PPF and USAPA
Poised to Offer
New Opportunities
for the Sport’s Top
Players
U
SA Pickleball Association has agreed to a
partnership with the newly formed Professional
Pickleball Federation (PPF). The PPF is a new pickleball
association designed to provide expanded playing
opportunities for pickleball’s top players.
PPF is actively pursuing major sponsors who can
support what will eventually be a pickleball “pro tour”
beginning in 2017. At present, USAPA and PPF officials
are in the process of working with a handful of USAPA
Regional Tournament Directors in an effort to schedule
PPF tour stops at these Regionals beginning next year.
“We really see this as a win-win,” said USAPA President
David Jordan. “There’s no need to reinvent the wheel —
both organizations think USAPA Regional Tournaments
are ideal events for integration of the PPF pro circuit.”
As news of the PPF organization emerges, USAPA
officials are in the process of communicating details of
the partnership with all 4.5 and 5.0 rated players along
with the association’s ambassador corps and general
membership. As USAPA continues the effort to expand
the sport among all ages and skill levels, USAPA is
looking forward to working with PPF to advance the
opportunities for top players. “With the PPF launch, it’s
important for all players to understand this partnership
and know that both organizations are working
collectively to develop a long-term relationship that
has the best interest of the sport in mind,” said USAPA
Managing Director of Competition Christine Barksdale.
In addition to the pro circuit next year, PPF President
John Gullo says the organization also has plans to pursue
an exhibition program on the East Coast. “This will help
us further our marketing initiatives
and grow our ranks,” said Gullo.
For more information about
PPF, visit the website:
www.pbfederation.com.
JULY/AUGUST 2016 |
MAGAZINE
17