Collegiate champion and Selkirk-sponsored athlete Liam Duffin is launching an ambitious initiative to bring pickleball to Guatemala, aiming to build a dedicated court for students at a school operated by the Orange Couch Foundation. By leveraging his success in the sport, Duffin hopes to foster the same sense of community and connection he witnessed during his time as a missionary in the country.
The Vision for the Guatemala Pickleball Project
Duffin’s connection to Guatemala began during an eight-month missionary trip, where he was deeply moved by the generosity and communal spirit of families living with few material possessions. Inspired by a local futsal court that served as a vital social hub in Zaragoza, Duffin is partnering with the Utah-based Orange Couch Foundation to replicate that environment through pickleball. The project is designed to provide more than just a place to play; it aims to offer a safe space for children to build confidence and lasting relationships.
The initiative involves several key components and goals to ensure the project’s success and long-term impact:
- Fundraising Goal: The project requires $25,000 to cover the costs of construction, which includes a professional-grade playing surface and a steel roof to protect students from the elements.
- Infrastructure Development: The Orange Couch Foundation, which already provides educational scholarships for students at Colegio Meso America in Patzicía, is handling the planning and design of the facility.
- Educational Outreach: Once the court is built, Duffin plans to travel to Guatemala to personally teach the fundamentals of the game to students aged six to 18, with translation assistance provided by the foundation.
- Community Scalability: Duffin envisions this as a pilot program; because futsal courts are already common in the region, he believes that introducing temporary nets and paddles could easily allow the sport to expand into neighboring communities.
- Focus on Well-being: While Duffin hopes to see the children enjoy the game, he emphasizes that the ultimate success of the project is measured by providing a happy, safe, and connected environment for the youth, rather than just producing competitive athletes.
As pickleball continues to experience rapid commercial growth, Duffin’s project serves as a reminder of the sport’s inherent accessibility and its unique ability to bridge cultural and social gaps. Those interested in supporting the construction of the court can contribute directly through the Orange Couch Foundation.
