At just 14 years old, Reid Jarjosa noticed a gap in his community — youth were missing out on the growing sport of pickleball. This sparked an idea. Now, at 16, Reid has turned his idea into a reality by founding City Pickle, a nonprofit aimed at introducing Detroit’s young generation to the fun and fast-paced sport.
Reid founded City Pickle in 2022 with a clear goal: to give kids in Detroit the opportunity to engage in pickleball. His nonprofit has already made a significant impact, reaching over 3,000 children between the ages of 5 and 17, across ten different locations in the city.
“Since we started, City Pickle has worked with more than 3,000 kids in Detroit,” Reid said in an interview with MLive. “We’re not just teaching them how to play, but helping them build confidence, learn teamwork, and engage in healthy recreation.”
City Pickle works with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Michigan and Detroit Parks and Recreation to provide safe, accessible spaces for the kids to play. These partnerships help ensure that every child, regardless of their background or resources, has a chance to try the sport.
The nonprofit takes care of all the equipment the kids need to play pickleball, including paddles, balls, and portable nets. Much of this equipment is made possible through generous donations and sponsorships from brands like USA Pickleball, Franklin Sports, and PickleRage.
Reid emphasizes that City Pickle is about more than just sports; it’s about creating opportunities for youth to grow in a positive environment. “Our programs not only give kids a chance to stay physically active, but they help combat childhood obesity, offer a healthy alternative to screen time, and encourage face-to-face interactions,” Reid explained.
Summer camps and after-school programs run by City Pickle are particularly popular among the kids. These activities provide a much-needed break from the usual routine and give the children a chance to form real friendships while staying active.
One of the highlights of City Pickle’s impact this year was its holiday charity drive. In collaboration with PickleRage, an indoor pickleball facility in West Bloomfield, the organization was able to donate 100 Christmas gifts to children in the Detroit area. This gesture helped brighten the holiday season for many families who needed extra support.
Reid’s vision for City Pickle goes beyond just teaching pickleball. He aims to create a lasting impact on Detroit’s youth by offering them a place where they can not only learn a new sport but also develop essential life skills. The program teaches kids how to work as a team, communicate effectively, and support each other, all while playing a fun, dynamic sport.
Looking ahead, Reid hopes to continue expanding City Pickle’s reach, bringing more children into the world of pickleball and giving them the tools they need to succeed, both on and off the court. He remains committed to the mission of making sports more accessible and promoting healthy, active lifestyles among Detroit’s youth.
City Pickle is a shining example of how young people, like Reid, can create meaningful change in their communities. Through his nonprofit, Reid has proven that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference in the lives of others.
Whether it’s through pickleball or other community initiatives, Reid Jarjosa is showing that the power to create change lies in the hands of today’s youth.
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