LOCAL SUCCESS AT THE 2026 ENGLAND PICKLEBALL OPEN

Carol Whittington and Lorraine Cockell, founded Loco Pickleball Club at Southwell Leisure Centre in January 2025, driven by their passion for sharing the world's fastest-growing sport with the local community.

Since then, the club has gone from strength to strength, with demand for the sport leading to sessions also being held at Radcliffe-on-Trent, Kirkby and Saxondale.

The club’s rapid growth has now been matched by outstanding success at the 2026 English Open, the world’s largest pickleball tournament outside the USA.

Held at Birmingham’s NEC, the event attracted more than 3,000 competitors from 55 countries.

Competing against some of the country's top players, Loco members returned home with an impressive haul of medals.

Lorraine won a bronze in the women’s 65+ doubles, partnering a player she had never previously met.

They lost just one match – their semi-final against the eventual gold medal winners.

Club member Maria Moore and partner Sarah also reached the quarter-finals of the women’s 60+ doubles.

The following day, Maria teamed up with Julian to win a silver medal in the mixed 60+ doubles.

Mark Timms completed an exceptional performance by winning gold in the men’s 15+ doubles.

Remarkably, Mark only started playing pickleball in October 2025.

In just 10 months, his hard work, natural talent and excellent coaching have taken him to English Open gold medal success.

Loco Pickleball’s achievements reflect the sport’s growing popularity and its rapid development within the local community.

Whether you are a complete newcomer to pickleball or an experienced player looking to improve, Loco Pickleball offers coaching, team matches and lots of fun whilst welcoming all ages and abilities.

Weekly sessions cater for beginners, improvers and Intermediate players.

If you are looking for a sport that offers fun, fitness and friendship, contact [email protected] or  call 07910 173662.