Shape Up Us has partnered with Munchkin Programs to bring the world’s largest pickleball lesson to the Northeast Valley for free.
Mark Miller started Munchkin Programs in Chicago 18 years ago and started expanding beyond tennis 10 years ago. Miller once held the world’s largest tennis lesson at DePaul University in Chicago and now wants to teach pickleball to kids all around Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Fountain Hills.
“What makes me different and my program different is I used to tell my instructors, you’re on stage,” Miller said. “Enthusiasm rubs off on these kids. I do stuff that no other pro is going to do, because I put on a show.”
Miller said his tennis lesson record has been beaten but he’s turned his attention toward pickleball as the sport has picked up popularity. Miller has seen college and high school athletes pick up the sport but said nobody is reaching out to kids ages 3-12.
According to USA Pickleball’s website, there are at least 127 college pickleball clubs across the country.
Miller lived in Fountain Hills for a few years and recently returned to what he calls his favorite town in America. He last lived and coached in Sarasota, Fla., which is another pickleball hot spot.
He said he’s always had a passion for underserved kids and children in general. He wants to get children interested in the sport and find ways to give back to the community.
Miller said he teaches kids self-esteem, anti-bullying and nutrition through sports. He wants to fund his program through partnerships and take it across Arizona to teach pickleball to other areas after the world’s largest lessons.
The lesson will take place on Saturday, Nov. 2, at McDowell Mountain Ranch, 10607 E. Paradise Lane, Scottsdale. Registration is required, but the lesson is free for all participants. For more information, contact Jyl Steinback at jyl@shapeupus.org.
Shape Up Us is also holding a Family Fun Community Event simultaneously at McDowell Mountain Ranch. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., community members can enjoy other activities, like inflatables, rock climbing walls, hula hoop contests, face painting, ninja warrior activities and more.
Shape Up Us is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on building a healthier future for children, families and communities. The organization has partnered with USA Pickleball and the McDowell Mountain Ranch Pickleball Association for the Family Fun Community Event.
Admission is free, and kids, adults and seniors are all welcome at Shape Up Us’ community event. Miller’s tennis lesson is open to children ages 3-12. Registration for the pickleball lesson opens Wednesday, July 10, and Miller said it will close two weeks before the event, on Saturday, Oct. 19.
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