In the heart of Gloucestershire, a new sports sensation is causing quite the racket – and it’s not your typical game of tennis. It’s pickleball, the quirky and charming hybrid that’s part tennis, part badminton, and part table tennis, and it’s here to serve up a storm of fun and fitness.

Meet David Tyler a pickleball enthusiast with a paddle for a heart and a coach’s whistle around his neck. With three years of pickleball passion and an IPTPA level 2 coaching accreditation tucked under his belt, David is not just playing the game; he’s changing it.

Why pickleball, you ask? Pickleball, with its gentle yet engaging nature, emphasises “Patience, Placement, and Precision over Power”. It’s a game for the young, the old, and everyone in between – a family affair where grandma can play just as well as her teenage grandson. David also emphasises the health benefits of playing group sport. Regular exercise stands as your shield against heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and more.

David’s love for the game shines through his work with the Gloucester Phoenix Pickleball Club and his role as the Pickleball England Representative for Gloucestershire. He’s the man behind the mission to make pickleball the talk of the town, and with the club’s launch at the Oxstalls Tennis Centre, he’s well on his way.

With 30 regulars already lobbing and volleying, the club is setting its sights higher – 300 regular players by March 2025. The plan? Expand, collaborate, and spread the pickleball love far and wide.

And if you’re thinking pickleball is just a local fad, think again. Players are gearing up with their own paddles, diving into tournaments, and living the pickleball dream. It’s a sport that’s not just about scoring points; it’s about scoring memories and friendships.

So, if you’re in Gloucestershire and looking for a slice of the action, drop an email to Gloucester.pickleball@gmail.com. Bring your friends, bring your family, and most importantly, bring your game face.

Join the club where you’re not just a player – you’re a star. With expert coaching and a community that cheers on every serve, you’re in good company. And who knows? You might just bump into a celebrity or two on the court (though we can’t promise George Clooney).

The Gloucester Phoenix Pickleball Club isn’t just playing games; they’re writing stories – your stories. They’re on a mission to make every story a bestseller, with a happy, healthy, pickleball-loving ending.

David said “ I cherish pickleball for fostering inclusivity and for gathering a vibrant, dedicated, and fun-loving community across the UK, of which I’m proud to be a part.”

So, what are you waiting for? Step onto the court and let the good times roll. Pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifestyle. And it’s one you don’t want to miss.

Join the movement. Join the fun. Join Gloucester Phoenix Pickleball Club.

Many Thanks to David Tyler from Gloucester Pickleball Club for his help with this article.