Building the Pickleball Community in Belgium with Kassandra Bourgeois 🇧🇪 | Future of Pickleball

Summary

The transcript details an interview with Cassandra Bis, the leader of Belgian pickleball, who shares her journey in introducing and developing the sport in Belgium from the ground up. The interview covers her initial discovery of pickleball in the United States, her efforts to promote the sport in Europe, and the growth of pickleball in Belgium and across Europe. Cassandra discusses the challenges faced in popularizing the sport, the increasing number of players and clubs, and the future prospects of pickleball in Belgium. She also talks about her role in coaching and the upcoming Belgian Open tournament, inviting international players to participate and highlighting the sport's growing international appeal.

Takeaways

• 🏆 Cassandra Bis is a leader in the sport of pickleball in Belgium, having introduced and developed the sport in the country from the ground up.
• 🌍 The growth of pickleball in Europe has been significant, with many countries starting around the same time and experiencing a surge in interest and participation.
• 🇧🇪 In Belgium, pickleball is played both indoors and outdoors, with a preference for outdoor play during the few months of suitable weather.
• 📈 Cassandra estimates there are around 50-60 clubs and approximately 10,000 players in Belgium, with the sport seeing continuous growth.
• 👥 The demographic of pickleball players in Belgium is diverse, ranging from young children to seniors, similar to the trend in America.
• 🚀 The quality of play has improved as former tennis and paddle players have taken up the sport, bringing their athletic skills to pickleball.
• 🏃‍♀️ Cassandra herself is a high-level player and actively involved in coaching and promoting the sport, even running a 24-hour class for aspiring coaches.
• 🏆 The Belgian Open, an international tournament, has seen participation from over 20 different countries and is expected to grow further.
• 🤝 There is a strong sense of community and family within the pickleball scene, which contributes to its growth and appeal.
• 🌟 Media coverage, including TV and radio, has helped to raise awareness and interest in pickleball in Belgium.
• ✈️ Cassandra frequently travels to play in tournaments across Europe and has also been involved in the European Championships and the Global Pickleball Federation.

Q & A

What is the name of the segment that Selkirk TV is introducing to discuss pickleball globally?

The new segment being introduced by Selkirk TV is called 'Selker World in Cerk World'.

Who is the guest in the first interview of the 'Selker World in Cerk World' segment?

The guest in the first interview is Cassandra Bis, who leads Belgian pickleball.

What is special about Selkirk's line of pickleball nets?

Selkirk's line of pickleball nets is the official net of the PPA tour, offering a range of nets that cater to every player's needs, from budget-friendly to premium options.

How did Cassandra Bis first encounter pickleball?

Cassandra Bis first encountered pickleball in Florida, where she was living for two years and playing the sport regularly.

What was the initial reaction to pickleball when Cassandra Bis introduced it to Belgium?

Initially, it was a struggle to introduce pickleball in Belgium due to competition with other sports and the public's unfamiliarity with the game.

How has the growth of pickleball in Belgium been in recent years?

The growth of pickleball in Belgium has been significant, with around 50-60 clubs and approximately 10,000 players as of the time of the interview.

What are the typical playing conditions for pickleball in Belgium?

In Belgium, pickleball is mostly played indoors due to the weather, with only three or four months a year suitable for outdoor play.

How does Cassandra Bis promote pickleball in Belgium?

Cassandra Bis promotes pickleball through social media, TV, and radio, inviting people to try the game and leveraging the support of the media to raise awareness.

What is the demographic of pickleball players in Belgium?

The demographic of pickleball players in Belgium is diverse, ranging from children to seniors, with a significant number of players coming from tennis and padel backgrounds.

How does Cassandra Bis view the future of pickleball in Belgium?

Cassandra Bis sees a bright future for pickleball in Belgium, with more courts being built, more players joining, and an increase in the number of tournaments.

What is the role of the European pickleball Federation (EPF) and the Global pickleball Federation (GPF) in promoting the sport?

The EPF and GPF play a significant role in promoting pickleball by providing support, infrastructure, and promotion for tournaments and the sport in general, helping to grow the game across Europe and globally.