Swindon’s sporting landscape has been reshaped by the rapid rise of pickleball, a paddle sport combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. What began as small informal sessions has grown into a busy community scene supported by clubs, weekly play and large festivals.
The local growth reflects a wider national surge in pickleball participation across the United Kingdom. Membership figures nationally have risen sharply in recent years, with the sport increasingly recognised for its accessibility and broad appeal.
At the centre of Swindon’s expansion is Swindon Pickleball, founded after organiser Shaun Jones first discovered the sport in May 2023. His introduction came after a chance conversation while travelling abroad.
Shaun said:
“I got into pickleball in May 2023. I was on a cruise around Greece and got chatting to someone who told me I needed to play pickleball. I didn’t even know what it was at the time.”
He said his first session in Swindon quickly became a regular commitment. Shaun added:
“I played once and then played every day that week, and then every day the next week. It just grew from there.”
The club began with four players, the minimum needed for a game, before numbers increased rapidly. Shaun said the group now has around 360 registered players.
Sessions take place at the Delta Tennis Centre, where free tennis courts are converted into pickleball courts. Up to twelve courts are currently in use, with plans to expand further. Shaun added:
“There isn’t a purpose-built pickleball facility in Swindon at the moment. We convert the tennis courts and on a Monday and Wednesday, we have between 50 and 60 players playing from seven till nine pm.”
The first session for new players is free, paid by Shaun’s business Swindon Travel Hub, with future sessions costing £7.50 for 2 hours.
Accessibility is a key focus of the club, with equipment provided and a wide age range taking part.
Shaun said: “We have fourteen year olds playing against eighty-two year olds. We’ve had pairs playing with a combined age of 146 against people in their thirties. Pickleball is a leveller. Anybody can play.”
The social side of the sport has been a major driver of growth. Regular post-session gatherings take place at local pubs, and the club maintains a full social calendar throughout the year. Shaun said:
“On a Monday night we head over to The Harvey in West Swindon, and on Wednesdays people go to The Woodlands Edge in Peatmoor. It’s about enjoying the social side as much as the sport.”
Pickleball festivals have also helped raise Swindon’s profile nationally. The club hosts weekend-long festivals at the Delta Tennis Centre, filling the venue with players from across the UK and beyond. Shaun added:
“We take over the whole of Delta for the whole weekend. We’ve had people drive down from the north of Scotland and even international players attend. We had 51 different clubs represented at the last festival.”
The events focus on rotating games rather than fixed partnerships, allowing players to mix with others of different abilities.
Training is also provided for those completely new to the sport, with experienced volunteers supporting beginners before they join main sessions. Shaun said:
“We’ve got thirteen Pickleball England leaders. Every new player goes through a short session to learn the basics before playing properly.”
Despite the rapid growth, challenges remain around court availability and long-term facilities. There are discussions about outdoor courts in Swindon, but no confirmed plans or timelines.
Shaun said the club’s overall aim is simple.
“It’s just to continue ensuring the sport is accessible for all and social. That’s the reason we set the club up.”
More information about sessions and events can be found at www.swindonpickleball.co.uk
