Pickleball's UK Boom—The Fast-Growing Sport Captivates the Nation
Pickleball England Reports Explosive Growth in the UK, Aiming to Expand the Pickleball Community to over 25,000 Players by 2025
By David Judson · January 25, 2024 · News
The English Open, the largest Pickleball event outside North America | Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/PickleballEngland/photos_by
Pickleball England, the UK's national governing body dedicated to promoting the sport throughout England, recently announced the sport's explosive growth at the grassroots level in 2023.
Since 2018, Pickleball England has been keeping a close eye on the game, tracking everything from the number of venues and registered members to estimating how many people are actively playing across England.
They reported a 58% increase in Pickleball venues, jumping to 449 from 284 in 2022, and a 60% increase in registered members, now totaling 6008.
The Pickleball community in England has swelled to an estimated 15,000 players, up from 8,000 the previous year. With such momentum, Pickleball England setting a goal to increase this number to 25,000 by 2025.
The sport's inclusive nature, appealing to various age groups and demographics, is a significant factor in its rapid growth. Pickleball is not just about competition; it's about bringing people together and creating a sense of community and belonging.
Certification Program Flourish, Training Over 500 Leaders to Expand the Sport's Reach
Indoor Pickleball in Scotland | Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/PickleballScot1/photos_by
In 2021, Pickleball England launched a Pickleball Leaders' Certification program to help spread the love of the game even further.
Since then, over 500 individuals have completed this training, including 276 in 2023 alone. These certified leaders now play a crucial role in growing the sport, using their skills and influence to bring more people into the pickleball fold. With 11 more courses planned for early 2024, they're on track to double last year's training numbers.
Pickleball England also offers a coaching course called The International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA.) There are four courses already scheduled for Spring 2024. They're also excited about developing their bespoke curriculum, which they plan to launch after Easter 2024.
Karen Mitchell, the chair of Pickleball England, expressed her delight at these developments, emphasizing the hard work done across the country to nurture and expand the pickleball community.
Pickleball England's next steps include seeking official recognition from Sport England, expanding the club and venue network, devising a comprehensive marketing strategy, establishing a headquarters, and securing sustainable funding.
Judy Murray Is Serving Up Pickleball Love Across Scotland
Youtube: Judy Murray Pickleball Scotland Interview | Image source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=_d8KXLsj-s0
In British sports, few names shine as brightly as Judy Murray's. Renowned for her tireless advocacy of tennis and her role in guiding her sons, Andy and Jamie Murray, to international stardom, Judy has become a beacon of inspiration and leadership in sports. This leadership and enthusiasm is now expanding to Pickleball.
Judy isn't just lending her name to the cause. As the official ambassador for Pickleball Scotland, she's become the sport's biggest cheerleader. "Pickleball is wonderfully addictive," she proclaims, her infectious energy echoing through interviews and social media posts. She uses her platform to raise awareness, generate buzz, and encourage people to trade their tennis rackets for paddles.
Sir Andy Murray Opens Scotland's First Dedicated Pickleball Court
First Dedicated Pickleball Court at Sir Andy Murray's Cromlix House Hotel in Perthshire Scotlands.
Following his mother's growing passion for the sport, Sir Andy Murray introduced Scotland's first dedicated pickleball court at his lavish five-star resort, Cromlix House Hotel.
The hotel, situated in Stirlingshire near Dunblane, boasts stunning decor in the iconic Wimbledon colors of green and purple. This stylish addition complements the hotel's tennis court, ensuring both facilities sparkle in the celebrated colors of SW19.
