It’s one month to go until an exciting, inclusive weekend of pickleball at Courtside in Stourbridge.
First up is a Para Standing Pickleball Come and Try session on Saturday 6 June 2026, followed by the second Hybrid Team Pickleball Tournament on Sunday 7 June 2026 – both showing how disabled people can get involved in one of the country’s fastest-growing sports.
The Para Standing Come and Try session is open to disabled players who compete standing up, and is suitable for both beginners and those already playing pickleball. The coached session will focus on creating a welcoming environment that removes barriers to participation rather than expecting players to fit traditional sporting structures.
Courtside activity on the day will focus on physical impairments, including upper and lower limb differences/amputees, cerebral palsy, dwarfism and other physical impairments. Organisers are also discussing development with Special Olympics Great Britain to develop the sport for those with intellectual disabilities.
Para Standing player Mark Fosbrook said: “I am a double below-knee amputee, with two fingers on each hand. I often get people thinking I cannot play. When I get on court and show what I can do, they soon realise that a disability does not need to stop you from being a good player.”
Then on the Sunday, players will compete in the second Hybrid Team Pickleball Tournament, bringing disabled and non-disabled players together in mixed teams. Each team will include two para players (wheelchair or standing) and two non-disabled players. Matches will be played across para doubles, non-disabled doubles and hybrid doubles, highlighting how inclusive formats enable everyone to compete meaningfully.
At the first hybrid tournament earlier this year, the power of this approach was evident when families competed side by side. Sue, whose son is a wheelchair user, reflected on the experience: “I never thought I would be able to compete alongside my son who is a wheelchair user. Pickleball has given me that opportunity and it is amazing.”
Later in June, there’ll be a pickleball taster session at the LimbPower Games on Saturday 20 June. The LimbPower Games provide amputees and people with limb difference the opportunity to try a range of sports, with pickleball showcased as an engaging, accessible and enjoyable option.
Disabled players wishing to attend the Para Standing Come and Try session or the Hybrid Team Pickleball Tournament are encouraged to get in touch directly with Mark on WhatsApp: 07976 692085.
