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
00:00–00:00 – Wrap-Up & Landing
PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS //
Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life:
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 or send us a DM on Instagram @Pickleball_Passport_Podcast or @raqtfamily
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:
(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:
MENTIONED LINKS FOR THE SHOWNOTES //
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 or send us a DM on Instagram @Pickleball_Passport_Podcast.
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 & @PickleballPower
• Piet Bemelmans from Belgium – Instagram @pietbemelmans.pickleball
• Jannick Degering from Germany – Instagram @sfd75ev
• Harry & Gracie Hamilton from Ireland – Instagram @harry.hamilton.pb / @graciehamilton.pb
• Dani & Beni Haijnal from Ireland – Instagram @thedanihajnal / @benihajnal
• Arwid Dahlin from Sweden – Instagram @arwiddahlin_pb
LEARN MORE – LINKS //
• NJP – National Junior Pickleball
• Junior PPA Tour
• European School Education Platform: eTwinning Pickleball Project
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 post for this episode and use #pickleballpassport to join the conversation.
.EPISODE SPONSOR //
Thanks to JOOLA EUROPE for supporting this episode.
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
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) – Community player & tournament traveller
• Richard Love (@misterlove_pb) – National team player & captain 50+, full-time coach
• Thaddea Lock (@thaddea23) – England’s national team player & captain 19+ & one of Europes few full-time pro player
LEARN MORE – LINKS //
Comment on the RAQT‘s instagram @raqtfamily posting to let us know and share your thoughts with #pickleballpassport.
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 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 tot he cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com
Coaching certifications, referee pathways & the Rrise of PB Academies
In this fourth episode of Pickleball Passport we dive into how Europe is stepping up its game – literally.
With player numbers growing fast, it's not just about hitting dinks and drives anymore – it's about building quality in coaching, refereeing, and training culture. But what programs do we currently have in Europe and how can you become a coach or referee?
(00:00)-(00:33) – Intro
(00:34)-(02:29) – Topic Overview
(02:36)-(08:40) – Coaches
(08:43)-(22:07) – Sarah Ansboury (PPR) Players Lounge
(22:09)-(25:12) – IPTPA Certification
(25:14)-(31:55) – Rob Williams (IPTPA) Players Lounge
(31:58)-(37:19) – Detail Information on Coaching
(37:21)-(46:13) - Maria Munz (EPF) Players Lounge
(46:53)-(57:39) - Referee Stefan Players Lounge
What you’ll hear in Episode 4:
PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & EXPERTS //
Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life:
LEARN MORE – LINKS //
SHARE YOUR PB STORIES! //
We’d love to hear thoughts!
Comment on the RAQT‘s instagram @raqtfamily posting to let us know and share your thoughts with #pickleballpassport.
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 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 tot he cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com
In this third episode of Pickleball Passport, we launch our first COUNTRIES SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL.
We take you to the courts, coastlines, and clubs of Italy, Spain, Portugal, and France – with insights directly from the players, coaches, and community voices shaping the sport.
What you’ll hear in Episode 3:
• How Pickleball is organized in these four Southern European countries
• The hottest hotspots to play – from courts near the beach to wine-country clubs
• New competitive formats for pro players – and where to find them
• Culture, challenges & what makes each country unique
Voices from the Player’s Lounge:
Sponsor Shout-Out
This episode is sponsor-free – for now.
We're building the first-ever podcast platform dedicated to Pickleball in Europe. If your brand wants to connect with the most passionate, fast-growing Pickleball audience, get in touch at podcast@raqt.com or DM us on Instagram @raqtfamily.
Tell us your story!
We'd love to hear your thoughts! Tell us, in which country in the south of Europe would YOU love to play?
Comment on our Instagram post or use the hashtag #PickleballPassport to share your thoughts.
ABOUT RAQT
RAQT.com is your court companion for all things Pickleball in Europe – from club events to international tournaments, plus the RAQT App to help you track and join events.
Available on the App Store & Google Play.
Get in touch
Have feedback, want to be featured, or interested in sponsoring a future episode?
Email us: podcast@raqt.com
ABOUT THIS EPISODE //
Welcome to Episode 2 of Pickleball Passport – a RAQT.com podcast, your go-to source for competitive pickleball across Europe and beyond.
This time, we’re getting court-ready for 2025 with a deep dive into tournament formats, leagues, must-play events and real advice from players and organizers across the continent.
In this episode, we explore how tournament formats shape your experience, where top players are planning to compete, and which tournaments should be in your calendar for the rest of 2025.
What you’ll hear in Episode 2:
TIME STAMPS //
(00:00) – Intro
(02:03) – Tournament formats: world formats & competitive play in Europe
(06:20) – For tournament starters: what you need to know & what you’re really signing up for when…
(09:00) – Insights & challenges Europe’s currently facing & what what players enjoy about competitive play
(15:00) – Leagues (Germany, Belgium, LPP Portugal, Serbia, France, UK)
(17:03) – exlusive insights from UK’s Premiere Pickleball League Co-Founder Ed Hares
(22:00) – series/tours/circuits & Interview with special guest Filipe Paszkiewicz from PEAK League
(41:30) – what makes a tournament worth the trip
(44:15) - Tips for first time tournament player & competitive play organizers from experienced top players49:45 – hot tournament picks, must-visit events & tournaments for your second half of 2025!
(57:28) – Pickleball Paddle XL Give-Away details
(57:54) – Wrap-up & what to expect in the upcoming episode 3
***
PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES //
Thanks to our amazing players & Pickleball influencer for sharing their insights:
EPISODE SPONSOR //
This episode is proudly powered by Pickleballcorner.de – the online store for the European Pickleball community. From paddles to passion – Europe’s home for everything pickleball, shipping Europe wide!
INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY – 7 WINNERS, 7 PRIZES //
In collaboration with pickleballcorner.de – the online shop for everything Pickleball in Europe - we’re giving away Pickleball gear worth over 600€ in total value:
More info: on instagram @raqtfamily & @pickleballcorner.de! Giveaway closes: June 1, 2025
TOURNAMENTS COMING UP //
(Exklusive on RAQT.com)
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 Apple App store & Google Play store) – plan, play, compete.
GET IN TOUCH //
Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or sponsor a future episode?
Email us at: podcast@raqt.com
We give European Pickleball a voice!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE //
Welcome aboard Pickleball Passport, the first-ever podcast dedicated to the European Pickleball community. Powered by RAQT.com, the go-to platform for Pickleball tournaments, leagues, and events across Europe, this podcast explores the rise of Pickleball across the continent!
The journey begins and we take you on a special journey about how Pickleball is taking off across Europe – from grassroots movements to growing national federations, and from local pioneers to international ambitions.
This episode paints a picture of a sport in motion – one that is rapidly growing, but developing very differently in each country.
What you’ll hear in Episode 1:
TEST YOUR PB KNOWLEDGE//
Which of these countries was NOT part of the inaugural European Pickleball Championships in 2024?
The correct answer will be revealed in the episode, so don’t miss out!
TIME STAMPS //
(00:00) - Introduction, welcome & what you can expect from this podcast
(02:51) - „Europe“ – the big picture
(05:33) – Differences to the US
(08:05) - Challenges of Pickleball in Europe
(29:14) – DUPR & rankings in Europe & Competitive Play
(23:37) – How the sport is organized in different countries of Europe
(48:10) – Interview with special guest Fathi Dervent, Board member oft he European Pickleball Federation (EPF)
(01:00:00) – Wrap-Up & what to expect from upcoming episode 2
PLAYER’S LOUNGE VOICES //
A huge thank you to the amazing players from the Players Lounge who contributed their voices to this episode:
EPISODE SPONSOR SHOUTOUT //
This episode is proudly powered by Dinking Times – Europe’s first and only magazine dedicated to the Pickleball community, a project from the Dinking Hub.
ABOUT //
RAQT.com is your ultimate destination for all things Pickleball in Europe, offering a comprehensive platform for tournaments, leagues, and events across the continent with some oft he most beautiful locations to play. Follow us on instagram for updates @raqtfamily.
GET IN TOUCH //
We’d love to hear from you! Feedback? Ideas? Want to be one of the player’s lounge voices or special guests? Interested in sponsoring one of the episodes Or just send us some Pickleball Cabin Crew love? Drop an air-letter (E-Mail) to podcast@raqt.com.