Sports Camps Canada is proud to announce a new partnership with TopZPin to introduce Nike Youth Pickleball Camps to the province of Saskatchewan. This is an opportunity to combine experience and national reach for the next generation of pickleball players.
The programs will be led by Lester “Coach Les” Esteban, who brings more than 35 years of racquet-sport experience and a lifelong passion for developing the next generation of athletes. As co-founder of TopZpin Hitlabs, Coach Les is focused on building a sustainable pathway for junior pickleball—from discovering the sport and developing fundamental skills, to TopZpin’s Future Aces competitive development program and youth Minor League Pickleball (MiLP). For Coach Les, success is about more than teaching young athletes how to play—it’s about helping them discover a sport they can enjoy for life while giving those who dream bigger the coaching, opportunities, and pathway to see just how far their game can take them.
"I hope to bring an environment where great coaching and serious skill development are matched with energy, fun, and a genuine love for the game. I want every young athlete—whether they’re picking up a paddle for the first time or already competing—to leave camp more confident, more skilled, and even more excited about pickleball than when they arrived. Just as importantly, I want them to build friendships, challenge themselves, and discover how far the sport can take them. If they leave tired, smiling, proud of what they accomplished, and asking when they can play again, we’ve done our job." — Coach Les
These camps are an opportunity to grow the next generation of pickleball in the Saskatchewan community. Pickleball has brought so many adults together, and now young athletes will experience that same sense of fun, friendship and belonging. By giving kids an accessible way to discover the sport and then providing a clear pathway to keep playing, developing and competing, TopZPin aims to build confidence, encourage active lifestyles, create new friendships, and develop future players and leaders in the sport. Ultimately, building something sustainable where today’s campers become tomorrow’s competitors, coaches and ambassadors—creating a love for pickleball that can last a lifetime.
One piece of advice that has always stayed with me is, “I may not be where I want to be yet, but I’m one day closer than I was yesterday.” As a young athlete, it taught me that success isn’t about becoming great overnight—it’s about showing up, putting in the work, and getting a little better every day. That’s something I hope to pass on to every youngathlete I coach. Don’t compare your journey to someone else’s, and don’t get discouraged by how far you still have to go. Focus on your own progress, celebrate the small wins, and keep moving forward. If you’re better today than you were yesterday,you’re heading in the right direction. — Coach Les
Campers can expect a high-energy, positive, and supportive environment where they’ll learn, compete, make new friends, and have a lot of fun along the way. The camp will focus on strong fundamentals, game strategy, movement, teamwork, and plenty of match play, with coaching adapted to each athlete’s age and ability. Most importantly, every camper will be challenged while still feeling encouraged and successful. Expect lots of pickleball, lots of laughs, and to leave camp a better and more confident player than when you arrived.