Pickleball continues to expand its footprint in South America, with Paraguay launching free beginner classes and strengthening efforts to grow the sport nationwide.
The initiative is being led through the Asunción Pickleball Club (APC), which is offering complimentary sessions throughout June at Club Dink, a newly opened facility in the Barrail Costanera Complex in Asunción.
Players of all ages and experience levels are invited to take part, with rackets and balls provided free of charge.
The sport first arrived in Paraguay through small groups of tennis and padel players but has gained momentum over the last 18 months with the opening of new courts and the establishment of organised structures.
Another significant milestone came with the creation of Paraguay’s first national pickleball team, which has already represented the country at World Championships in Peru and the United States.
Dave Peery, Vice President of the APC, said accessibility remains central to the club’s vision.
“We extend an open invitation to everyone to come and try pickleball, and to see it not as a niche sport, but as an accessible, social, and incredibly fun activity from day one,” Peery said.
He believes the opening of Club Dink marks a major step for the sport.
“For the first time, Paraguay has a social club specializing in pickleball. This marks a turning point for the development of this sport in the country,” Peery emphasized.
The facility features five professional-grade courts and serves as the headquarters of the Asunción Pickleball Club.
APC president Iro Villar said the project is focused on creating long-term growth.
“This club was founded with the vision of creating a space where pickleball can grow sustainably in Paraguay. We want it to be a meeting point for players of all ages and levels, and to help position the country within the regional circuit of this sport,” Villar said.
He added that investment in infrastructure was a deliberate priority.
“We invested in top-notch infrastructure because we believe the playing experience is fundamental to attracting new players and enabling Paraguay to host major competitions in the future,” Villar stated.
Looking ahead, APC officials hope Paraguay can become an important destination on the regional pickleball calendar.
“We aim to become a leading pickleball venue in the region. Our facilities are of very high quality, which we believe will help Paraguay position itself strategically,” Peery stated.
Club leaders have already begun building relationships with federations and associations across neighbouring countries as Paraguay looks to establish a stronger presence within the growing international pickleball community.