Building a Junior Pickleball Pathway in England: From PE to Podium
From PE to Podium: Creating a Junior Pickleball Pathway in England
As pickleball continues its rapid expansion across England, much of the focus has remained on adults—particularly older players and community-based clubs. But in schools, leisure centres, and youth organisations, a new question is emerging: how do we build a clear and credible pathway for children to progress from first exposure to elite play?
For a sport still in its infancy within the UK, establishing a junior development structure is not just a matter of ambition. It is essential for long-term sustainability. Without a defined route from PE lesson to podium, pickleball risks missing out on a generation of young athletes who could carry the sport forward.
A Growing Youth Interest, But No Clear Path
Informal evidence from clubs and regional organisers suggests that more young people are discovering pickleball through family play, school taster days, and community events. In towns like Bristol, Derby, and Reading, some local clubs now report junior interest rising faster than they can accommodate.
Yet, while enthusiasm is strong, the infrastructure is not. Most sessions remain unstructured. Coaching is limited. Competitive opportunities for juniors are sporadic or non-existent. As a result, even the most promising young players lack direction.
One coach in the West Midlands put it bluntly: “We’ve got kids who love the game, but there’s nowhere for them to go. No league, no ranking system, no tournaments. They either play with adults or drift away.”
The Missing Link: School Sport
A junior pathway must begin where most young people first encounter organised sport: at school. While some PE departments have begun experimenting with pickleball—particularly in secondary schools with existing badminton facilities—its inclusion remains rare.
There is, however, strong potential. Pickleball is inexpensive to deliver. It uses similar markings and space as badminton. It is inclusive, gender-neutral, and suitable for mixed-ability groups. These traits make it ideal for KS3 and KS4 physical education, especially in state schools facing equipment and time constraints.
Pilot programmes in Greater Manchester and Hampshire have shown that once introduced, students take to the sport quickly. PE teachers report strong engagement, especially among those who do not typically excel in more traditional sports. Pickleball offers a level playing field that appeals to a broad cross-section of pupils.
But for these sparks to turn into sustained interest, there needs to be more than just a one-off taster session.
Building Blocks of a Junior Pathway
Creating a structured junior pathway in England will require action on several fronts:
1. School Partnerships
Pickleball England and local clubs can partner with schools to offer introductory sessions, CPD training for PE teachers, and access to basic equipment. School tournaments—either within trusts or across counties—could serve as the entry point to structured competition.
2. Junior-Friendly Club Sessions
Clubs need to create age-specific sessions with qualified coaches and safeguarding protocols. These sessions should not merely allow juniors to play, but should actively coach them, develop skills, and prepare them for progression.
3. Age-Based Competitions
Establishing junior age categories, ranking systems, and regional competitions will give young players meaningful targets. Models from other sports, such as table tennis and badminton, show that small regional circuits can build a sense of belonging and achievement.
4. Talent Identification
A pathway must also include mechanisms to identify and support exceptional talent. This could involve regional training hubs, scholarships, or invitations to national development camps.
5. Pathways Into Coaching and Officiating
For those who do not wish to compete at high levels, offering junior training in officiating, coaching, or club leadership helps keep young people engaged and builds the sport’s volunteer pipeline.
Lessons From Other Sports
England’s experience with other emerging sports provides a useful reference. Padel tennis, for example, has made rapid progress in junior development by prioritising school outreach and linking directly with LTA infrastructure. Similarly, Ultimate Frisbee has successfully embedded university and secondary school programmes alongside national youth tournaments.
Pickleball must take a similarly proactive approach. Relying on passive interest will not be enough. Structured interventions, backed by resources and long-term vision, are required to turn curiosity into commitment.
The Role of Governing Bodies and Funders
Pickleball England has made strides in developing adult participation, but its junior strategy is still evolving. Establishing a dedicated junior development working group—with educators, coaches, and youth sports experts—could accelerate this work. Public funding bodies, including Sport England, should also consider how pickleball fits into broader participation targets for under-18s.
Youth Sport Trust and Active Partnerships across England are well positioned to support pickleball pilot schemes, especially in areas with low sports engagement. A coordinated national effort could open doors to inclusion in School Games frameworks or inter-school leagues.
Facilities and Scheduling Challenges
One challenge remains consistent: access to court space. In many areas, evening and weekend sessions are dominated by adult users. Juniors often receive off-peak times or are squeezed out entirely.
To resolve this, clubs and facility managers may need to reserve specific slots for junior programming, particularly during school holidays. Investment in pop-up nets and use of underutilised indoor community halls could help fill the gap.
Some counties are already experimenting with blended age sessions, where juniors play alongside supportive adult mentors in structured formats. While not a long-term substitute for age-specific competition, this approach can help juniors build confidence and maintain continuity.
From PE to Podium: The Opportunity
Pickleball in England stands at a crucial point. Its rapid growth among adults is well established. But without a junior pathway, that growth risks plateauing within a generation.
A clear route from school PE to structured club play, regional competition, and national development would transform the sport. It would signal to young players—and their families—that pickleball is not just a pastime, but a serious option for athletic development.
Done well, it could also support wider goals: increasing youth physical activity, improving mental wellbeing, and diversifying the sport’s demographic base. All it needs is vision, coordination, and a willingness to invest in the future.