The reaction in UK pickleball to the news that the home nations’ sports councils have recognised it as a sport – and in England and Scotland that the existing governing bodies have been acknowledged – has been swift and effusive.
And Rob Williams – England national team coach for 50+ – has likened this unfolding story to a famous film.
“The news of the governing body announcement popped up on my in-car dash screen and was read over the speakers,” he told Pickleball 52. “I had to pull over and compose myself a little afterwards.
“I’ve been part of the PBE set up in the coach education capacity for a couple of years. I’ve seen first-hand the hours that Karen [Mitchell] and the team have devoted to creating this opportunity for the game. I’ve witnessed the struggle, the frustrations, the absolute rollercoaster of this process. I was just a small part of it by having some input into the grassroots and safeguarding side by using my network.
“The awarding of NGB status allows PBE to truly strategise, grow and create opportunities all across the sport. It secures a future and legitimacy for the game and PBE. It is truly the best news just before Christmas: like Dodgeball, it is a true underdog story that shows that being true to the game and its people, right from the infancy of its creation as an entity, has tremendous power.”
