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Inclusive and good for the mind - how Pickleball is making the world a better place?

The opening of Courtside in Stourbridge is just one of many pickleball courts which are sprouting up across the country.

By George Bennett
Published

Pickleball has long been the fastest growing sports in the United States and there is clearly an insatiable appetite for it in the UK. 

For Karen Mitchell - who works as Chair of Pickleball England - the beauty of the sport is that it appeals to all ages and all abilities.

Inclusivity is key to the growth of Pickleball

"There is a very low barrier to entry for Pickleball which is one of the beauties of the game," explained Mitchell.

"Other sports are well-established in wheelchair and we were lucky enough that some people had played other wheelchair sports and started to share their knowledge of how we could adapt it for pickleball. 

The Courtside Hybrid Team Pickleball Tournament 2026, taking place in Stourbridge, where disabled and non disabled team members play together. Sonia Howe and Fernando Silva Palacios in action.
The Courtside Hybrid Team Pickleball Tournament 2026, taking place in Stourbridge, where disabled and non disabled team members play together. Sonia Howe and Fernando Silva Palacios in action.

"That's how it started to grow. We had 20 wheelchair entries in the English Open last year and there were 29 people playing wheelchair pickleball this weekend.

"I'm expecting the numbers for the English Open to be a lot bigger this year and it's places like Courtside which will really help encourage it. 

"It can be a focal point for holding events for wheelchair players and that's how we intend to keep growing it." 

Good for the body, good for the mind

In recent years, pickleball has harnessed a unique community, which has helped the minds of many of its participants alongside the physical perks on offer.

"We're going to have a day camp where we can invite disabled and non-disabled people to have some coaching, food and feel the ready-made community which pickleball brings," Courtside founder Josh Yeng. 

The Courtside Hybrid Team Pickleball Tournament 2026, taking place in Stourbridge following the opening of the courts.
The Courtside Hybrid Team Pickleball Tournament 2026, taking place in Stourbridge following the opening of the courts.

"Because we're noticing that this sport is a vehicle for people taking steps in their life that seem to make them happier than if they weren't playing pickleball.

"Everyone who has come through has noticed it and start to think, what's going on here? 

"But when you're in this pickleball community, there's just such a good atmosphere, and by virtue of that, it becomes very addictive."

Pickleball tipped to continue its rise

In terms of its rapid growth, Mitchell feels the sport is only on the up and has set a target of one million players by 2030.

"The sport is definitely growing significantly and so much so that we're convinced that we will make a million players by 2030, which is our goal," Mitchell revealed. 

How will they reach that goal? Mitchell has a number of plans, which are both active or in the pipeline, as she and pickleball strive to inspire a new generation of players.

Sue Pennington and son Dan, who have been able to play together for the first time.
Sue Pennington and son Dan, who have been able to play together for the first time.

"Disabled sport is one. Schools and educations is another. We've got some experience with that but we haven't gone wholesale into it," he continued.

"So we're going to really focus on those news, untapped areas over the next few years.

"We're moving our English Open to Birmingham which is not too far from Courtside this year. The reason I mention that is because one of our plans is to reach out to schools in the area. 

"We've got all ages and all abilities that come along to play. That's part of our outreach for schools and we will have a big wheelchair and disabled section as well."