Pickleball in the UK finds its voice

After a heated battle for supremacy the governing body in the UK has given it’s backing for pickleball to run it’s own sport rather than taking the padel route and being governed by the LTA.

According to Pickleball England this is the “best Christmas present ever” after they feared that the administration of their sport might be taken out of their hands.

The statement from Sport England reads,

”The four home nation sports councils – Sport England, sportscotland, Sport Northern Ireland and Sport Wales – have unanimously recognised pickleball as a sport.

"Sport England has now recognised Pickleball England (PBE) as the national governing body for pickleball in England.

"During a rigorous process, PBE demonstrated they met the strict criteria required to run and represent the sport, showing good governance as well as having established delivery mechanisms in place and plans to increase participation.

"Pickleball is rapidly growing in popularity, and we look forward to PBE continuing to provide inclusive and accessible opportunities for people to play the sport and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of taking part."

What does this really mean for the growth of pickleball in the UK?

Firstly, by being recognised as a sport by the UK government it opens pickleball up to important areas of funding that other sports receive, most notably from the UK’s National Lottery which over the years has contributed literally millions and was a huge contributor to the UK’s success in major events such as the 2012 Olympic games.

Secondly, as a stand alone association Pickleball England can make it’s own decisions that will be solely based on what’s beneficial for their sport rather than being part of a group of racket sports alongside tennis and padel.

The Lawn Tennis Association had been lobbying hard for pickleball to join tennis and padel under their authority but thanks to energetic efforts by the volunteers at Pickleball England they will be the masters of their own destiny.

And going by the comments of the Pickleball England supporters, the news has been hugely well received. One fan said,

“Massive achievement Karen Mitchell and everyone else who has helped steer Pickleball over the years to finally be recognised by Sport England as a sport under their umbrella and even better news that Pickleball England is the recognised governing body”.