Dear Pickleball

Five years ago, pickleball entered my life, and it was love at first sight. I caught the “pickleball bug” immediately, intending it to be my winter sport while I took a break from outdoor tennis. Little did I know how transformative the journey would become. Today, I can confidently say that pickleball not only changed my life but may have saved it. Over the past five years, in the face of various challenges, pickleball has almost always been the answer (and, occasionally, a source of problems too).

It got me through lockdown, where I connected with a vibrant community of players online, gathering on Zoom and playing in Andre Strachan’s group in Windlesham when restrictions eased. As life returned to normal, we formalized that group into a proper club—an experience that has brought joy and a fair share of challenges.

I also stepped into a leadership role, taking over from Gill Bushell as the pickleball lead at my local David Lloyd. Gill, who was there the first day I played, recognized how hooked I was from the start. She continues to help the sport grow just up the road at the Bourne Club.

In Summer 2021, I played my first tournament in Bolton, walking away with a couple of medals, and began formally exploring coaching. During the pandemic, I had immersed myself in YouTube pickleball tutorials and matches. By Christmas of 2021, I had achieved my IPTPA Level One and Two certifications and became an IPTPA Master Teaching Pro by October 2022.

That period also marked my partnership with Diadem, becoming the first Diadem-sponsored player in Europe. It was a leap of faith, but from the start, the relationship with Christian in Germany and later Framework Sports in the UK was strong. Jon, Mark, Nat, and Harvey have supported me every step of the way and I hope they consider the same of me. Receiving a Pickleball Slinger as a gift from them was a deeply touching moment. It has been an honour to be part of Diadem’s early growth in this market and to offer advice and training to the team. Partnerships with Kineon and ForSport CBD are also ongoing—feel free to ask for discount codes if you’re interested!

The year 2023 was a rollercoaster. My primary job faced difficulties, money was tight, and mentally, I was in a tough place. Yet, pickleball came to the rescue. At the start of the year, for 45 days straight, I received inquiries about coaching or product sales. The friendships I’ve built through the sport—especially with the morning session ladies at Farnham—kept me going. Their support, along with my family’s, was invaluable and I can’t thank them enough. 

Things turned around over the summer, both on and off the court. I earned medals in the English Open (4.5 singles) and Nationals (Mixed 50+ 4.5+), completing a full set of national-level accolades.  It was when my mixed dubs partnership was cemented with Helen Kenna: I knew she was the one when we reacted so positively on our first time out, then the next day admitted to each other how frustrated we were that we didn’t get over the line! There’s such a respect and understanding between us that means it’s a friendship I value so highly. 

2024 has been the year it all came together. Coaching is now a central part of my life, and pickleball has evolved from a hobby into something that helps pay the bills. It’s astonishing to think about everything that’s happened this year.

Overseas events started to happen: joining with Polats Sports Organisations to deliver pickleball holidays to Turkey was more than I could ever have hoped for with a brand partnership. Meeting Tim Snellings and coaching in Belgium was a highlight, as was my trip to Dublin15 Pickleball. It looks like I’ll be spending more time in Europe, helping the players grow in clubs without access to higher level coaching.

This year, my biggest project to date finally became public: the launch of the Pickleball England Club Instructor Program, which I co-developed with Sam Basford. We poured hundreds of hours into creating a foundation for future coaches in England, and I couldn’t be more proud of the result. 

I had set private goals for the year and am thrilled to have achieved them all:

✅ Drafted into the MLP English event

✅ Played in the Franklin Premier League Masters

✅ Secured commentary positions and worked hard to improve

✅ Traveled overseas to coach

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. My body has been breaking down, and I haven’t been fully fit in nearly a year (it turns out, aging is inevitable!). I’m putting a team together to help keep me going for the long haul physically. There have been tough matches, personal letdowns, and hard lessons. But that’s life—we learn, grow, and come out stronger, and the difficult times make the victories that much sweeter, whatever their size.

On World Pickleball Day and World Mental Health Day, I felt it was the right time to share my journey and reflect on how much pickleball has meant to me. Without it, my life would be very different—and certainly not as positive or full of promise. As 2025 approaches, I’m excited for what’s to come: a long-gestating project (perhaps the most exciting of my pickleball career) is set to launch, and the PBE Level 2 course will be released. My calendar for 2025 is already filling up so if you want me next year, book me fast.

Thank you, Pickleball. I know I’m not the only one whose life you’ve transformed. If you’ve read this far and haven’t yet tried the game (unlikely, I know! 😂), I urge you to give it a go. Pickleball has an unmatched power to create communities, boost physical and mental health, and open doors to new possibilities—no matter your skill level.

Love,

Rob