BORGLOON, Belgium – What started as a niche sport imported from the United States is quickly gaining traction across Belgium, with the Flanders region experiencing particularly rapid growth. A recent training initiative in Borgloon, Limburg, signals a concerted effort to cultivate a new generation of pickleball coaches and further expand the sport’s reach. The surge in popularity isn’t accidental; organizers point to pickleball’s accessibility and inherent fun as key drivers.
Tennis & Padel Vlaanderen recently completed a “Start to Pickleball” training program for aspiring coaches in Borgloon. The organization’s goal is to proactively prepare instructors to meet the increasing demand for pickleball instruction throughout Flanders. This initiative reflects a broader expectation of continued growth for the sport, which blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
“It’s very low-threshold with a high enjoyment factor,” explained Christophe Verplanken, Club Advisor and Pickleball Manager at Tennis & Padel Vlaanderen, in comments reported by VRT News. Verplanken’s assessment underscores a core appeal of pickleball: its ease of learning and immediate gratification for players of all skill levels.
While relatively new to the Belgian sporting landscape, pickleball has enjoyed decades of popularity in the United States. Now, that momentum is transferring across the Atlantic. Limburg province is emerging as a pioneer in Belgium’s pickleball movement, with clubs in Genk and Hasselt among the first to embrace the sport. Currently, seven active pickleball clubs operate within Limburg, collectively boasting around 400 members. Nationally, approximately 2,500 players are actively involved in pickleball across Flanders.
The training sessions, held in Tongeren, aren’t limited to traditional tennis or padel coaches. The program is also open to sports officials and physical education teachers, recognizing that a broad base of instructors is crucial for widespread adoption. The aim is to ensure that newcomers receive proper instruction from the outset, fostering a positive and sustainable growth trajectory for the sport.
The appeal of pickleball extends beyond its accessibility. Verplanken highlights the sport’s social nature, emphasizing that it’s not solely the domain of older players. In fact, the average age of competitors at the Belgian Pickleball Championship hovers around 35 years old, dispelling the notion that it’s exclusively a senior citizen’s pastime. The second annual Belgian Pickleball Championship is scheduled for April 17th in Tervuren.
The growth of pickleball in Belgium isn’t happening in isolation. Tennis & Padel Vlaanderen is actively investing in coach development, evidenced by the recent “Gamechangers” congress, where hundreds of tennis coaches gathered to refine their skills and learn new techniques. This commitment to continuous improvement extends to emerging sports like pickleball, recognizing the potential for cross-pollination and shared expertise.
Christophe Vanhecke, a figure within Tennis & Padel Vlaanderen, spearheaded the organization of the Gamechangers congress, drawing inspiration from the recent ITF Coaches Conference. The event featured sessions covering a wide range of coaching topics, from competitive strategies to youth development, and included a dedicated focus on nurturing the next generation of trainers.
Pickleball’s emergence in Belgium presents a unique opportunity for the country’s sporting community. By leveraging the existing infrastructure and expertise of organizations like Tennis & Padel Vlaanderen, and by fostering a welcoming environment for players of all ages and abilities, Belgium is poised to develop into a significant player in the rapidly expanding world of pickleball. The sport’s blend of strategy, athleticism, and social interaction is proving to be a winning formula, and its future in Flanders looks bright.
The next key date for Belgian pickleball enthusiasts is April 17th, when Tervuren will host the second edition of the national championship. Fans and players alike can find more information and updates on the Tennis & Padel Vlaanderen website.
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