“We play not to escape our reality, but to reclaim it.”
Volodymyr Svirskyi, President
Anna Glotova, Director of Strategic Partnerships
How a sport of connection became a movement of resilience — and a bridge between nations.
The Birth of a Federation
Founded in 2023, the Ukrainian Pickleball Federation (UPF) emerged from a simple, hopeful idea: that the joy of play could help a country heal, connect, and rebuild — even during its hardest times.
Despite the ongoing war, a small network of passionate athletes, coaches, and volunteers began introducing pickleball to Ukrainian schools, gyms, and recovery centers. What started as a handful of borrowed paddles has since evolved into a national federation with global recognition.
In March 2025, UPF became the 60th member of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) — the ninth European nation to join — officially placing Ukraine on the global pickleball map and signaling the sport’s rising momentum across Eastern Europe.
Mission and Purpose
UPF’s mission is clear and deeply human:
To use pickleball as a force for connection, recovery, and community.
The Federation works to make pickleball accessible to everyone — regardless of age, background, or ability — by focusing on three pillars:
- Rehabilitation through Play
Engaging veterans, displaced citizens, and trauma survivors through adaptive pickleball programs. - Community Building
Creating social connection and belonging across war-affected communities. - Youth Development
Introducing pickleball into schools and youth centers to encourage movement, teamwork, and optimism for the next generation.
Veterans and Adaptive Programs
The UPF Veterans Program stands at the heart of its mission. Developed for Ukrainian veterans, their families, and friends, the program uses pickleball to support both physical rehabilitation and psychological recovery. It provides:
- Structured adaptive sessions in rehabilitation centers
- Community tournaments for veterans and civilians
- Social events to promote post-traumatic healing and integration
UPF’s adaptive programs have drawn international attention — recognized for giving wounded veterans a pathway back to motion, teamwork, and laughter.
As featured in The Dink Pickleball (July 2025): “Pickleball in Ukraine isn’t just a pastime — it’s therapy in motion.”
Alliance with Anywhere Pickleball: A Bridge of Solidarity
In 2025, the Ukrainian Pickleball Federation formed a historic alliance with Anywhere Pickleball LLC (USA) — a purpose-driven American brand in San Diego, California. Together, they launched the Freedom Fighter Paddle , a humanitarian equipment and awareness campaign designed to connect American donors and Ukrainian athletes through a shared act of play. Under this program:
- Donors in the U.S. who donate one Freedom Fighter Paddle to UPF will receive one from Anywhere Pickleball.
- Each paddle bears a symbol of freedom and unity:
U.S. Edition — “Freedom lies in being bold.” (Robert Frost)
Ukrainian Edition — “Борітеся — поборете!” (“Fight — and you shall overcome.” — Taras Shevchenko)
The partnership reflects a shared belief that freedom, compassion, and sport are inseparable — and that play can serve as both a cultural exchange and a tool for healing.
Challenges in Developing Pickleball in Ukraine
UPF’s growth, though remarkable, faces substantial obstacles — all heightened by wartime realities:
- Infrastructure Damage
Many gyms, courts, and community centers are destroyed or repurposed. - Outdoor play spaces are limited
UPF often converts warehouses, schoolyards, and parking lots into makeshift courts - Equipment Scarcity
Importing paddles and nets is costly and inconsistent. International donations (like those from the Freedom Fighter initiative) are essential to sustain growth. - Displacement of Players
With many Ukrainians relocated or serving, club organization is fluid and decentralized. UPF is developing mobile training programs and modular community kits for adaptable play. - Limited Awareness & Coaching
Few certified instructors; training materials are being translated into Ukrainian. - Funding & Economic Constraints
With national resources directed toward survival, sports development relies on international partnerships and donations.
Achievements and Recent Milestones
Despite the hardships, UPF has achieved more in two years than many federations do in ten:
- Global Pickleball Federation Membership (2025) — Ukraine becomes a globally recognized pickleball nation.
- Largest Pickleball Event in Ukrainian History (July 2025) — 27 teams, 50+ players, and community classes; supported by SET Group and European Business Association.
- Launch of Veterans & Adaptive Play Programs — active in Kyiv, Lviv, and Rivne.
- Alliance with Anywhere Pickleball — establishing the Freedom Fighter Paddle as the official symbol of Ukraine’s pickleball development.
- New Court Projects (2025–2026) — first regulation of outdoor courts under construction, with expansion plans across 10 regions.
“Our players may be few, but their courage is immeasurable. Every serve is a statement that Ukraine still stands — and still plays.”
— Ukrainian Pickleball Federation, 2025
Looking Forward
UPF’s roadmap for 2026–2028 includes:
- Building regional pickleball hubs in Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv.
- Expanding the Adaptive Pickleball Centre for injured veterans.
- Hosting Ukraine’s first National Championship.
- Continue partnering with Anywhere Pickleball — from equipment delivery to community development.
These efforts aim to position Ukraine not just as a participant but as a pioneer of purpose-driven sport, regardless of the challenges the country faces.