EPISODE 6 – PICKLEBALL FOR KIDS & TEENS IN EUROPE

EPISODE 9 – DINKS & DESTINATION – TOP TEN PLACES TO PLAY PICKLEBALL IN 2025/2026 // Season 1 ending

Where community, travel, and the world’s fastest-growing sport come together! In this special award episode of Pickleball Passport – powered by RAQT.com, we reveal the TOP 10 Most Special Places to Play Pickleball in Europe 2025/2026 — selected by our international jury as part of the Dinks & Destinations Awards. From Alpine courts to Mediterranean sunsets, from architecturally stunning indoor venues to resort-style pickleball escapes — these 10 destinations represent the best, most unique, most unforgettable places to play in Europe today. We also look at the rise of sports tourism and the explosive growth of pickleball travel across Europe, including expert insights from two leaders in the field. In this episode, you’ll hear about: ✅ Why sports tourism (USD 618B in 2024 → USD 2 trillion by 2032!) is reshaping the way Europeans travel ✅ Why pickleball holidays are booming in Europe’s off-season tourism window ✅ How travel organisations are building communities — not just trips ✅ Why players are now choosing destinations based on courts, coaching & community vibes ✅…and of course:🎉 The official announcement of the TOP 10 Dinks & Destinations Award Winners! 🏆 TOP 10 MOST SPECIAL PICKLEBALL PLACES TO PLAY 2025/2026 * Austria / RACKET REVOLUTION - @racketrevolutionpickleball [https://www.instagram.com/racketrevolutionpickleball/] * Switzerland / PICKLEBALL HUB BASEL - @pickleballhubschweiz [https://www.instagram.com/pickleballhubschweiz/] * Netherlands / DINX PICKLEBALL THE HAGUE - @dinx.pickleball [https://www.instagram.com/dinx.pickleball/] * Germany / TOP PICKLEBALL STUTTGART - @top_pickleball_stuttgart [https://www.instagram.com/top_pickleball_stuttgart/?hl=de] * Croatia / KLUB 002 (Split) - @pickleball_split_klub002 [https://www.instagram.com/pickleball_split_klub002/?hl=de] * Croatia / ARETHA CRUISE - @via_croatia [https://www.instagram.com/via_croatia/] & Bookings via VibeGetaways [https://vibegetaways.com/group/yacht-cruiser-pickleball-croatia/] * France / LE LOGIS - @lelogiscognac [https://www.instagram.com/lelogiscognac/] & booking request via Mrs. Butikofer [Kbutikofer@forbestravelguide.com] * Spain / PLAYA DE LA LUZ - @hotelplayadelaluz [https://www.instagram.com/hotelplayadelaluz/?hl=de] & Reballution Cup 2026 by Pickleball Rota [https://www.instagram.com/p/DOv3MEZCOgo/] * Italy / TENNIS-PADEL-PICKLEBALL CLUB ALBA - @tennisclubalba [https://www.instagram.com/tennisclubalba/] Special thanks to our expert voices. Go check out their Pickleball vacation packages! * Zuhal Polat (PSO Travel) – WEB [https://www.psotravel.com/] &  Instagram @psotravel [https://www.instagram.com/psotravel/] * Tom Corfield (Pickleball Pro Retreats)  - WEB [https://pickleballproretreats.com/] & Instagram @pickleballproretreats [https://www.instagram.com/pickleballproretreats/] SPONSOR // Thanks to our partner - Dinking Times [https://dinkinghub.com/pages/dinking-times-magazine?srsltid=AfmBOoqV8dxPYOeeInG9128W4A9oGAAu1FcVNXa-TV6h_XMWkEOniigf] - for supporting this episode. All top ten winner will be showcased in issue 4 (2026) of the European Pickleball magazine. GET IN TOUCH // Feedback? Ideas? Want to get in touch or send some cabin crew love? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com [podcast@raqt.com]. Follow us on Instagram @raqtfamily for the latest Pickleball tournaments and events across Europe – and @pickleball_passport_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/pickleball_passport_podcast/] so you never miss a new episode. SEASON ENDS HERE // Season 1 wraps with this episode — thank you for listening, sharing, exploring Europe’s Pickleball world with us and being part of the journey! Your energy, messages, and love for the game made this first season unforgettable.

EPISODE 8 – COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT: CROATIA, SLOVAKIA, HUNGARY & SLOVENIA

From the Adriatic coast to Central Europe’s hidden gems – Pickleball is thriving across a region bursting with energy, community, and creativity! In this eighth episode of Pickleball Passport – powered by RAQT.com, we hand the mic to four inspiring voices who are shaping the game in Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia. How do you start a pickleball scene from scratch? What makes night sessions on the Croatian coast so special? And how are new players turning passion into national movements across Central Europe? WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN EPISODE 8 //  ✅ How Croatia built Europe’s largest pickleball club – from 20 players to 1,500 members ✅ Why Slovakia’s all-female leadership is redefining community & creativity (with a side of wine!) ✅ How Hungary’s federation and tournaments are paving the way for pros – including the Santa Claus Cup ✅ How two sisters are building Slovenia’s pickleball future – courts, clinics & community vibes near Lake Bled ✅ A shared vision: grassroots passion fueling Europe’s next pickleball wave TIME STAMPS // (00:00)–(02:40) – Intro & Episode Flight Plan (02:41)–(08:57) – Croatia Spotlight with Natko Petresic (10:26)–(19:13) – Slovakia Spotlight with Viktoria Kanichova (20:16)–(31:45) – Hungary Spotlight with Bakó Bálint Gergő (31:46)-(end) Wrap-Up & Landing PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS // Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life: * Natko Petresic (Croatia) – Instagram: @natko.petrisic [https://www.instagram.com/natko.petrisic/] / Club: pickleball-002.hr/split [https://pickleball-002.hr/split] * Viktoria Kanichova (Slovakia) – Instagram: @viki_kanich [https://www.instagram.com/viki_kanich/?hl=de] / Web: slovakpickleball.com [https://www.slovakpickleball.com/] * Bálint Gergő Bakó (Hungary) – Instagram: @bakobalint_pb [https://www.instagram.com/bakobalint_pb/] / @pickleball.hungary [https://www.instagram.com/pickleball.hungary/]  * Thea & Sandra (Slovenia) – Instagram: @tspickleball [https://www.instagram.com/tspickleball/?igsh=OW9pcWtlcDJkZzd6] / Web:  tspickleball.si [https://tspickleball.si/]  ABOUT RAQT // RAQT.com [https://raqt.com/] is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round. Download the RAQT app – available in the Apple App Store [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/raqt-pickleball-family-friends/id1617653147] & Google Play Store [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.boilerplatee&pli=1]. Plan. Play. Compete. GET IN TOUCH // Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love to the cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com [podcast@raqt.com] or send us a DM on Instagram @Pickleball_Passport_Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/pickleball_passport_podcast/] or @raqtfamily [https://www.instagram.com/raqtfamily/]

EPISODE 7 – COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT: GERMANY, SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA

Stories and voices from the DACH Pickleball community In this episode of Pickleball Passport, we’re flying straight into the heart of Europe: Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Three countries, three unique Pickleball stories – from the legendary Bainbridge Cup in Essen, to Switzerland’s creative Alpine courts, all the way to Austria’s iconic Road to Arlberg tournament finals. Once again, we hand over the mic to the people who shape the game: players, coaches, and community leaders who live and grow Pickleball every day. What makes Pickleball in central Europe so special? Where are the best places to play? And how do these countries see their role in shaping the future of Pickleball in Europe? Sit back, grab your paddle, and join us for this DACH deep dive. What you’ll hear in Episode 7: * How Pickleball in Germany grew from its very first club in 2013 to more than 70 clubs today * Why Switzerland is leading with hubs, innovation, and Europe’s biggest indoor Pickleball arena * How Austria combines community vibes with pro-level ambitions through the Road to Arlberg and the first Pickleball Academy * Unique challenges: hall time, youth development, and keeping the sport fun * A vision for a strong, united European Pickleball community (00:00)–(03:44)– Intro & Episode Flight Plan (03:45)–(13:10) – Germany Spotlight with Katherina “Catie” Preis (15:02)–(20:45)– Switzerland Spotlight with Dominik Kuhn (21:30)–(27:30) – Austria Spotlight with Stefan Grubmüller (27:31)–(29:22) – Wrap-Up & Landing PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS // Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life: * Katherina Preis – Germany - Instagram: @catieworks [https://www.instagram.com/catieworks/?hl=de] * Dominik Kuhn – Switzerland - Instagram: @pickleballcorner [https://www.instagram.com/pickleballcorner/] / Website: pickleballhub.ch [https://pickleballhub.ch/en/]  * Stefan Grubmüller – Austria - Instagram: @sg_pickleballaholic [https://www.instagram.com/sg_pickleballaholic/] MENTIONED LINKS FOR THE SHOWNOTES // * Interactive map of all Pickleball courts & clubs in Germany: pickleballcorner.de [https://www.pickleballcorner.de/pages/wo-kann-in-deutschland-pickleball-gespielt-werden] * Europe’s biggest indoor Pickleball arena (7 dedicated courts, Winterthur): pickleballcorner.ch [https://pickleballcorner.ch/blogs/news/europas-grosste-indoor-pickleball-arena-entsteht-in-winterthur?srsltid=AfmBOoqKBAe-tteAwPyDYdctjq-nTr7p3acG7ZeBw3C9_Y0ppoXu09UR] * Courts in Austria: Indoor facility: Racket Revolution Wiener Neustadt [https://www.racket-revolution.at/] / Outdoor courts Graz: hartbeigraz.at [https://www.hartbeigraz.at/Leben/Sport_und_Freizeit/Padeltennis_Pickleball] ABOUT RAQT // RAQT.com [https://raqt.com/] is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round. Download the RAQT app – available in the Apple App Store [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/raqt-pickleball-family-friends/id1617653147] & Google Play Store [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.boilerplatee&pli=1]. Plan. Play. Compete. GET IN TOUCH // Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love to the cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com [podcast@raqt.com] or send us a DM on Instagram @Pickleball_Passport_Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/pickleball_passport_podcast/].

EPISODE 6 – PICKLEBALL FOR KIDS & TEENS IN EUROPE

Stories and ideas from youth players In this episode of Pickleball Passport, we hand the mic to the next generation: 8 young players between 13 and 18 from across Europe share how they discovered the sport, what needs to change to support youth pickleball – and their big visions for the future. Whether you're a parent, player, club leader or federation member – this episode is your chance to hear what youth players actually need, want, and wish for. Also: Stay tuned to learn more about inspiring initiatives worldwide and our special JOOLA gear giveaway! What you’ll hear in Episode 6: • Why Europe needs to take youth pickleball more seriously • Honest perspectives from 8 junior players on competing, learning, and growing in the sport • Initiatives like NJP and Junior PPA – what Europe can learn • Ideas on how clubs, federations, and organizers can take action • Why this is more than just “a kids’ topic” TIME STAMPS // (00:00)–(02:01)– Intro (02:02–(05:25) – Youth Pickleball in Europe: Where are we at? (05:26)-(10:35) – Global inspiration: NJP, Junior PPA & more (10:36)–(56:02)– Voices from the Players Lounge: Youth take the mic (56:30)–(57:44) – Wrap-Up & JOOLA Giveaway PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS // Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life: • Xavier David from the Netherlands – Instagram @xavierdavids14 [https://www.instagram.com/xavierdavids14] & @PickleballPower [https://www.instagram.com/pickleballpower] • Piet Bemelmans from Belgium – Instagram @pietbemelmans.pickleball [https://www.instagram.com/pietbemelmans.pickleball] • Jannick Degering from Germany – Instagram @sfd75ev [https://www.instagram.com/sfd75ev] • Harry & Gracie Hamilton from Ireland – Instagram @harry.hamilton.pb [https://www.instagram.com/harry.hamilton.pb] / @graciehamilton.pb [https://www.instagram.com/graciehamilton.pb] • Dani & Beni Haijnal from Ireland – Instagram @thedanihajnal [https://www.instagram.com/thedanihajnal] / @benihajnal [https://www.instagram.com/_benihajnal_] • Arwid Dahlin from Sweden – Instagram @arwiddahlin_pb [https://www.instagram.com/arwiddahlin_pb] LEARN MORE – LINKS // • NJP – National Junior Pickleball [https://www.nationaljuniorpickleball.com] • Junior PPA Tour [https://www.ppatour.com/junior-ppa] • European School Education Platform: eTwinning Pickleball Project [https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/bs/etwinning/projects/well-being-and-fun-pickleball-school?utm_source=chatgpt.com] QUESTION OF THE WEEK // We’d love to hear your thoughts! What does your club or country do to support kids and youth in Pickleball? Comment on RAQT's Instagram @raqtfamily [https://www.instagram.com/raqtfamily] post for this episode and use #pickleballpassport to join the conversation. .EPISODE SPONSOR // Thanks to JOOLA EUROPE for supporting this episode. * Check out the JOOLA Europe Shop * Follow on Instagram @joolaeurope.pb [https://www.instagram.com/joolaeurope.pb] ABOUT RAQT // RAQT.com is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round. Download the RAQT app – available in the Apple App Store & Google Play Store. Plan. Play. Compete. GET IN TOUCH // Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love to the cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com

EPISODE 5 – COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT: ENGLAND

Tea, tradition & top-tier Pickleball. In this fifth episode of Pickleball Passport, we land in one of Europe’s most exciting Pickleball destinations: England. Home to the first European Pickleball Championships, over 45,000 active players, two national podcasts and a thriving community that blends high-level play with deep-rooted connection – England sets the bar in more ways than one. But what exactly makes the English scene so special? And what can other countries learn from it? What you’ll hear in Episode 5: • How Pickleball England became a nationally recognized governing body • Why the English community is known for being both competitive and humble • What coaches & players are doing to grow the sport across all levels • Why pros like Thaddea Lock lead by example • And how English Pickleball culture could inspire the rest of Europe TIME STAMPS // (->Moritz to complete) (00:00)–(01:58) – Intro (01:59)–(09:27) – Facts & Figures about Pickleball in England (09:28)–(24:05) – Shane Crook about Community (25:00)–(30:44) – Richard Love about Coaching and the National team (32:23)–(55:14) – Thaddea Lock about the players vibe and competition (55:15)–(57:51) – Wrap-Up PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS // Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life: • Shane Crook (@8gonko [https://www.instagram.com/8gonko/]) – Community player & tournament traveller • Richard Love (@misterlove_pb [https://www.instagram.com/misterlove_pb/?hl=de]) – National team player & captain 50+, full-time coach • Thaddea Lock (@thaddea23 [https://www.instagram.com/thaddea23/]) – England’s national team player & captain 19+ & one of Europes few full-time pro player LEARN MORE – LINKS // * Pickleball England Website: https://www.pickleballengland.org [https://www.pickleballengland.org] * Taster Sessions & Club Map: https://www.pickleballengland.org/taster-sessions [https://www.pickleballengland.org/taster-sessions] * Find a Coach: https://www.pickleballengland.org/find-a-coach [https://www.pickleballengland.org/find-a-coach] * English Open 2025: https://www.pickleballengland.org/2025-english-open [https://www.pickleballengland.org/2025-english-open] * Pickleball52 News Platform: https://www.pickleball52.com [https://www.pickleball52.com] * Pickleball Bros: Instagram @thePickleballbros [https://www.instagram.com/thepickleballbros/?hl=de] * Podcast „What a Pickle“ – Link [https://open.spotify.com/show/3dtw45RzugTqjemniUGP3c]   * Podcast „Everything But The Kitchen Dink“ – Link [https://open.spotify.com/show/6jGaQDf6CFCPGIv9PCSOVc]  * Sustainability initiative Myllie Smythe - wearecrackd.com [https://www.wearecrackd.com/] Comment on the RAQT‘s instagram @raqtfamily [https://www.instagram.com/raqtfamily/] posting to let us know and share your thoughts with #pickleballpassport.  ABOUT RAQT // RAQT.com [https://raqt.com/] is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round. Download the RAQT app (available in Apple App store [https://apps.apple.com/de/app/raqt-pickleball-family-friends/id1617653147] &  Google Play store [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.boilerplatee&hl=gsw]) – plan, play, compete. GET IN TOUCH // Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love tot he cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com [podcast@raqt.com]