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Why now is the right time

Pickleball is growing in Germany faster than any other racket sport. Anyone who now founds a Pickleball section or their own club positions themselves as a pioneer in their region.

Option A: Integrate Pickleball as a new section in an existing club (recommended). Option B: Found an independent Pickleball club (e.V.).

Two paths to a Pickleball section

Option A (Recommended)
New section in existing club
B
Option B
Independent Pickleball club e.V.
Guide

Starting a Pickleball club — here\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s how

01

Needs analysis & community

Is there already interest in your area? Talk to tennis clubs and sports enthusiasts. A group of 10–15 people is a good starting point.

02

Secure a facility

Existing tennis facility with temporary lines or sports hall with portable net. For an independent club: long-term usage contract with municipality or sports facility.

03

Get DPB advice

Contact the DPB early. We advise free of charge on club founding, articles of association and integration into the Pickleball Platform.

04

Founding meeting & articles

For an independent e.V.: founding meeting with at least 7 people, adopt articles, elect board. The DPB can provide model articles.

05

Club registration

Registration with the competent local court (association register). Costs: approx. 70–150 €. Duration: 4–8 weeks.

06

Train coaches

A DPB-certified coach is the cornerstone of every successful Pickleball section. Dates for the 2026 Coach C Training are confirmed.

07

List on the Pickleball Platform

Your club appears in the Pickleball Platform Club Finder — searched daily by players throughout Germany and Europe.

08

First tournaments & events

Taster sessions, internal club tournaments, regional open events. Events can be easily organised with the Pickleball Platform tournament software.

What you need

What you need

At least 7 founding members
Mandatory requirement for an e.V. in Germany
Articles of association
Governs purpose, bodies, membership and dissolution
Elected board
At least President, Vice President, Treasurer
DPB Support

What the DPB does for you

Free initial consultation
Personal consultation on founding, facility planning and equipment.
Model articles & documents
Tried and tested club documents as templates — saves time and legal costs.
Coach C Training
Training the first coach — the core of every successful section.
Admission to tournament series
Your club becomes part of the national DPB tournament series.
FAQ

FAQ: Starting a club

A registered association (e.V.) requires at least 7 founding members. For a Pickleball section in an existing club, 3–5 committed people are often sufficient.
The registration fee at the local court is approx. 70–150 €. The biggest expenses are equipment and any facility adaptation — not the founding itself.

Ready to start?

Contact the DPB — we accompany you from the first idea to the first championship.