Quaker Launches Oat-fficial Pickleball Tournaments

Just when you hear that the average age of a pickleball player has lowered, someone 147 years old steps onto the court to raise it up again.

That someone is Quaker Oats.

Yes, the oatmeal company has dropped its spoon into the pickleball bowl by announcing the Quaker Pickleball Academy. This series of free pickleball pop-up events "invites players of all levels to step into the kitchen."

Oh, the puns.

Event dates and locations

Each academy stop will feature skills and drill sessions along with a tournament, all leading up to a big event planned for the fall.

2024 Quaker Pickleball Academy Stops include:

• May 16: SPF Pickleball in Chicago, IL
• June 21: Diadem near Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• July 19: The Hub in San Diego, CA
• July 31: Newport Beach Pickleball Club in Newport Beach, CA

Quaker Oats is an APP partner

This isn't the first time the oatmeal company has been linked to pickleball. Quaker Oats is an official 2024 partner of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP).

"Through our partnership with the APP, we have an opportunity to help support players by combining the nourishment of Quaker Oats along with the benefits of playing pickleball," said Katie Scupham, Vice President of Meal Occasions at PepsiCo. 

"We hope the Quaker Pickleball Academy gives players of all levels a chance to get involved and have some fun fueled by Quaker in the 'kitchen'!"

"We're pleased to partner with Quaker Oats on this important initiative to support pickleball nationwide," said Ryan McSpadden, APP chief revenue officer.

"Not only are nutrition and nourishment crucial for a great time on the courts, but the chance for players to hone their skills in a fun-filled environment is exactly what the APP is all about."

If you're 18 and older, you can reserve a spot for one of the events by visiting QuakerOats.com/Pickleball.