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News
Read the latest news and updates from the team at Pickleball Wales.
Welsh Pickleball Festival 2026
Registrations Opens Monday 27th April - 6pm via Picklebook
Please ensure you register with Picklebook & sign up to Pickleball Wales which is completely free!
Numbers will be limited so we would encourage you to please register early. Full details will be included within the registration process via Picklebook.
In the event you are unable to attend, a refund will only be given if your place can be reallocated.
The Festival will include:
Free Parking, On-site Single Accommodation including Breakfast at £55 (TBC) per person per night. All rooms have en-suite facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi. To book accommodation please telephone 01248 quoting pickleb26.
Open & Graded play, Free Clinics, On-site Sports Massage Therapist (small fee applies), Trade Stands, Saturday Night Celebration with buffet meal and Live Entertainment until 1am.
All This for just £70 (excluding accommodation)!
Welsh Nationals 2026
2026 Welsh National Championships
Registrations Close Friday 10th April
Anglesey Pickleball Club gains another milestone to celebrate!
Club Chair Beki Byron has officially qualified as a Level One EPF referee, becoming the first person in Wales to do so.
A landmark achievement for Welsh Pickleball Beki completed her final assessment weekend in Rugby from 6–8 March, where she underwent two demanding days of evaluations before being awarded her certificate and referee badge on Sunday.
This qualification places her among a select group of officials across Europe and strengthens the pathway for future Welsh referees.
Recognition from Pickleball Wales
The Chair of Pickleball Wales expressed that they are “absolutely delighted for Beki,” noting that the achievement is well deserved after her dedication, hard work, and personal investment in the referee programme.
Attaining her Level 1 qualification will not only allow her to officiate across Europe but also across America.They also highlighted that this milestone represents a major step forward for the sport in Wales, with ongoing collaboration with the EPF to bring referee training opportunities to Wales later this year.
Celebrations across the community Huge congratulations from Anglesey Pickleball Club, Pickleball Wales and her extended pickleball family.
Anglesey Pickleball Club Founder Member Receives Royal Approval!
Anglesey Pickleball Club is celebrating a remarkable honour as founder member Kath Knowles has received an official invitation to attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace this May.
The invitation recognises her dedication, community spirit, and the pivotal role she has played in growing pickleball across Anglesey and North Wales.
Anglesey Pickleball Club founder member and now a Director of Pickleball Wales, this is a moment of pride not only for Kath herself, but for the entire local pickleball community.
A Well‑Deserved Honour
Kath has been instrumental in establishing and nurturing the Anglesey Pickleball Club from its earliest days. Her enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment have helped transform the club into a thriving, welcoming community for players of all ages and abilities. The Royal Garden Party invitation acknowledges not just her contribution to sport, but her impact on community wellbeing, social connection, and active living. Celebrating
Community Achievement
For many club members, Kath has been the heart of the organisation — organising sessions, encouraging newcomers, and championing the sport wherever she goes. This recognition shines a spotlight on the positive influence local volunteers can have, and it reflects the growing visibility of pickleball across the UK.
Paul Byron Chair of Pickleball Wales said” I’m absolutely delighted for Kath that she is being recognised for all her hard work, commitment and absolute dedication to the sport of pickleball”.
Looking Ahead to a Special Day
The Royal Garden Party, hosted in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, is one of the most prestigious events in the national calendar. Kath will join other invited guests who have made significant contributions to their communities. It promises to be a memorable and inspiring occasion.
Congratulations Kath from Pickleball Wales, Anglesey Pickleball Club and all your pickleball family
2026 Notice of Annual General Meeting
The Board of Pickleball Wales invites all eligible members to attend the Annual General Meeting on:
Date: Thursday 30th April 2026
Time: 6pm
Location: Online platform. Link will be available on our website prior to the scheduled date.
The AGM will cover key governance matters, including presentation of the annual accounts, updates on strategic priorities, elections to the Board, (including Regional Directors & County representatives) and consideration of member resolutions.
Members wishing to submit resolutions or stand for election must do so by 16th April 2026 in writing to the Secretary HERE
Role descriptions / application forms and criteria will be published week commencing 9th March 2026.
2026 Welsh National Championships
Registrations open Friday at 6pm!
For full information, terms and conditions and registrations VIEW HERE.
The Welsh Pickleball Club League is coming - Have you registered?
Come this March, Welsh Pickleball will be launching their Nationwide pickleball club league with teams from the North, South East and South West of Wales competing against each other in a “home and away” style format.
Recognised and endorsed by Pickleball Wales, the league will span 2 seasons a year with each season lasting 4 months where teams will play against each other in divisions based on their region of Wales. More importantly, there will be two leagues that club, groups and communities can enter into, the open league and the women’s league. Both leagues will have the same season schedule with the open league having 6 players per match (recommended 8 players per team) and the women’s league having 4 players per match (recommended 6 players per team).
The league will be a great way to boost the growth of pickleball in Wales, both at the highest level and at grass roots as players experience competitive play outside of their clubs or groups. It also provides a goal for aspiring players to work towards playing for their clubs first team but also providing a clear route and stepping stone to tournament participation and the national team. Players with a more social aim will have their pickleball network expanded, meeting new people and communities outside of their own while having friendly competition against players of the same mindset and abilities.
The Welsh Pickleball Club League kicks off on March 1st but there is still time to enter your teams and take part. The deadline for team entries is the 21st of February so check out the website for more info and registration details at WPCL Information | Matthew Hazlehurst Pickleball and follow them on Facebook (Welsh Pickleball Club League).
The Welsh Open - Save The Date!
The Welsh Open
3rd Feb 2026 - Welsh Nationals Registrations Opening Soon.
Watch this space!
New Leadership Courses – South Wales
Tuesday 17th February (10am-4pm) – Swansea University Bay Campus Sports Hall, Fabian Way, Crymlyn Burrows, Skewen, Swansea SA1 8EN
Swansea Link: https://www.picklebook.org/a/pbe/events/xQKpeSFyPOEjqJwP
Wednesday 18th February (10am-4pm) – Newport International Sports Village, Velodrome Way, Newport, Gwent NP19 4RA
Newport Link: https://www.picklebook.org/a/pbe/events/oc1dnbZUHas1Of2N
Friday 27th March (10am-4pm) – Cwmbran Stadium, Henllys Way, Cwmbran, Gwent NP44 3YS
Cwmbran Link: https://www.picklebook.org/a/pbe/events/KDDbnAXLmFqHuEQj
ANNOUNCEMENT – Welsh Pickleball Club League
The Welsh Pickleball Club League (WPCL) is a national inter-club league that plays home and away style matches. This league isn’t restricted by gender, age or skill so players of all levels will find a division suited for their standards. The League is split into 3 regions, North, South East and South West Wales.
Pickleball Wales put behind bars! - Paul Byron Dec '25
I was approached by Sam Field of HMPS as Chairman of PBW to enquire whether I would like to attend a mini Tournament with mostly prison staff at HMP Berwyn Wrexham.
Delighted to accept the kind invitation Pickleball Wales were represented by not only myself but Susan Evans Director PBW and two players from Anglesey Pickleball Club namely Paul Semple and Siân Burgess.
Pickleball Wales provided nets and balls for the tournament.
The competition was structured on a pairs basis with 3 groups of 8 in a round robin format with the top two from each group and two best runners up qualifying for the knock out stages.
Staff from 5 prisons were in attendance:
Berwyn
Werrington
Feltham
Long Lartin
North Sea Camp
Also in attendance with a team was Trudie Ellis PBE County Rep for Bedfordshire.
The tournament was played in the true spirit of the game which was a true delight to see, with the eventual winners being Pickleball Wales pairing of Paul Byron & Susan Evans. For Pickleball Wales this was a wonderful opportunity for networking and to promote the sport within Wales.
As a direct result we have already enquired ten new members of PBW and an appetite to enter Welsh tournaments and Leagues.
This annual event is now likely to be held twice a year and at a possible new venue Wrexham Tennis Centre starting in 2026.
This was truly a fantastic experience, a first being the other side of the gates!
Paul Byron
Chair
Pickleball Wales
NEWS UPDATE –
In line with Pickleball Wales ongoing growth we are delighted to announce that we have joined forces with the EPF who are looking to undertake Referee courses in the UK for any individuals that want to attain level one & two accreditation.
If we can secure enough interest then the EPF will look to run courses here in Wales during 2026.
To register your interest please forward your details to paul@pickleballwales.org. by 18th November.
Yours in Pickleball
Paul – Chair
European Pickleball Event Update 
The EPF European Open – launching November 2026Save the Date - The Welsh Nationals!
Fri 24th April – Sun 26th April 2026
The Welsh Nationals
Venue: Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre LL11 2BW
Save the Date - Wales Pickleball Festival!
Fri 24th July – Sun 26th July 2026
Welsh Pickleball Festival
Venue: Canolfan Brailsford Bangor North Wales
NEWS UPDATE – Want to be a Referee?
In line with Pickleball Wales ongoing growth we are delighted to announce that we have joined forces with the EPF who are looking to undertake Referee courses in the UK for any individuals that want to attain level one & two accreditation.
If we can secure enough interest then the EPF will look to run courses here in Wales during 2026.
To register your interest please forward your details to paul@pickleballwales.org by 18th November.
Yours in Pickleball
Paul – Chair
Save the Date - Wales Pickleball Festival 2026!
Fri 24th July – Sun 26th July 2026
Welsh Pickleball Festival
Venue: Canolfan Brailsford Bangor North Wales
Pickleball Wales appoint a new Company Secretary
Paul Byron – October 2025
Pickleball Wales are delighted to announce that Joel Baker has joined us as Company Secretary with immediate effect.
Wales shine at the Inaugural Welsh Open
Paul Byron – September 2025
From the courts of Cardiff Met University the Welsh Pickleball community made an unforgettable mark at the first ever Welsh Open.
Hot on the heels of the vibrant 3-day Welsh Pickleball Festival in North Wales, our members didn’t just show up, they showed out.
Team Wales hosting unique workshop in Cardiff - Pickleball 52
Carrie Dunn – 28th August 2025
A small group of pickleball players get a unique opportunity this weekend when they head to Cardiff for a workshop with the Team Wales squad.
Hosted at Cardiff Metropolitan University, the players who will be representing Wales at next month’s European Pickleball Championships are offering 32 people the chance for skills, drills and top-tier coaching.
Team Wales squad for the European Championships in Rome September 2025
Message from Chairman:
Following on from the recent trials held at Telford PB Centre Pickleball Wales are delighted to announce the Welsh Teams for the up and coming European Championships in Rome.
Well done to you all it’s clearly evident we have some talent in Wales! 🏴
New Additions to Partnership Team
The Directors of Pickleball Wales are absolutely delighted to announce that we are bringing onboard two new additions to our Partnership Team.
Following ongoing negotiations with most of the multi band retailers the board were
unanimous in its decision to secure a two year partnership deal with…. Pickleball People &
Pickleball World. You can read more about these and our other partners our Preferred Partners page.
Pickleball Tournament at Newport Live
Sport Wales funded a pickleball tournament for over 60s at Newport Live, held at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales, which was a huge success.
Read more about the event & enjoy a video snippet HERE.
Pickleball Llangefni featured in North Wales Actif Pilot
North Wales Actif ran an exciting and innovative pilot project across four local authority areas in North Wales including Denbighshire. The project was funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
Pickleball Llangefni feature here at around 0:56
Ynys Môn chasing National Clubs glory - Pickleball 52
Carrie Dunn – 2nd July 2025
Anglesey (Ynys Môn) Pickleball are celebrating some success – with their A team sealing their place in the English National Clubs Championships later this month.
The club sent two teams to compete in the north-west England regional tournament at the end of June to close out a 12-month season…
Wanted – Pickleball Wales Secretary
19th May 2025
Team Wales News – Save The Date
1st May 2025
PBW are delighted to announce that Wales have submitted its entry for the Europeans in Rome this coming September…
On the back of this we will be holding trials for both Men & Women in Telford on Sunday 27th July 10am – 2pm.
Welsh Open 2025 - Registrations Open!
25th April 2025
The inaugural pickleball Welsh Open promises to be an unforgettable event for players and fans alike. Pickleball Wales and pickleb.co.uk are delighted to present a four day pickleball extravaganza across two phenomenal neighbouring venues at Cardiff Met University, occupying the National Indoor Athletics Centre and Cardiff Met Tennis Centre from Thursday 4th September to Sunday 7th September 2025.
The Welsh Open aims to develop pickleball in Wales by putting this wonderful sport in front a new audience, showing as many people as possible how easy it is to start playing and establishing Wales as a leading country for pickleball.
The Welsh Open will have almost endless capacity to welcome every single player that wants to play. The National Indoor Athletics Centre and Cardiff Met Tennis Centre combined will give the Welsh Open the scale to achieve this.
Event Structure & Schedule
Round Robins followed by playoffs, in all divisions.
Guaranteed minimum 6 matches.
Thursday: 18+ Singles, 35+ Singles, 50+ Gender Doubles, 60+ Gender Doubles.
Friday: 18+ Teams, 50+ Mixed Doubles, 60+ Mixed Doubles.
Saturday: 18+ Gender Doubles, 35+ Gender Doubles, 50+ Teams.
Sunday: 18+ Mixed Doubles, 35+ Mixed Doubles, 50+ Singles, 60+ Singles.
Hani spreads the pickleball word in Kuwait - Pickleball 52
Carrie Dunn – 24th April 2025
Pickleball is spreading around the world – and one Bangor University graduate has taken the game back to his home country of Kuwait after falling in love with the game during his time in Wales…
Wales celebrating Nationals success - Pickleball 52
Carrie Dunn – 17th April 2025
Wales is celebrating the success of its first-ever Welsh Nationals, which ran across last weekend at Bangor University.
The magic of pickleball: Welsh champion Jo’s amazing story - Pickleball 52
Carrie Dunn – 16th April 2025
Two years ago, Jo Nundy had never played sport before.
Now she’s a gold medallist at the inaugural Welsh Nationals after winning the women’s 40+ 3.0 doubles division with her partner Tracey Hockin.
