PDL Padel United UK Announces Launch of Pickleball at Colchester Club

PDL Padel United UK is excited to announce a new chapter in our mission to grow racket sports across the UK: we’re officially entering the world of Pickleball.

In September 2025, we will be piloting our first dedicated Pickleball court at our flagship Colchester Club — already a thriving hub for racket sports, home to five covered Padel courts, a café, office space, and full changing facilities.

Pending the success of this pilot, we’re aiming to roll out Pickleball facilities across more of our venues in 2026.

Why Pickleball?

“With our current Padel venues averaging over 80% utilisation across the UK, I believe the future lies in a multi-sport approach. This Pickleball pilot is the first step in that direction.

Founder & CEO Richard Hall-Smith

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, particularly in the United States, where millions of players enjoy the game in parks, clubs, and leisure centres. Now the UK is starting to catch on — and we’re proud to be part of that momentum.

It’s easy to learn, accessible to all ages and fitness levels, and incredibly fun. Like Padel, Pickleball brings people together. Both sports are fast-paced, sociable, and full of energy. But they each offer something a little different.

Padel vs Pickleball – What’s the Difference?

While both Padel and Pickleball are played on compact courts and are more accessible than traditional tennis, the two sports have distinct styles and setups.

Padel is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court. The court has glass walls, which are an integral part of the game — the ball can bounce off them, similar to squash. Padel is played with solid, stringless rackets made of composite materials, and a low-compression tennis-style ball. The sport is fast-paced and strategic, with long, thrilling rallies and a strong emphasis on teamwork and positioning.

Pickleball, by contrast, is played on an open court the size of a badminton court, with a low net and no walls. Players use solid paddles and a lightweight, perforated plastic ball. The game blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, making it intuitive for beginners but still highly competitive. Its slower pace and lower impact on joints have made it especially popular among older players — but its simplicity and energy appeal to all age groups.

Two Great Games, One Community

At PDL Padel United UK, our goal has always been to make racket sports more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone — and we believe both Padel and Pickleball have a huge role to play in achieving that.

We’re proud to lead the way in creating multi-sport venues that allow people to discover the joy of movement, social play, and healthy competition — no matter their age or background.

By expanding into Pickleball, we’re opening the door to an even wider community of players.

A Special Thank You

This move has been made possible thanks to the guidance and support of Karen Mitchell, Chair of Pickleball England, whose insight has been invaluable throughout the development process. We’re grateful to Karen and the wider Pickleball England team for helping us take this first exciting step.

What’s Next?

Construction on the Colchester Pickleball court begins in September, with updates to follow on opening dates and booking information. We look forward to welcoming the Pickleball community to our venues — and to seeing how this sport grows alongside our beloved Padel.

Stay tuned for more updates as we bring new energy, new sports, and new communities together under the PDL Padel United UK banner.

Game on. Affordable racket sports for all.