Free Paddles for Indiana Schools from INDY Pickleball Club

Indianapolis – The INDY Pickleball Club has turned a challenge into an opportunity to grow the sport and inspire young players across Indiana.

Founded by Marcus Woodhouse, the club initially formed with the goal of building a dedicated pickleball facility — a major challenge at the time when finding places to play was difficult. Early players relied on makeshift courts in church basements and taped lines on gym floors. Tennis clubs eventually opened their doors, albeit reluctantly, to accommodate the growing demand.

The COVID-19 lockdown changed everything. As families searched for safe activities during isolation, pickleball gained a surge in popularity. Post-pandemic, dedicated pickleball facilities began springing up across the country, lessening the club’s need to build its own space.

Facing this shift, the INDY Pickleball Club asked: If not a facility, what’s our purpose now?

The answer was Paddle It Forward™, a program designed to provide used pickleball paddles to Indiana schools free of charge — helping introduce the sport to young players. Schools can apply for equipment through the club’s website, ensuring PE teachers have the resources to get students engaged.

To further support this initiative, the club partnered with TMPR Sports, a Michigan-based paddle manufacturer known for producing high-quality paddles made in the USA. TMPR Sports agreed to create custom paddles featuring the INDY Pickleball Club logo and Paddle It Forward™ branding — offered at a discounted rate to support the club’s mission.

“We are very proud to partner with INDY Pickleball Club as they give back to the Indiana community,” said Doug Clark, TMPR co-CEO. “Through this collaboration, the club can now provide new, pristine, American-made paddles to PE teachers free of charge — ensuring students have quality equipment as they are introduced to the sport.”

The INDY Pickleball Club’s Paddle It Forward™ program is a powerful example of how local clubs can create positive change by investing in the next generation of players.

Interested in starting a similar program? Contact TMPR Sports at info@tmprsports.com to learn how your club can purchase custom paddles at a discounted rate to make a lasting impact.