Pickleball Dreams Becoming Reality in the UK
Pickleball England Co-Founder Shares the Sport's Meteoric Growth and Ambitious Plans for Further Expansion
Karen Mitchell, co-founder and chair of Pickleball England, joined host Mark Mars on a recent episode of his popular Pickleball Addiction podcast. She traced the beginnings of the fast-growing sport in the UK and how she helped steward its rapid expansion as a surprise “full-time volunteer job.”
Mitchell outlines ambitious plans to spread pickleball fever further, gain Olympic recognition, and make the UK a world leader in the sport. Her infectious enthusiasm mirrors the passions of Britain’s pickleball fans.
1. 1:13, Karen Mitchell, Pickleball England (PbE) co-founder/chair, Pickleball Journey
Mitchell first discovered pickleball in her small village in 2015 when some “sporty looking” neighbors invited her to join them. Despite initial skepticism about the funny name and plastic ball, she immediately “connected with her inner child” and felt sheer joy playing her first games.
This joyful experience came at an emotional time of personal bereavement the previous year. Pickleball’s delightful mix of badminton, tennis and ping pong offered uplifting therapy. She soon introduced the game to her now husband, Chris, who also became quickly addicted.
2. 7:05, PbE - A full time job
What began as a casual village pastime quickly mushroomed into a major undertaking as the couple organized fellow enthusiasts into a formal governing body for the sport.
Mitchell admits with amusement that her originally modest time commitment grew rapidly into essentially a “full-time volunteer job.” This exponential growth mirrors the sport’s expanding popularity across Britain.
3. 8:36, Badmitten Courts
In the early days, villagers played pickleball on makeshift badminton courts with tape marking different court lines. Seeking proper competition, Mitchell negotiated with a local sports center to reserve space for regular games on regulation-sized courts.
She notes proudly that this original modest booking of two hours per week has now exploded into the center’s most popular offering, with wait lists for court time.
4. 9:26, Pickleball Wales
Mitchell describes cooperative efforts to help fellow Celtic cousins in Wales launch their own pickleball governance. She envisions combined membership levels from England and Wales someday challenging rival pickleball strongholds like Australia and Canada.
5. 11:27, Sports England
A key milestone was applying to the national governing body, Sports England, for official recognition as a sanctioned sport. This arduous process required meeting strict standards on organizational policies and infrastructure.
Approval will allow access to significant funding sources for equipment, facilities and program expansion. However, Mitchell stresses their original motivation was simply receiving credibility as pickleball’s national leaders.
6. 16:15, Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)/Sports England
During the approval process, Sports England surprisingly asked Pickleball England to meet with the national tennis oversight body, LTA, to discuss cooperation. The LTA proposed incorporating pickleball under its organizational umbrella.
Mitchell says the Pickleball England board unanimously rejected this offer after deliberation, feeling tennis oversight would severely restrict pickleball's development freedom. They asked Sports England to evaluate their application independently on its merits. (The Telegraph: Racket sports at war: Pickleball and padel take on the LTA)
7. 20:51, The English Open and other things
Besides governance, a major focus has been organizing and expanding the English Open pickleball championships. After last year’s groundbreaking debut held at a dedicated pickleball facility, this year’s expanded 7-day extravaganza has already received over 1,100 registrations for open and pro play.
Mitchell recalls the thrill of watching world-class players compete amidst electrifying atmosphere. She aims to build on 2022’s spectacular success to make it Britain’s premier destination tournament.
8. 22:28, Sports England - Tennis Open Up
Contrary to fears of tennis viewing pickleball as a threat, Mitchell believes clever partnerships could create fruitful synergy. She sees exciting potential for multi-disciplinary centers offering both sports, attracting more diverse participants under one roof.
However, pickleball still requires independence so its exponential amateur participation and professional competitive paths remain unfettered by tennis governance.
9. 25:14, LTA
When asked directly, the LTA cites potential benefits like utilizing its organizational infrastructure to help accelerate pickleball's development in the UK. However, reading between the lines, Mitchell feels underlying concern over pickleball's explosive growth diminishing tennis participation. (The Padel Paper: LTA makes a play for pickleball)
10. 29:22, If Pickleball Wants To Becomes An Olympic Sport
To achieve the long-term dream of potential Olympic status, Mitchell says pickleball must continue on its own independent governance path. She explains the Olympic charter requires individually recognized national organizations funneling up to a global federation.
11. 31:31, The World Pickleball Federation (WPF)
Mitchell serves on the board of one organization vying to become the sport's global federation, the World Pickleball Federation (WPF). However, she reveals two rival bodies are also competing to gain that exclusive leadership mantle bestowing enormous influence.
12. 34:43, USA Pickleball (USAP)
Offering a controversial viewpoint, Mitchell says none of the current front runner organizations meet her criteria for democratic processes allowing members transparency and input on decisions. She specifically cites perennial pickleball pioneers and powerhouse USA Pickleball (USAP) as an example of self-appointed directors never holding elections.
13. 35:30, The Pickleball England AGM and growth of the game in the last 12 months
In a recent annual meeting, Mitchell praised the sport’s progress with over 400 venues registered and 77 official member clubs. She estimates 15,000 active players in the UK likely low based on explosive participation trends. (Pickleball England AGM Report)
14. 39:47, It feels like lots of initiatives are happening all on their own
Host Mark Mars notes mushrooming momentum with many new projects and events arising independently across Britain. Mitchell concurs the sport is reaching critical mass, with retailers, coaches, media coverage and tournaments all expanding exponentially without centralized orchestration.
15. 46:33, The upcoming English Open in Telford
Mitchell gleefully reports over 1,100 registrations received just two weeks after registration opened for April's English Open at Telford. She hopes to attract 2,000 participants to Britain's premier destination tournament.
Top priorities now include soliciting sponsors, selling spectator tickets and recruiting more international players to join world-class professionals in special events like the Battle of the Paddles.
16. 53:23, The future of pickleball
When asked what Pickleball England needs to better foster grassroots growth, Mitchell cites a shared membership management system allowing two-way communication between the national body, regional directors, local clubs and members.
This database can facilitate targeted communications and track analytics to formulate data-driven strategic plans. It may also provide value-added member benefits like website tools, marketing materials and insurance.
17. 56:38, PbE Certification Program
Mitchell provides a sneak preview of an England-specific instructor certification program launching in April. This customized curriculum tailored for UK coaches should further accelerate amateur participation and professional development.
18. 59:31, How does the UK become world leaders in Pickleball?
Besides the world's most passionately attended tournaments like the English Open, Mitchell says the UK must continue building facilities to convert surging grassroots momentum into international medals.
She envisions a network of dedicated pickleball centers offering world-class training and providing future British stars access to proper infrastructure.
19. 1:01:01, The Atlantic Cup/The European Picklball Championships
Mitchell reveals exciting news that James Thier and other top European players will soon battle the USA’s best in a Ryder Cup-style Atlantic Cup competition. Also on the horizon are the inaugural European Championships where England will field a national team against continental rivals.
20. 1:03:00, What would you do with 10 million pounds?
Presented with a fantasy scenario of securing major backing, Mitchell says she would immediately invest in some professional staff to allow volunteer leaders more time focused on strategic governance. She would allocate the rest largely towards grants supporting new dedicated facilities, especially a national training center to host the English Open.
21. 1:05:23, Favorite Memory
When pressed for a special pickleball moment amongst the thrills of England’s meteoric rise, Mitchell fondly recalls watching electrifying pro matches last year at the English Open. The world-class shot-making and infectiously festive atmosphere gave her proud goosebumps about how far the sport has advanced.
22. 1:09:18, Outro
In parting, Mitchell graciously credits accomplishments not to herself or other leaders, but rather the collective efforts of the entire extended pickleball community propelling the sport’s meteoric growth. She leaves fans eagerly anticipating what excitement is still yet to come over the horizon for Britain’s newest athletic sensation.
Summary
Karen Mitchell, co-founder and chair of Pickleball England, joined the Pickleball Addiction podcast to chronicle the extraordinary growth of pickleball in the UK since she first discovered it in her small village in 2015. She quickly introduced the paddles and plastic balls to her now husband, as playing filled her with joy and inner child-like wonder amidst a time of personal grief.
What began as casual games on makeshift badminton courts mushroomed into a formal national governance structure and exponential increase in clubs, venues, participants and media coverage. Mitchell concedes her originally minimal commitment grew rapidly into nearly a full-time “volunteer job” as the surrounding ecosystem expanded far beyond expectations.
Key topics included applying for official sport status from UK authorities, collaborating with other home nations, hosting international tournaments, formulating grassroots support plans, launching coach training programs, and ambitions for future global leadership. The English Open championships debuted last April at a dedicated pickleball center, attracting world-class talent and over 1,100 registrants so far for this year's expanded 7-day extravaganza.
Mitchell disappointedly reports rival global organizations jockeying to govern the sport internationally lack democratic processes encouraging member participation and transparency. However, she praised accelerating momentum from retailers, coaches, podcasters and competitive events arising organically to grow the game.
Fantasizing over securing major sponsorship funding, Mitchell says she would prioritize hiring professional staff plus build a network of dedicated pickleball facilities to convert grassroots excitement into medals on the global stage. Her ultimate dream is seeing Team GB stand proudly on Olympic podiums.
In closing, Mitchell graciously credits the entire supportive pickleball community across Britain sharing her passion and collectively achieving rapid success she never imagined just a few short years ago. With beaming pride and excitement, she leaves fans eagerly anticipating what new heights may come in this sport they all love so dearly.
- 1:13 Karen Mitchell, Pickleball England (PbE) co-founder/chair, Pickleball Journey
- 7:05 PbE - A full time job
- 8:36 Badmitten Courts
- 9:26 Pickleball Wales
- 11:27 Sports England
- 16:15 Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)/Sports England
- 20:51 The English Open and other things
- 22:28 Sports England - Tennis Open Up
- 25:14 LTA
- 29:22 If Pickleball Wants To Becomes An Olympic Sport
- 31:31 The World Pickleball Federation (WPF)
- 34:43 USA Pickleball (USAP)
- 35:30 The Pickleball England AGM and growth of the game in the last 12 months
- 39:47 It feels like lots of initiatives are happening all on their own
- 46:33 The upcoming English Open in Telford
- 53:23 The future of pickleball
- 56:38 PbE Certification Program
- 59:31 How does the UK become world leaders in Pickleball?
- 1:01:01 The Atlantic Cup/The European Picklball Championships
- 1:03:00 What would you do with 10 million pounds?
- 1:05:23 Favorite Memory
- 1:09:18 Outro
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