The PicklePad in Mudeford, Dorset, has officially opened its doors, becoming the UK’s first indoor centre dedicated to pickleball and padel.
The venue enjoyed a launch day at the weekend, with Loren Varndell, Georgie Girt, Marcia Audibert and Rob Williams representing pickleball in a series of exhibitions alongside – and against – some top padel players.
“It was fantastic to play on the first permanent indoor pickleball courts in the UK,” Rob told Pickleball 52. “All of the players in the exhibition and those attending could tell it was the start of something important for the game. After the launch and expansion of Telford, PicklePad is the next stage in pickleball facility growth.
“It proves it can be done and should inspire more entrepreneurs to take the step to create a facility.”
Co-owner Tania Smeda described the membership take-up thus far as “overwhelming”, with a significant number of them being players new to the sport, attracted by the facilities and offers of introductory sessions.
“It’s really nice to have our own space as we can run sessions according to ability throughout the day,” she added. “We already ran a couple of intros and it was lovely to see the smiles on faces of people new to the sport. Our junior academy will be up and running next weekend which is very exciting. It’s going to be amazing and very satisfying for us as both owners and coaches.”
Congratulations to Tania and everyone at PicklePad. Wishing you great success.