Sheffield becomes UK’s leading city for new sport that's making waves in the United States
Pickleball is already the fastest growing sport in the USA while in England it's also experiencing a surge in interest
Sheffield has become the UK’s leading city for outdoor pickleball, with 18 new courts now available in parks across the city.
Pickleball is a fast-growing racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is played on a smaller court with a paddle and a lightweight ball, making it easy to learn and suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
It’s typically played in a format featuring two players on each side making it a great social sport for people looking to make new friends.
Pickleball is already the fastest growing sport in the USA while in England it's also experiencing a surge in interest which Sheffield has responded to by having more courts than any other city throughout the UK.
It follows on from the success of padel in recent years with more people than ever before participating in that particular sport in the UK.
Here’s a list of all the courts the Steel City has to offer when it comes to pickleball.
- Graves Park: 2 x full court pickleball lines (each within a tennis court)
- Peak Pickleball: Fully dedicated Pickleball centre with 3x pickleball courts
- Hollinsend Park: Corner markings for 2 x pickleball courts (each within a tennis court)
- Millhouses Park: 2 x full court pickleball lines (each within a tennis court)
- High Hazels Park: 4 x single lines to mark out the “kitchen” area only across two existing mini courts
- Hillsborough Park: 4 x full court pickleball lines (across a single tennis court)
- Abbeyfield Park:x 2
- Norfolk Park: x 2
Councillor Marieanne Elliot, Deputy Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee, said: "We’re delighted to be expanding pickleball across more of Sheffield’s parks, making the sport more accessible to people across the city.
“This is a great example of how we are working with partners to respond to growing demand, helping more people to be active.
“By working with Courtside and Sheffield Pickleball Club, we are making sure these new opportunities are affordable and inclusive. It's great to see Sheffield leading the way with more outdoor pickleball courts than anywhere else in the country."
Juliette Green, Courtside’s Activity Co-ordinator, said: “The growth in pickleball participation across all age groups is great to see. We’re keen to promote all types of activity and know that racket sports have particularly positive health benefits both physically and socially.
“So, whether it’s padel in Hillsborough Park, tennis in Ecclesfield Park or pickleball in Graves Park, we’ve got you covered in Sheffield’s glorious green spaces!”
The project has been delivered through a partnership between Sheffield City Council, Courtside and Sheffield Pickleball Club.
Courts are maintained by Courtside and can be booked online, with pay-and-play options available alongside annual parks pass.
Sheffield Pickleball Club is supporting the rollout by delivering free and low-cost sessions, helping beginners get started and building local communities around the sport.
At Hillsborough, High Hazels and Hollinsend, the sessions are free and it is £3.50 for two hours of pickleball at all other venues and sessions.
These can be booked at Play Pickleball in Sheffield | Sheffield Pickleball Club.