Freeman Family Medals at English Nationals in Pickleball Debut
What's the Score?
At the English Nationals Singles in Loughborough, the Freeman family turned the event into a memorable occasion, with twin brothers Noah and Miles Freeman making their competitive debut in the Under-14 age group. Despite never having played matches against anyone but each other, both brothers achieved success, with Noah securing a silver medal and Miles taking home a bronze. Their participation followed a fun festival day where the whole family played, highlighting the inclusive nature of pickleball.
Hit it deeper!
The Freemans' journey into pickleball began just last year when mother Katy discovered the sport after a local councillor had lines painted on an outdoor court in the Essex area where they live. This sparked her interest, leading her to invest in equipment online and quickly catch "the bug" for pickleball. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and her family, including her husband and twin sons, Noah and Miles, soon followed suit.
Their trip to Loughborough for the English National Singles weekend was a true family affair. The event kicked off with a fun festival on the Saturday, where all four family members participated. Katy highlighted this aspect, noting that they played against a variety of different people, including those competing in the pro section. She found this experience unique, stating that in pickleball, "it doesn’t matter what level you’re at, you can always win a point!" which she considers one of the things she loves about the sport.
On Sunday, Noah and Miles stepped onto the court for the competitive singles event in their age group (Under 14s). Their decision to compete was driven by the idea of having fun and playing against other 13 and 14-year-olds who also enjoyed the sport. Katy described it as "phenomenal to actually meet people who are like them and enjoy the sport," finding it lovely to see the boys sitting and chatting between matches, allowing them to "just be children in sport". Their debut was remarkably successful, with Noah earning a silver medal and Miles a bronze. Adding another layer to their experience, the twin brothers even faced each other in their second matches of the day. As expected, the match was very close, with Noah ultimately winning by the narrowest margin, 11-10.
Beyond their competitive participation, Katy continues to contribute to the sport's growth in the Essex area. She is currently pursuing her leadership qualification and is actively looking for more viable venues to host pickleball sessions, particularly focusing on finding indoor options. She noted that while the boys train twice a week on outside courts and are willing to train in challenging weather like storms, wind, and ice, she personally prefers to play inside. The family's positive impact was also acknowledged by Karen Mitchell, who commented, "The whole family were brilliant help during the set up of the tournament and festival – thank you family Freeman! Congrats to Miles and Noah on your medals too. Hope to see you compete in the English OPEN in August".
The World Pickleball Verdict
The Freeman family's story at the English Nationals Singles beautifully encapsulates many of the core appeals of pickleball. It showcases how the sport can quickly become a shared passion across generations within a family. Katy's perspective highlights the sport's inherent inclusivity, where players of vastly different skill levels can still enjoy playing together and even win points against top competitors. This accessibility is crucial for grassroots growth.
Furthermore, the success of Noah and Miles in their competitive debut, securing medals despite limited match experience, demonstrates that young players can quickly find their footing and achieve success in pickleball. Their experience of connecting with other young players at the event also underscores the sport's potential for fostering positive social interaction among junior participants. Katy's ongoing efforts to establish more playing opportunities, especially advocating for indoor courts, reflect the practical needs for the sport's continued development, particularly in regions with varied climates. Overall, the Freeman family's positive experience serves as an inspiring example of how pickleball can be a source of fun, competition, and community for families, validating its growing popularity at the local and national levels in the UK.