Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Sheppard Pratt Pickleball Tournament is an exclusive, one-day competitive event designed to raise funds for youth mental health services. Scheduled to take place on the courts of the L’Hirondelle Club of Ruxton, the tournament will feature a professional-style round-robin tournament for 20 teams, offering players a high-caliber experience while supporting a meaningful cause. 

The tournament will take place on Monday, April 28, 2025, with a rain date set for Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The Sheppard Pratt Pickleball Tournament is being held at the L’Hirondelle Club of Ruxton: 7611 L’Hirondelle Club Road, Ruxton, MD 21204.

Participation is open to anyone who registers a team of two players. With only 20 team slots available, this event is ideal for serious pickleball enthusiasts who value a competitive and upscale experience. 
Ready to sign up? Click here to complete your team registration.  

The registration fee is $1,000 per team ($500 per player), until March 31, and $1,500 per team ($750 per player) after March 31. The majority of the registration fee is considered a charitable donation to support youth mental health programs at Sheppard Pratt. The estimated tax-deductible portion is $700 per team at the early registration rate of $1,000, and $1,200 per team at the standard registration rate of $1,500.  Your contribution directly benefits the tens of thousands of young people who rely on Sheppard Pratt’s life-changing services each year.

Additionally, registration includes:

• Entry to the competition – a full day of pickleball
• Access to L’Hirondelle’s cutting-edge pickleball facility, including five brand new courts and the tennis house, as well as other facilities and amenities
• Lunch, snacks, and refreshments throughout the day
• Entry to the post-competition celebratory reception, featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and cocktails.

Participants should wear their own comfortable athletic clothing suitable for pickleball play. Tennis shoes or court shoes are highly recommended to ensure proper traction and comfort on the courts. 

Players should bring their own pickleball paddles and any additional gear they prefer, such as grips, water bottles, or personal towels. Balls will be provided, and on-site facilities will offer additional refreshments and amenities. 

The tournament follows a structured, competitive format: 

• 20 teams divided into two round-robin groups
• Matches are played to 11 points, with each lasting 10-20 minutes depending on skill levels
• The top two teams from each group advance to semi-finals and finals
• Final matches are played best two out of three games 

Participants not actively competing can engage in skill challenges, training sessions, and mini-clinics on the paddle courts. Lunch will be provided, along with snacks and refreshments throughout the day. Prizes may be awarded for individual skill challenges. 

All proceeds from the tournament directly support Sheppard Pratt’s youth mental health programs. This includes inpatient, outpatient, and community-based services, as well as specialized schools designed to meet the unique needs of young individuals and their families. Learn more about how donations transform lives and help communities thrive. 

A rain date is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, ensuring that the tournament proceeds regardless of weather conditions. 

Yes, sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, offering exclusive benefits such as courtside signage, branding opportunities, and guest access to the tournament and post-event reception. For more details, please contact Anneliese Van Arsdale, director of corporate giving, at avanarsdale@sheppardpratt.org or 443-613-6972, or click here to download our sponsorship brochure.  

You can register online – click here to register. There is very limited capacity; we encourage early registration to secure your team’s spot.

Access is limited to competitors and sponsors. 

Established in 1872, L'Hirondelle remains true to its original mission of being "a club formed by friends for the purpose of creating a place in which they and their families can gather for social and athletic activities in a gracious and intimate atmosphere." L’Hirondelle provides its membership with resort-style racquet and aquatics facilities as well as excellent dining and social event offerings. Visit www.lhirondelle.com to learn more.