PICKLEBALL PASSPORT - The first-ever podcast dedicated to European Pickleball

About PICKLEBALL PASSPORT - The first-ever podcast dedicated to European Pickleball

Welcome aboard! Hosted by your cabin crew & Pickleball experts Steffie Vennemann & Moritz Mümmler, we explore how the sport is growing across Europe. Must-play tournaments, cross-border league action, voices from the community, and insights from different countries. Whether you're a beginner, competitor, or future Pickleball traveler – this podcast keeps you connected, inspired & informed on all things Pickleball in Europe. Fasten your seatbelts – this flight is taking off! Listen to the Voices of Pickleball in Europe. Powered by RAQT.com your go-to platform for Pickleball tournaments.

Publisher

Steffi Vennemann; Moritz Mümmler

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 May 2025

Latest episode

3 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Dec 2025

   EPISODE 9 – DINKS & DESTINATION – TOP TEN PLACES TO PLAY PICKLEBALL IN 2025/2026 // Season 1 ending

   Where community, travel, and the world’s fastest-growing sport come together! In this special award episode of Pickleball Passport – powered by RAQT.com, we reveal the TOP 10 Most Special Places to Play Pickleball in Europe 2025/2026 — selected by our international jury as part of the Dinks & Destinations Awards. From Alpine courts to Mediterranean sunsets, from architecturally stunning indoor venues to resort-style pickleball escapes — these 10 destinations represent the best, most unique, most unforgettable places to play in Europe today. We also look at the rise of sports tourism and the explosive growth of pickleball travel across Europe, including expert insights from two leaders in the field. In this episode, you’ll hear about: ✅ Why sports tourism (USD 618B in 2024 → USD 2 trillion by 2032!) is reshaping the way Europeans travel ✅ Why pickleball holidays are booming in Europe’s off-season tourism window ✅ How travel organisations are building communities — not just trips ✅ Why players are now choosing destinations based on courts, coaching & community vibes ✅…and of course:🎉 The official announcement of the TOP 10 Dinks & Destinations Award Winners! 🏆 TOP 10 MOST SPECIAL PICKLEBALL PLACES TO PLAY 2025/2026 Austria / RACKET REVOLUTION - @racketrevolutionpickleball (https://www.instagram.com/racketrevolutionpickleball/) Switzerland / PICKLEBALL HUB BASEL - @pickleballhubschweiz (https://www.instagram.com/pickleballhubschweiz/) Netherlands / DINX PICKLEBALL THE HAGUE - @dinx.pickleball (https://www.instagram.com/dinx.pickleball/) Germany / TOP PICKLEBALL STUTTGART - @top_pickleball_stuttgart (https://www.instagram.com/top_pickleball_stuttgart/?hl=de) Croatia / KLUB 002 (Split) - @pickleball_split_klub002 (https://www.instagram.com/pickleball_split_klub002/?hl=de) Croatia / ARETHA CRUISE - @via_croatia (https://www.instagram.com/via_croatia/) & Bookings via VibeGetaways (https://vibegetaways.com/group/yacht-cruiser-pickleball-croatia/) France / LE LOGIS - @lelogiscognac (https://www.instagram.com/lelogiscognac/) & booking request via Mrs. Butikofer (mailto:Kbutikofer@forbestravelguide.com) Spain / PLAYA DE LA LUZ - @hotelplayadelaluz (https://www.instagram.com/hotelplayadelaluz/?hl=de) & Reballution Cup 2026 by Pickleball Rota (https://www.instagram.com/p/DOv3MEZCOgo/) Italy / TENNIS-PADEL-PICKLEBALL CLUB ALBA - @tennisclubalba (https://www.instagram.com/tennisclubalba/) Special thanks to our expert voices. Go check out their Pickleball vacation packages! Zuhal Polat (PSO Travel) – WEB (https://www.psotravel.com/) &  Instagram @psotravel (https://www.instagram.com/psotravel/) Tom Corfield (Pickleball Pro Retreats)  - WEB (https://pickleballproretreats.com/) & Instagram @pickleballproretreats (https://www.instagram.com/pickleballproretreats/) SPONSOR // Thanks to our partner - Dinking Times (https://dinkinghub.com/pages/dinking-times-magazine?srsltid=AfmBOoqV8dxPYOeeInG9128W4A9oGAAu1FcVNXa-TV6h_XMWkEOniigf) - for supporting this episode. All top ten winner will be showcased in issue 4 (2026) of the European Pickleball magazine. GET IN TOUCH // Feedback? Ideas? Want to get in touch or send some cabin crew love? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com (mailto:podcast@raqt.com). Follow us on Instagram @raqtfamily for the latest Pickleball tournaments and events across Europe – and @pickleball_passport_podcast (https://www.instagram.com/pickleball_passport_podcast/) so you never miss a new episode. SEASON ENDS HERE // Season 1 wraps with this episode — thank you for listening, sharing, exploring Europe’s Pickleball world with us and being part of the journey! Your energy, messages, and love for the game made this first season unforgettable.

2. 

   3 Nov 2025

   EPISODE 8 – COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT: CROATIA, SLOVAKIA, HUNGARY & SLOVENIA

   From the Adriatic coast to Central Europe’s hidden gems – Pickleball is thriving across a region bursting with energy, community, and creativity! In this eighth episode of Pickleball Passport – powered by RAQT.com, we hand the mic to four inspiring voices who are shaping the game in Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia. How do you start a pickleball scene from scratch? What makes night sessions on the Croatian coast so special? And how are new players turning passion into national movements across Central Europe? WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN EPISODE 8 // ✅ How Croatia built Europe’s largest pickleball club – from 20 players to 1,500 members ✅ Why Slovakia’s all-female leadership is redefining community & creativity (with a side of wine!) ✅ How Hungary’s federation and tournaments are paving the way for pros – including the Santa Claus Cup ✅ How two sisters are building Slovenia’s pickleball future – courts, clinics & community vibes near Lake Bled ✅ A shared vision: grassroots passion fueling Europe’s next pickleball wave TIME STAMPS // (00:00)–(02:40) – Intro & Episode Flight Plan (02:41)–(08:57) – Croatia Spotlight with Natko Petresic (10:26)–(19:13) – Slovakia Spotlight with Viktoria Kanichova (20:16)–(31:45) – Hungary Spotlight with Bakó Bálint Gergő 00:00–00:00 – Wrap-Up & Landing PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS // Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life: Natko Petresic (Croatia) – Instagram: @natko.petrisic (https://www.instagram.com/natko.petrisic/) / Club: pickleball-002.hr/split (https://pickleball-002.hr/split) Viktoria Kanichova (Slovakia) – Instagram: @viki_kanich (https://www.instagram.com/viki_kanich/?hl=de) / Web: slovakpickleball.com (https://www.slovakpickleball.com/) Bálint Gergő Bakó (Hungary) – Instagram: @bakobalint_pb (https://www.instagram.com/bakobalint_pb/) / @pickleball.hungary (https://www.instagram.com/pickleball.hungary/) Thea & Sandra (Slovenia) – Instagram: @tspickleball (https://www.instagram.com/tspickleball/?igsh=OW9pcWtlcDJkZzd6) / Web:  tspickleball.si (https://tspickleball.si/) ABOUT RAQT // RAQT.com (https://raqt.com/) is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round. Download the RAQT app – available in the Apple App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/raqt-pickleball-family-friends/id1617653147) & Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.boilerplatee&pli=1). Plan. Play. Compete. GET IN TOUCH // Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love to the cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com (mailto:podcast@raqt.com) or send us a DM on Instagram @Pickleball_Passport_Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/pickleball_passport_podcast/) or @raqtfamily (https://www.instagram.com/raqtfamily/)

3. 

   22 Sept 2025

   EPISODE 7 – COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT: GERMANY, SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA

   Stories and voices from the DACH Pickleball community In this episode of Pickleball Passport, we’re flying straight into the heart of Europe: Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Three countries, three unique Pickleball stories – from the legendary Bainbridge Cup in Essen, to Switzerland’s creative Alpine courts, all the way to Austria’s iconic Road to Arlberg tournament finals. Once again, we hand over the mic to the people who shape the game: players, coaches, and community leaders who live and grow Pickleball every day. What makes Pickleball in central Europe so special? Where are the best places to play? And how do these countries see their role in shaping the future of Pickleball in Europe? Sit back, grab your paddle, and join us for this DACH deep dive. What you’ll hear in Episode 7: How Pickleball in Germany grew from its very first club in 2013 to more than 70 clubs today Why Switzerland is leading with hubs, innovation, and Europe’s biggest indoor Pickleball arena How Austria combines community vibes with pro-level ambitions through the Road to Arlberg and the first Pickleball Academy Unique challenges: hall time, youth development, and keeping the sport fun A vision for a strong, united European Pickleball community (00:00)–(03:44)– Intro & Episode Flight Plan (03:45)–(13:10) – Germany Spotlight with Katherina “Catie” Preis (15:02)–(20:45)– Switzerland Spotlight with Dominik Kuhn (21:30)–(27:30) – Austria Spotlight with Stefan Grubmüller (27:31)–(29:22) – Wrap-Up & Landing PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS // Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life: Katherina Preis – Germany - Instagram: @catieworks (https://www.instagram.com/catieworks/?hl=de) Dominik Kuhn – Switzerland - Instagram: @pickleballcorner (https://www.instagram.com/pickleballcorner/) / Website: pickleballhub.ch (https://pickleballhub.ch/en/) Stefan Grubmüller – Austria - Instagram: @sg_pickleballaholic (https://www.instagram.com/sg_pickleballaholic/) MENTIONED LINKS FOR THE SHOWNOTES // Interactive map of all Pickleball courts & clubs in Germany: pickleballcorner.de (https://www.pickleballcorner.de/pages/wo-kann-in-deutschland-pickleball-gespielt-werden) Europe’s biggest indoor Pickleball arena (7 dedicated courts, Winterthur): pickleballcorner.ch (https://pickleballcorner.ch/blogs/news/europas-grosste-indoor-pickleball-arena-entsteht-in-winterthur?srsltid=AfmBOoqKBAe-tteAwPyDYdctjq-nTr7p3acG7ZeBw3C9_Y0ppoXu09UR) Courts in Austria: Indoor facility: Racket Revolution Wiener Neustadt (https://www.racket-revolution.at/) / Outdoor courts Graz: hartbeigraz.at (https://www.hartbeigraz.at/Leben/Sport_und_Freizeit/Padeltennis_Pickleball) ABOUT RAQT // RAQT.com (https://raqt.com/) is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round. Download the RAQT app – available in the Apple App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/raqt-pickleball-family-friends/id1617653147) & Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.boilerplatee&pli=1). Plan. Play. Compete. GET IN TOUCH // Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love to the cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com (mailto:podcast@raqt.com) or send us a DM on Instagram @Pickleball_Passport_Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/pickleball_passport_podcast/).

4. 

   18 Aug 2025

   EPISODE 6 – PICKLEBALL FOR KIDS & TEENS IN EUROPE

   Stories and ideas from youth players In this episode of Pickleball Passport, we hand the mic to the next generation: 8 young players between 13 and 18 from across Europe share how they discovered the sport, what needs to change to support youth pickleball – and their big visions for the future. Whether you're a parent, player, club leader or federation member – this episode is your chance to hear what youth players actually need, want, and wish for. Also: Stay tuned to learn more about inspiring initiatives worldwide and our special JOOLA gear giveaway! What you’ll hear in Episode 6: • Why Europe needs to take youth pickleball more seriously • Honest perspectives from 8 junior players on competing, learning, and growing in the sport • Initiatives like NJP and Junior PPA – what Europe can learn • Ideas on how clubs, federations, and organizers can take action • Why this is more than just “a kids’ topic” TIME STAMPS // (00:00)–(02:01)– Intro (02:02–(05:25) – Youth Pickleball in Europe: Where are we at? (05:26)-(10:35) – Global inspiration: NJP, Junior PPA & more (10:36)–(56:02)– Voices from the Players Lounge: Youth take the mic (56:30)–(57:44) – Wrap-Up & JOOLA Giveaway PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS // Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life: • Xavier David from the Netherlands – Instagram @xavierdavids14 (https://www.instagram.com/xavierdavids14) & @PickleballPower (https://www.instagram.com/pickleballpower) • Piet Bemelmans from Belgium – Instagram @pietbemelmans.pickleball (https://www.instagram.com/pietbemelmans.pickleball) • Jannick Degering from Germany – Instagram @sfd75ev (https://www.instagram.com/sfd75ev) • Harry & Gracie Hamilton from Ireland – Instagram @harry.hamilton.pb (https://www.instagram.com/harry.hamilton.pb) / @graciehamilton.pb (https://www.instagram.com/graciehamilton.pb) • Dani & Beni Haijnal from Ireland – Instagram @thedanihajnal (https://www.instagram.com/thedanihajnal) / @benihajnal (https://www.instagram.com/_benihajnal_) • Arwid Dahlin from Sweden – Instagram @arwiddahlin_pb (https://www.instagram.com/arwiddahlin_pb) LEARN MORE – LINKS // • NJP – National Junior Pickleball (https://www.nationaljuniorpickleball.com) • Junior PPA Tour (https://www.ppatour.com/junior-ppa) • European School Education Platform: eTwinning Pickleball Project (https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/bs/etwinning/projects/well-being-and-fun-pickleball-school?utm_source=chatgpt.com) QUESTION OF THE WEEK // We’d love to hear your thoughts! What does your club or country do to support kids and youth in Pickleball? Comment on RAQT's Instagram @raqtfamily (https://www.instagram.com/raqtfamily) post for this episode and use #pickleballpassport to join the conversation. .EPISODE SPONSOR // Thanks to JOOLA EUROPE for supporting this episode. Check out the JOOLA Europe Shop Follow on Instagram @joolaeurope.pb (https://www.instagram.com/joolaeurope.pb) ABOUT RAQT // RAQT.com is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round. Download the RAQT app – available in the Apple App Store & Google Play Store. Plan. Play. Compete. GET IN TOUCH // Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love to the cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com

5. 

   8 Aug 2025

   EPISODE 5 – COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT: ENGLAND

   Tea, tradition & top-tier Pickleball. In this fifth episode of Pickleball Passport, we land in one of Europe’s most exciting Pickleball destinations: England. Home to the first European Pickleball Championships, over 45,000 active players, two national podcasts and a thriving community that blends high-level play with deep-rooted connection – England sets the bar in more ways than one. But what exactly makes the English scene so special? And what can other countries learn from it? What you’ll hear in Episode 5: • How Pickleball England became a nationally recognized governing body • Why the English community is known for being both competitive and humble • What coaches & players are doing to grow the sport across all levels • Why pros like Thaddea Lock lead by example • And how English Pickleball culture could inspire the rest of Europe TIME STAMPS // (->Moritz to complete) (00:00)–(01:58) – Intro (01:59)–(09:27) – Facts & Figures about Pickleball in England (09:28)–(24:05) – Shane Crook about Community (25:00)–(30:44) – Richard Love about Coaching and the National team (32:23)–(55:14) – Thaddea Lock about the players vibe and competition (55:15)–(57:51) – Wrap-Up PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS // Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life: • Shane Crook (@8gonko (https://www.instagram.com/8gonko/)) – Community player & tournament traveller • Richard Love (@misterlove_pb (https://www.instagram.com/misterlove_pb/?hl=de)) – National team player & captain 50+, full-time coach • Thaddea Lock (@thaddea23 (https://www.instagram.com/thaddea23/)) – England’s national team player & captain 19+ & one of Europes few full-time pro player LEARN MORE – LINKS // Pickleball England Website: https://www.pickleballengland.org (https://www.pickleballengland.org) Taster Sessions & Club Map: https://www.pickleballengland.org/taster-sessions (https://www.pickleballengland.org/taster-sessions) Find a Coach: https://www.pickleballengland.org/find-a-coach (https://www.pickleballengland.org/find-a-coach) English Open 2025: https://www.pickleballengland.org/2025-english-open (https://www.pickleballengland.org/2025-english-open) Pickleball52 News Platform: https://www.pickleball52.com (https://www.pickleball52.com) Pickleball Bros: Instagram @thePickleballbros (https://www.instagram.com/thepickleballbros/?hl=de) Podcast „What a Pickle“ – Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/3dtw45RzugTqjemniUGP3c) Podcast „Everything But The Kitchen Dink“ – Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/6jGaQDf6CFCPGIv9PCSOVc) Sustainability initiative Myllie Smythe - wearecrackd.com (https://www.wearecrackd.com/) Comment on the RAQT‘s instagram @raqtfamily (https://www.instagram.com/raqtfamily/) posting to let us know and share your thoughts with #pickleballpassport. ABOUT RAQT // RAQT.com (https://raqt.com/) is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round. Download the RAQT app (available in Apple App store (https://apps.apple.com/de/app/raqt-pickleball-family-friends/id1617653147) &  Google Play store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.boilerplatee&hl=gsw)) – plan, play, compete. GET IN TOUCH // Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love tot he cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com (mailto:podcast@raqt.com)

6. 

   4 Jul 2025

   EPISODE 4 – SKILL BUILDING: HOW EUROPE PROFESSIONALIZES PICKLEBALL

   Industry experts Sarah Ansboury, Rob Williams, Maria Munz, and Stefan Entbrouxk discuss Europe's professionalization of pickleball through coaching certifications, referee pathways, and training academies in this interview episode.

7. 

   9 Jun 2025

   Country Spotlight – Pickleball in Southern Europe 🇮🇹🇪🇸🇵🇹🇫🇷

   Players Eleana R., Pep C., Kelly M., and Cyril D. discuss pickleball's organization, hotspots, competitive formats, culture, and challenges in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and France in this countries spotlight episode.

8. 

   23 May 2025

   Court Ready – Where to Compete, What to Expect & How to Get Started

   This episode explores European pickleball tournaments, formats, and leagues for 2025, featuring an interview with Filipe Paszkiewicz from PEAK League, offering insights for players and organizers.

9. 

   9 May 2025

   The rise of Pickleball in Europe – a sport taking over the continent

   We give European Pickleball a voice! ABOUT THIS EPISODE // Welcome aboard Pickleball Passport, the first-ever podcast dedicated to the European Pickleball community. Powered by RAQT.com, the go-to platform for Pickleball tournaments, leagues, and events across Europe, this podcast explores the rise of Pickleball across the continent! The journey begins and we take you on a special journey about how Pickleball is taking off across Europe – from grassroots movements to growing national federations, and from local pioneers to international ambitions. This episode paints a picture of a sport in motion – one that is rapidly growing, but developing very differently in each country. What you’ll hear in Episode 1: How Pickleball began in countries like Turkey, Ireland, Sweden, and beyond What challenges players and organizers have faced building the sport locally Why the growth differs from one nation to another – and what role federations, clubs and communities play Exclusive guest interview: Fatih Dervent, Board Member of the European Pickleball Federation (@europeanpickleballfederation (https://www.instagram.com/europeanpickleballfederation/?hl=de)), on the movement's challenges and potential Real stories and voices from the Players Lounge –authentic stories from top players and influencers across the continent TEST YOUR PB KNOWLEDGE// Which of these countries was NOT part of the inaugural European Pickleball Championships in 2024? Sweden Spain Ireland Netherlands The correct answer will be revealed in the episode, so don’t miss out! TIME STAMPS // (00:00) - Introduction, welcome & what you can expect from this podcast (02:51) - „Europe“ – the big picture (05:33) – Differences to the US (08:05) - Challenges of Pickleball in Europe (29:14) – DUPR & rankings in Europe & Competitive Play (23:37) – How the sport is organized in different countries of Europe (48:10) – Interview with special guest Fathi Dervent, Board member oft he European Pickleball Federation (EPF) (01:00:00) – Wrap-Up & what to expect from upcoming episode 2 PLAYER’S LOUNGE VOICES // A huge thank you to the amazing players from the Players Lounge who contributed their voices to this episode: Mustafa Enestebik (top player)// Turkey Pim Huberts (top player & volunteer at Pickleball Amsterdam) // Netherlands Howard Castillo (intermediate player & founder of Dinking Times) // Ireland Boris Paque (top player) // Belgium Jens Larsson (raqt.com founder) // Sweden Marc Declercq (top player) // Spain Scott Mayo // Wales Karolina Owczarek // Poland EPISODE SPONSOR SHOUTOUT // This episode is proudly powered by Dinking Times (https://dinkinghub.com/pages/dinking-times-magazine?srsltid=AfmBOorWdx2JAjCEU_YI_PJP_vwaGfsQgU6Vil5MhLbW0IQ2T8LKJslS) – Europe’s first and only magazine dedicated to the Pickleball community, a project from the Dinking Hub. ABOUT // RAQT.com (https://raqt.com/) is your ultimate destination for all things Pickleball in Europe, offering a comprehensive platform for tournaments, leagues, and events across the continent with some oft he most beautiful locations to play. Follow us on instagram for updates @raqtfamily (https://www.instagram.com/raqtfamily/). GET IN TOUCH // We’d love to hear from you! Feedback? Ideas? Want to be one of the player’s lounge voices or special guests? Interested in sponsoring one of the episodes Or just send us some Pickleball Cabin Crew love? Drop an air-letter (E-Mail) to podcast@raqt.com.

Who has been a guest on PICKLEBALL PASSPORT - The first-ever podcast dedicated to European Pickleball

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Sarah Ansboury
• Rob Williams
• Maria Munz
• Stefan Entbrouxk
• Eleana R

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

40

Social presence

94

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact PICKLEBALL PASSPORT - The first-ever podcast dedicated to European Pickleball

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.