By Joe James
What’s the story?
Pickleball has officially established itself in Gibraltar, marking a significant step in the rapidly growing sport.
The Gibraltar Pickleball Association (GPA) has been formally recognised by the Gibraltar Sports Advisory Council (GSAC), signalling a new era for the sport on the island.
The Minister for Sport, Mr. Leslie Bruzon, confirmed the acceptance of the GPA, which has already held its first annual meeting. Mr. Bruzon declared that the recognition from the European Pickleball governing body was achieved in “record time”.
Lee Whitwell, the number one ranked female senior pro player in the world, has been credited as the driving force behind pickleball’s introduction in Gibraltar.
The association will continue to use badminton courts for the time being and there have been no requests for dedicated pickleball facilities.
Further expansion of the sport across Europe is a clear signal that there is a desire to play everywhere, and this is an exciting time for the people of Gibraltar as well as the world of pickleball.
Recap
Lee Whitwell, a highly respected international pickleball player and coach, is central to pickleball’s introduction to Gibraltar and her efforts have led to the GPA’s quick recognition from the European Pickleball governing body.
Whitwell is a number one ranked female senior pro player and was voted MVP of Major League Pickleball (MLP) in both 2021 and 2022.
She is also the National Coach of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Next Gen National Team and a coach to the current touring pro players.
As a co-founder of Game ChangeHER Events, a company dedicated to empowering women in pickleball, “The Rock of Gibraltar” is not only a hugely talented pickleball player but also a massively influential figure in the development and diversity of the game.
Whitwell’s importance to the game is reflected in her global social media presence, where she has appeared on podcasts to share her insights, alongside being a match commentator and YouTube content creator.
Gibraltar becomes the latest country to be officially recognised with a pickleball association. The European game is governed by the European Pickleball Federation (EPF) and is globally governed by the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP).
The PKLBull Verdict
Pickleball’s official establishment in Gibraltar marks a major development for the sport with Lee Whitwell’s role as a driving force behind this expansion being crucial.
The influence that Whitwell holds supersedes the court, she is an excellent professional player, but her work as a coach, ambassador and advocate for the sport’s growth in terms of diversity and equality is what makes her formidable in the pickleball world.
With such swift recognition of the GPA, it is clear the sport’s growing appeal is being felt across the globe.
Pickleball continues to gain popularity internationally and the efforts in Gibraltar illustrate the sport’s potential for growth in new regions.
The future of pickleball in Gibraltar is promising and exciting, but the success of the sport here will depend on the support of the GPA, as well as the prospects of dedicated facilities and the continued growth of the game.
The blend of grassroots participation and professional involvement, spearheaded by figures like Whitwell, will be what shapes the sport’s trajectory in Gibraltar.