The south of England hosted the country’s first-ever Junior Pickleball League, welcoming young players from all over the UK.
The idea was to give some of the best young players the chance to play competitively against others of similar ages and levels, with Pickleball England’s Lou Stephens and Clare Bell overseeing the event.
Thirty youngsters from as far afield as Manchester in the north-west of England, Devon in the south-west, and even Wales headed to Dinks Pickleball Club in Eastleigh to compete in a round-robin format, playing ten games each.
And it all went so well that the next edition is already being planned, kicking off next month.
“I am so proud and honoured to be involved in this event,” Lou was quoted as saying. “There were literally 30 very happy juniors there. Win or lose, they knew this was an historic event that they were part of.
“Parents were happy, players were happy and we, as volunteers, were over the moon. Can’t wait for the next one!”
Pickleball for the next generation of competitors has been growing incrementally over recent months, with London Pickleball also hosting a Junior Academy at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Roehampton.
