Bermuda’s young pickleball players will finally get their chance to shine on Saturday (12.30pm) as the Pickleball Association of Bermuda hosts its rescheduled Junior Pickleball Showcase at the WER Joell Tennis & Pickleball Stadium.

Originally planned as part of the Caribbean Pickleball Championships in March, the event was postponed due to inclement weather.

The Junior Showcase represents the culmination of the 2026 school pickleball season, which engaged more than 200 students across Bermuda’s primary, middle and senior schools through a series of Bermuda School Sports Federation and PAB-supported events.

Athletes earned their invitation to the showcase through their performances at school competitions and will now compete alongside many of the island’s top junior players.

Young athletes will compete across five age divisions, 8 and under, 10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under as well as 16 and under, with singles, doubles and mixed doubles competition taking place throughout the afternoon.

“We were determined to ensure these young athletes still had the opportunity to participate,” said George Thomas, president of the PAB.

“The Junior Showcase was an important part of the legacy we hoped to create through the Caribbean Pickleball Championships, and we’re excited to finally welcome these players to the court and celebrate the growth of youth pickleball in Bermuda.”

According to Gavin Manders, the PAB national director, the showcase was originally envisioned as a key legacy initiative of the Caribbean Championships and has evolved into an important component of Bermuda’s junior development system.

“The Junior Showcase is much more than a one-day event,” Manders said.

“This is the next step in a pathway we have been intentionally building through our schools, junior programmes, and competitive opportunities.

“Our goal is to identify, support, and develop young athletes by creating a clear progression from school participation to junior development, national team opportunities and ultimately, the Open Elite level.

“For many of these players, this showcase is their first opportunity to see what that journey can look like.

“The event aligns with the Association’s Long-Term Athlete Development Plan and broader vision of creating sustainable pathways from grass roots participation to high-performance competition.

“By connecting school programmes, competitive opportunities and ongoing training, the PAB aims to provide young athletes with a clear progression route within the sport.

“Beyond the medals and competition, the showcase aims to inspire participation, build confidence, promote sportsmanship and provide young athletes with a clear vision of what is possible through dedication, development and continued involvement in the sport.

“Parents, families and supporters are encouraged to attend and cheer on Bermuda’s next generation of pickleball players as they take another step along Bermuda’s growing junior pathway.”