Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Pickleball for a Purpose 2026: what to know about the Aug. 23 tournament
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Love pickleball? We have another reason you should grab your paddle and play! The Avadian Foundation’s annual Pickleball for a Purpose 2026 tournament is back for its second year on Sunday, August 23 at The Picklr Birmingham in Vestavia Hills.
Whether you’re playing for a spot on the podium or cheering from the sidelines, you’ll be supporting a cause that helps strengthen Alabama communities through grants, scholarships and community investments.
Keep reading for tournament details and how your participation gives back in a big way.
Pickleball for a Purpose 2026 event details
Ready to serve up some fun? Here’s what you need to know:
- What: Pickleball for a Purpose, the Avadian Foundation’s annual pickleball tournament benefiting its community impact grants + scholarship programs
- When: Sun, Aug. 23, 2026
- Pre-tournament contests kick off the day at 11AM, followed by the tournament beginning at 12PM.
- Where: The Picklr Birmingham, 1031 Montgomery Hwy, #101, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
- Sign up to play
Can’t attend the event, but want to support the cause? Donate to the Avadian Foundation here.
What to expect at the Birmingham pickleball tournament
Players competing during the inaugural Pickleball for a Purpose tournament in Birmingham. (Avadian Credit Union)
The 2025 Pickleball for a Purpose tournament was a smash hit, raising nearly $47,000 to support the Avadian Foundation’s grants and scholarship programs. Now, it’s back for another year of friendly competition, community connection and giving back.
Whether you’ve been playing for years or just recently caught the pickleball bug, there’s a division designed for you.
Players can choose from four divisions based on skill level and experience:
- Men’s Doubles Beginner/Intermediate Division:
- When: 12PM–2PM
- Cost: $25 per person | $50 per team
- Mixed Doubles Beginner/Intermediate Division:
- When: 2PM–4PM
- Cost: $25 per person | $50 per team
- Women’s Doubles Beginner/Intermediate Division:
- When: 4PM–6PM
- Cost: $25 per person | $50 per team
- Open Doubles Division Money Ball Division:
- When: 6PM–8PM
- Cost: $110 per person | $220 per team
For $5 each, players can also test their skills during pre-tournament contests, including the Longest Dink Rally, Fastest Serve and Accuracy Challenge. These contests take place at 11AM on the day of the event, before the division tournaments begin.
How Pickleball for a Purpose helps Alabama communities
Sure, Pickleball for a Purpose is fun, but its impact goes far beyond the court.
The Avadian Foundation, founded by Avadian Credit Union in 2022, uses proceeds from events like Pickleball for a Purpose to invest in organizations working to strengthen Alabama communities through:
- Affordable housing
- Financial literacy
- Education
- Small business development
Here are a few ways the Avadian Foundation has made an impact in 2026:
- $50,000 in grants awarded: In January, the Foundation awarded grants to organizations including Junior Achievement, Teach For America-Alabama, The Literacy Council of Central Alabama, Woolley Institute for Spoken-Language Education + Woodlawn United.
- 5 students supported: The Foundation awarded its very first Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarships, giving five Alabama students $5,000 scholarships each to help pursue higher education.
Why you should play (or cheer on) Pickleball for a Purpose
Never played in a tournament before? No problem. Pickleball for a Purpose is designed to be welcoming, competitive and fun.
“It was a quick tournament and a lot of fun. You’ll get to support a great cause and, if you’re lucky, stand on a huge podium at the end of it!”
Ben Cross, 2025 Men’s Doubles Beginner Division Champion
Rather show your support from the sidelines? We see you. Grab a seat, root for your favorite players and soak up the tournament’s lively energy, while knowing your support is helping the Avadian Foundation make a difference across Alabama.
Ready to serve up some good? Whether you’re grabbing a paddle or cheering from the sidelines, join Pickleball for a Purpose on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026 at The Picklr Birmingham.
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