It was a true family affair for the Freemans at the English Nationals Singles in Loughborough.
Mum Katy discovered pickleball last year when a local councillor got some lines painted on an outdoor court. That encouraged her to find out more, and after investing some money in some equipment via an online shop, she got the bug.
Her family followed suit, and she headed to Loughborough for the English National Singles weekend with her husband and her twin sons. All four took part in the fun festival on the Saturday.
“You played against such a variety of different people,” says Katy. “We played against and with people who were competing in the pro section, which you normally wouldn’t. Obviously, when they put their paddle down, they have no idea if they’re going to pick Joe Bloggs, who’s world champion, or Joe Bloggs, who’s just picked up a bat for the first time!”
That was part of the fun, though: “That’s one of the things I love about pickleball – it doesn’t matter what level you’re at, you can always win a point!”
On Sunday, Noah and Miles entered the competition for their age group (under 14s) despite never having played matches against anyone except each other.
“We thought, ‘Well, let’s go and have fun,’ because actually, if you’re going to play, you may as well have a go and play against other 13 and 14 year olds.
“It’s just phenomenal to actually meet people who are like them and enjoy the sport, so it was really nice. It was lovely to see the boys all sitting there and chatting between matches. It was nice for them to just be children in sport.”
And they enjoyed some great success, with Noah winning silver and Miles bronze. They even had to play each other in their second matches of the day – and as one might expect, it was very close, with Noah eventually winning 11-10.
Katy continues to facilitate in the Essex area, taking her leadership qualification, and is now looking for more viable venues to host pickleball sessions…in all weathers.
“The boys train twice a week on outside courts, but I’m not a winter outside person! They’d train in storms, wind, ice, and I want to play inside!”
The whole family were brilliant help during the set up of the tournament and festival – thank you family Freeman! Congrats to Miles and Noah on your medals too. Hope to see you compete in the English OPEN in August.