Across the pond, England is preparing for a major milestone in the development of pickleball. The nation's largest dedicated pickleball club is coming to Kingston Upon Thames, Greater London in early 2025.
Franklin Sports, the American brand known for sponsoring pickleball athletes like The Johnsons and for their signature X-40 pickleball, teamed up with MCMX for the state-of-the-art facility.
The pickleball club will feature:
- 10 total courts
- 4 show courts equipped with seating designed to accommodate international tournaments and events
- Changing rooms with showers & warm-up areas
- A café and bar with viewing balcony and social areas
- Professional retail shop
Located in Fairfield Trade Park, the club will be easily accessible by foot, bike, train, bus, or car.
Karen Mitchell, Chair of Pickleball England, says the building will mark a significant development for the sport in the country.
"This collaboration will undoubtedly elevate the profile of pickleball and provide a world-class facility for players to hone their skills and enjoy the game to the fullest," Mitchell says.
Much like in the United States, it's difficult to locate an accurate estimated total of English pickleball players. Pickleball England's website reports at least 4,000 players, while a recent Tennis 365 post says it's closer to 30,000 (it is unclear if that post counts Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales).
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The project remains subject to planning permission from Kingston Upon Thames Council, with a decision expected in the summer of 2024.
