Welcome to London Pickleball (LPB)
In 2016, a friend in the USA told me about Pickleball and when I looked it up I realised there was very little opportunity to play locally to me. I was invited to an intro session near Heathrow and within an hour I was hooked, and have been ever since!
Having spent my whole life playing competitive sport at a high level, finding Pickleball gave me the opportunity to give something back. I started a club initially in 2016, which went on to become London Pickleball (LPB) in 2020 because I wanted everyone to be able to play, not just skilled players. That is still the ethos of LPB; 'Pickle for All'. Now in 2025, we provide sessions seven days a week to over 600 registered players.
I realised very quickly that Pickleball was about the community as much as the sport. It gives people a sense of family and a realisation that many of us have ‘gaps’ in our lives that can be filled by this feeling of belonging. The sound of the ball hitting the paddle, the smiles, laughter and joy from hitting that winning shot, along with the support networks and the friendships. Pickleball has it all.
London Pickleball was set up to offer opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to play Pickleball. LPB is for everyone; from introduction sessions, to social play, coaching, to development programmes for National Champions. I’m particularly proud of our role in supporting players within the deaf community. London Pickleball is a friendly, inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
There are no membership fees or joining fees but all players are part of the community. All sessions are play and pay for what you like, but if you don’t come then you’ll miss out on all the fun!
Louise Stephens x
I was introduced to Pickleball by a good friend I used to play netball with — I joined a taster session and within 20 minutes, I was hooked! I loved how easy it was to pick up, how much fun it was, and how players of all ages could play together.
Since then, I’ve shared my love of the game with others — introducing friends and even my husband, who’s now every bit as enthusiastic about it as I am. I’m naturally competitive (in a calm, unassuming way!) and staying fit and healthy is a big priority for me, so Pickleball ticks all the boxes. But what I really love is seeing the joy it brings to others — it’s more than a sport; it’s a social outlet that’s created genuine friendships and a real sense of community.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that London Pickleball is run entirely by volunteers. These incredible people not only keep our sessions running smoothly but also give their time to help at major events hosted by Pickleball England and beyond. It’s fantastic to see our players win medals, but even more rewarding to see how happy, connected, and confident people become through the sport.
At London Pickleball, we have players aged from 10 to 86 and run up to 12 sessions a week — from relaxed social games to competitive play. My role covers both coaching and administration, working with Lou to welcome new players, manage sessions, and make sure everyone gets fair, balanced, and enjoyable play. It’s a juggling act — but one I love every minute of!
Amanda x
