The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) is the leading international organization for pickleball. It’s a non-profit with a global mission: to develop and maintain the sport’s integrity, from casual play to professional competition. Working alongside established pickleball federations in different regions, like the Americas, Africa, Oceania, Asia, and Europe, the GPF and its dedicated network of volunteers, all contribute to the sport’s growth worldwide.
The federation was formed after careful planning to create a strong foundation for pickleball. Their ethical guidelines and rules aim to ultimately get pickleball recognized by the Olympics.
We sat down with Board Member, Ruth Rosenquist to learn more about the initiatives of the Global Pickleball Federation and how pickleball players can help elevate the sport.
Tell me about yourself and how you got involved in the GPF.
I was smitten the first time I stepped on my Uncle’s pickleball court in Mexico–circa 1992. When I returned home to Scottsdale, pickleball courts were virtually non-existent. I eventually found a club in Fountain Hills, 30 minutes from home. At the time, I was known as the “SantaWrangler”, as I handled media and marketing for the largest Santa Experience group in North America, with 600 venues. As my love for the game and network grew, my work pivoted from the magic of Santa to the joy of pickleball. In 2018, I traveled to Montesilvano, Italy to play for North America in the Bainbridge Cup. I met so many like-minded, kindred spirits from across the world, and was drawn to the prospect of growing the game internationally. Fast forward to the Global Pickleball Federation, our board has a legacy that is unmatched, including the founders of pickleball in Australia, Ghana, Ireland, Mexico, Poland, The Philippines and beyond. These pioneers have built pickleball from the ground up. For me, it’s an honor to work beside them.
Tell me about the Global Pickleball Federation – its inception and your role within the organization.
The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) was initially conceived through a task force created by Pickleball Canada and Pickleball Australia. They recognized the vacuum that existed in international governance, and sought unification for pickleball through a strong coalition of continental federations, instead of individual countries. Launched in November 2023. The GPF now has four thriving continental federations with 52 members (and growing) under the leadership of President Javier Regalado of Mexico. I serve as GPF’s MarCom Chair, sharing our member’s milestones and stories across the globe.
Why do you think it needs to exist in the world of pickleball?
To ensure pickleball flourishes, it is vital to have one international governing body that sets the standard for pickleball with integrity, unity and leadership. These standards apply to the rulebook, coaching, international competition and all the steps required to include pickleball in the Olympics one day.
What has the Global Pickleball Federation done to further the interest and expansion of Pickleball Wordlwide?
Still in our first year, the GPF has built the foundation for a global non-profit.
- Established By-Laws that are informed by the processes to gain International Olympic Committee (IOC) compliance.
- Defined our Active8 strategy, prioritizing grassroots growth.
- Launched our Member Kit equipment grants program, in partnership with Pickleball United
- Supported the historic 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana, the first intercontinental pickleball tournament in Africa. with officiating, equipment and more
- Inducted 52 member countries and growing.
Can you describe a validating growth moment for you within the organization? (Any amazing moment for you personally)?
Let’s see. I was there at the founding of Paddletek (shout-out to Cody), I’ve served on teams to build leading paddle brands, foundations, and championed fundraising efforts for multiple sclerosis and breast cancer. But seeing pickleball played at the 13th African Games was my most gratifying, watershed moment yet. Having spent years living in Ibadan, Nigeria, I can tell you that no place in the world can benefit more from pickleball than Africa.
How can folks get involved in the organization?
The GPF has eight volunteer committees on the lookout for subject matter experts to contribute to our priorities, covering everything from Sport Development/High Performance to Community Development, Coaching and Instruction. We also invite everyone to follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @globalpickleballfederation, to experience how pickleball is growing around the world, in real time.
Where do you see the world of pickleball going?
During my tenure as Media Chair for USAPA, pickleball was first named “one of the fastest growing sports in America” by NBC Nightly News back in 2014. Now pickleball is tracking to become the fastest growing sport in the world. That’s quite a leap in a lifetime!
