Pickleball Is Booming in the UK — And the Next Generation Is Leading the Charge

Is the UK quickly becoming Europe’s pickleball hotbed?

You might already know pickleball’s been quietly growing overseas — but based on the latest data, that growth is now anything but quiet.

England alone boasts an estimated 40,000 players, with UK-wide numbers likely even higher when factoring in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

And that number is climbing fast.

According to Pickleball England, membership has grown by 65% over the past year—a staggering jump that mirrors what we’ve seen in our own back yard over the past couple of years.

The reason?

The same magic formula that made the sport blow up in the States: accessibility, fun, and community.

A Sport for All (British) Ages

In a recent Sky News segment, two young players—Ollie and Emerson—offered a glimpse into what the next wave of UK pickleball looks like..

Ollie picked up a paddle just a year ago after getting one as a Christmas gift. He now trains weekly and favors singles play. (“Probably singles, cuz I can’t blame my partner,” he quipped.)

Emerson has been at it for three years and now hits the court four to five times a week. “Every time I go and play, I see people of all ages,” she said. “My whole family plays—my dad, my mom, my brother.”

That family-first, community-driven culture? It’s clearly not exclusive to North America. From youth players to retirees, pickleball in the UK is thriving because everyone feels welcome on the court.

UK vs. The World

While the U.S. still leads the global scene, and countries like Canada and Australia aren’t far behind, the UK is quickly becoming Europe’s pickleball powerhouse.

In 2020, there were roughly 12,000 players across all of Europe. Now, England alone has more than triple that number. Other countries like Spain, France, and Germany are slowly catching on, but the UK is clearly setting the pace.

The best part? Much of the UK’s growth is organic—driven by local leisure centers, school clubs, and grassroots enthusiasm. And based on the interviews with players like Ollie and Emerson, the next generation isn’t just picking up the game—they’re running with it.

Olympic Dreams, “Hot Dog” Tricks, and What’s Next

When asked if pickleball should be in the Olympics, both kids were all in. Emerson even has a signature shot—“the hot dog”—though the details remain mysterious. (We’d love a demo.)

Their competitive spirit is there, but so is the heart. “If anyone’s ever nervous to play,” Emerson said, “just turn up at a club. Everyone’s so sociable and so nice. They always let you play.”

That may be the most telling sign of the sport’s momentum: it’s still about joy. Still about community. Still about people of all skill levels showing up and having fun.

And in the UK, that spirit is spreading fast.