Champaign Family YMCA

Adult Pickleball

 

REGISTER BY FEB 25, 2026

LEAGUE BEGINS SUNDAY MARCH 1, 2026

 

Team Pickleball League (MLP-Style Format)

The Champaign Family YMCA is excited to introduce a Team Pickleball League using a fun, fast-paced MLP-style team format focused on balanced competition, teamwork, and community.

This league is designed to be competitive, social, and welcoming — with rotating partners and a team-based scoring system that keeps every match engaging.

League Overview

  • League Night: Sundays
  • Game Times:
  • First games begin at 4:00 pm, Final games begin at 8:00 pm - Teams will rotate start times weekly
  • Format: Team-based (MLP-style)
  • Team Size: 4 players (2 men & 2 women)
  • Season Length: 7-week regular season No games on Easter Sunday
  • Playoffs: End-of-season tournament - Platinum and Gold Bracket
  • Courts: 2 courts per match

How the Team Format Works

Each weekly match includes four segments:

  1. Women’s Doubles
  2. Men’s Doubles
  3. Mixed Doubles #1
  4. Mixed Doubles #2

Each segment is played as best two out of three games to 7 points.

Teams earn one point for each segment won. Teams win, lose, or tie together.

This format ensures:

  • Everyone plays every week
  • Everyone plays women’s, men’s, and mixed doubles
  • No single pairing dominates the league
  • Balanced, team-oriented competition

Registration Information

Individual Registration Only - All players will register as individuals.

YMCA staff will form teams with:

  • 2 men
  • 2 women

When forming teams, we will consider:

  • Requested partners (when possible)
  • Gender balance
  • Self-reported skill level
  • Registration order

 

Substitute Player Policy (Regular Season Only)

Substitutes are allowed during the regular season to help teams field a full lineup when needed.

  • Subs must be the same gender as the player they are replacing.
  • A $5 substitute fee applies per sub, per night played, and must be paid at the Welcome Center or placed in envelope prior to play.
  • Substitutes are not permitted during the end-of-season tournament/playoffs.

If your team anticipates needing a sub, please plan ahead.  Email Greg of known scheduling issues and we will do our best to accomodate.  Forfeits may be necessary, but heads up are always good so that opponents can still have the opportunity to play.

Skill Levels

This league will run as one combined division during the regular season.

  • Players of varying skill levels are welcome
  • Adjustments may be made halfway through the season if needed, but this format should eliminate most needed changes.

At the conclusion of the regular season, teams will be split into:

  • Platinum Bracket (top half of teams)
  • Gold Bracket (bottom half of teams)

This ensures competitive and meaningful playoff matches for all teams.

Match Scheduling

  • Matches are scheduled on the hour at 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, or 8:00 pm
  • Each match is scheduled for a one-hour window, but warm-up time is built into each hour
  • Start times rotate weekly so teams are not always early or late

Why a Team Pickleball League?

This format:

  • Promotes balanced play
  • Reduces mismatches
  • Encourages social interaction and teamwork
  • Welcomes individuals, couples, and friend groups
  • Mirrors popular professional team formats in a fun, recreational environment

Ready to Play?

Registration will open soon! Space is limited.

For questions, please email Greg at ghower@champymca.org or stop by the Welcome Center.