for clearer understanding of:
- Membership benefits
- Insurance coverage
- Need for a single, reliable source of information, including:
- Tournaments
- Clinics and programs
- Membership benefits
- Ratings and rankings
Top Member Priorities
- More sanctioned tournaments (regional, age and skill-based)
- More clinics and player development opportunities
- Increased court facilities (indoor and outdoor)
- Youth development programs
- Improved rating system fairness
- Expanded recreational and social play opportunities
- Stronger government advocacy and funding
- Better communication and centralized information
- Advanced coaching and player development
In Plain Terms
Members are telling us:
- “We want more opportunities to play—both competitive and recreational.”
- “We need more places and better access.”
- “Show us stronger and clearer value for membership.”
- “Make information easier to find and access.”
Action Plan
1. Tournament Development (2026–2027)
- Expand sanctioned tournaments across Manitoba
- Increase age-based and skill-based categories
- Launch a centralized provincial tournament calendar
2. Recreational Player Engagement (2026–2027)
- Expand recreational leagues and organized play opportunities
- Introduce more social and non-competitive events
- Ensure membership value extends beyond tournament play
3. Communication & Member Experience (2026)
- Develop a single online hub for:
- Events and tournaments
- Clinics and programs
- Membership benefits
- Ratings information
- Publish a clear “Value of Membership” guide, including insurance coverage
- Improve clarity, consistency, and accessibility of communications
4. Player Development (2026–2027)
- Expand clinics across all skill levels
- Introduce structured training programs for ongoing development
- Support advanced coaching and competitive pathways
5. Youth & Under-50 Growth (2026–2028)
- Partner with schools, clubs, and recreation organizations
- Develop youth-focused programming
- Increase outreach to underrepresented age groups
6. Facilities & Access (2026–2028)
- Work with municipalities and partners to expand court capacity
- Advocate for increased indoor playing opportunities
- Support clubs in facility development
7. Rating System Improvements (2026)
- Improve education and transparency around DUPR
- Promote consistent use in sanctioned play
- Work with partners to improve fairness and accuracy
8. Member Engagement (2027)
- Increase survey participation
- Improve outreach to younger and rural members
- Introduce simplified surveys and participation incentives
Closing
This survey confirms that Pickleball Manitoba has a strong and engaged membership base. The priority now is to strengthen the value we provide, expand opportunities to play for all types of players, and make it easier for members to stay informed and connected.
Your feedback is directly shaping our direction—and we will continue to keep you informed as we move forward.