The Premier Pickleball League returns for Season 4 this weekend, kicking off at Bolton Arena.
R3 claimed the title last time round, after leading from start to finish.
And it’s sure to be another closely-contested competition this time round – so we checked in with some of the stars taking part to see how they’re feeling.
Louis Laville (Surrey Smash): “Really excited to be back playing in the PPL powered by The Pickleball Store this year. This year is the biggest year yet in terms of number of players, the level by DUPR the highest it’s ever been. It’s going to be the biggest year yet for sure. I’m really excited to be captain. It’s going to be an absolutely amazing season. We’ve got a really, really strong team. At our first practice the other day, it was really good to meet the people I hadn’t actually met yet, but also get some matches going with everyone. I’m looking forward to getting back to competing in a team again. I absolutely love team events.”
Ellie Tomkinson (The Islanders): “I’m so so excited for this season! Our team vibe is amazing, everyone is so nice. Our main goal is to have fun, support each other and play loads of pickleball!”
James Lofthouse (Project X): “Can’t wait for the first PPL weekend! The vibes around the team have been extremely positive and focused for the weekend. Everyone seems in good spirits and excited for what’s ahead and ready to give their all for Project X! It begins now!”
Anna Linton (Stak Warriors): “Really looking forward to new season with a brand new team! Great chance to play with new people, try different partnerships and get to know people better. Excited!”
Dan Wren (The Islanders): “I’m feeling good. Excited for the season. The team is looking forward to it too and can’t wait for it to start!”
Abby Fung (Stak Warriors): “We had training together before and we all knew each other from last season. We do have a strong team. Looking forward to playing on Sunday and meeting other teams!”
Joshua Bright (Stak Warriors): “I am very excited for season 4 to get under way this weekend and a brand new team to be playing alongside and leading. It should be a fun day out working out new pairings and getting a strong start to the season! Very excited with all the talent I have in the team and think we can all come together nicely.”
The fixtures for the PPL run on Sunday 19th July as follows:
Morning session
Dinks Pickleball v The Islanders
Stak Warriors v Destination Pickleball
Surrey Smash v Dinkspace
North London Storm v Project X
Afternoon session
The Islanders v Stak Warriors
Destination Pickleball v Project X
Dinks Pickleball v Surrey Smash
Dinkspace v North London Storm
The Challenger and Masters competitions begin on Saturday 18th July.
