The Samoa Pickleball Association has finished its first school program for high school students with a special Inter-School Tournament in Apia.

For five weeks, students trained every Friday to learn and practice pickleball. The program ended with a tournament, where students competed in singles and doubles events for boys and girls.

Four schools took part in this first season: Saint Joseph’s College, Saint Mary’s College, Fa’atuatua Christian College, and Church College Pesega.

Mark Moors, Chairman of the Samoa Pickleball Association, said students could choose their teams from among all the participants, instead of schools sending set teams.

“This season is for high school students. I hope in the future we can also have tournaments for primary school levels,” he said.

He added that the long-term goal is to teach pickleball in every school in Samoa. Some schools that didn’t take part this time already have equipment for sport, such as Vaiola College.

However, there are challenges, especially with places to play.

“We don’t have specific courts for pickleball in Samoa. We use tennis courts at Apia Park, Church College Pesega, or big halls. It’s hard to plan big future tournaments without proper facilities,” Moors explained.

Currently, they use portable nets on tennis courts, but the Association wants to keep the sport growing in schools so it can continue for years to come. Moors hopes that one day, pickleball can even be included in the Olympics or the Pacific Games.

Tournament Results.

Boys Singles

               •             1st: Mareko Taito

               •             2nd: Russell Leone

               •             3rd: Mataio Taito

Boys Doubles

               •             1st: Mataio and Mareko Taito

               •             2nd: Peter Bickers and Markus Bartley

               •             3rd: Russell Leone and Danny Ah Yen

Girls Singles

               •             1st: Nharelle Moala

               •             2nd: Julina Aukilani

               •             3rd: Jaspernita Ulberg

Girls Doubles

               •             1st: Nharelle Moala & Julina Aukilani

               •             2nd: Jaspernita Ulberg & Anuilagi

               •             3rd: Toaiva Perelini & Sandysha Atonio

The Samoa Pickleball Association hopes more schools will join in future seasons as the sport grows in popularity across the country.