Our Purpose

At Fairgrounds, we believe sport has the power to bring people together. Our Head Pickleball Professional is much more than a coach - they are the face of our pickleball community, an ambassador for the sport, a mentor to our coaching team, and a driving force behind creating exceptional player experiences every day.

This full time role is responsible for developing an energetic, welcoming and inclusive pickleball culture while delivering world-class coaching, innovative programming and unforgettable events. The Head Pickleball Professional plays a key leadership role in growing the Fairgrounds community and helping establish Fairgrounds as Canada's premier destination for pickleball.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Community Building

- Serve as the primary ambassador for pickleball at Fairgrounds Leaside.
- Create a welcoming, high-energy atmosphere that encourages participation, friendships and community.
- Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, positivity and exceptional customer service.
- Recruit, onboard, mentor and manage the pickleball coaching team.
- Foster a collaborative coaching culture focused on continuous improvement and member experience.
- Represent Fairgrounds within the local pickleball community and act as a champion for the growth of the sport.

Programming & Player Development

- Develop, maintain and continually refine the pickleball programming calendar in collaboration with the General Manager.
- Deliver innovative clinics, lessons, events and player development opportunities for all skill levels.
- Host DUPR rating sessions and new member onboarding experiences.
- Identify opportunities to improve the player journey and increase participation.

Coaching

Provide exceptional coaching through:

- Private lessons




- Semi-private lessons
- Group clinics
- Leagues
- Introductory programs
- High-performance training
- Community events
- Corporate programs
- Specialty clinics

Maintain the highest coaching standards while creating a fun, encouraging and motivating environment for every player.

Events & Community Engagement

- Assist in the planning and hosting of tournaments, leagues and flagship Fairgrounds events.
- Create memorable player experiences that build excitement and strengthen the Fairgrounds community.
- Support sponsor activations and special events as required.
- Manage pickleball WhatsApp groups and facilitate member matchmaking and community engagement.
- Encourage player participation through regular communication and relationship building.

Coach Management

- Recruit and assist in hiring coaching staff.
- Schedule, mentor and support the coaching team.
- Ensure all coaches maintain skilled standards.
- Manage coach availability through PodPlay.
- Approve schedule adjustments when necessary.
- Review and reconcile coach invoicing monthly.
- Provide ongoing coaching education and best-practice sharing.

Operations & Administration

- Enforce coach scheduling requirements and PodPlay availability standards.
- Submit weekly updates, including:
- Wins
- Challenges
- Action items
- Monitor lesson quality and member feedback.
- Ensure programs begin and finish on schedule.




- Support club initiatives and operational excellence.

Qualifications & Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for coaching, leadership and community building, along with the following qualifications:

- NCCP Level 2 Certified Pickleball Coach (or an equivalent recognized coaching certification).
- Registered and in good standing with the appropriate provincial and/or national coaching organization.
- Minimum 3 to 5 years of progressive pickleball coaching experience, including private lessons, group instruction, clinics, leagues and player development.
- Proven leadership experience, including mentoring or managing other coaches.
- Demonstrated ability to build and grow an engaged pickleball community.
- Strong organizational, communication and event management skills.
- Experience using scheduling and booking platforms (such as PodPlay) is considered an asset.
- Passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment.
- A commitment to continuous learning and helping grow the sport of pickleball across Canada.
- Employee Benefits
- Complimentary Fairgrounds Unlimited Membership.
- Fairgrounds will actively pursue sponsorship opportunities for the Head Pickleball Professional.
- Immediate family members receive 50% off Fairgrounds memberships.
- Opportunity to help shape the future of pickleball across all Fairgrounds locations in Canada.

Compensation

- Base salary of $30,000 CAD + + coaching OTE nearly 70K
- Coaching revenue earned through lessons, clinics and specialized programming is separate and administered in accordance with Fairgrounds coaching policies.
- Two weeks paid vacation

📌 Fairgrounds Public Racket Club - Head Pickleball Professional (Canada)
🏢 Fairgrounds Racket Club
📍 Canada