Bolton hosts England's first national pickleball tournament

Granted you may never have heard of the unusually-name sport ­— but you soon will as Bolton hosts England's first ever national competition in the game which is a cross between tennis and badminton.

And it has thousands of supporters around the world and is hugely popular in the United States, where it is the country's fastest growing sport.

The competition will take place at Bolton Arena from August 12 to 15 which will have 28 newly taped out pickleball courts ready.

Horwich Hotshots Pickleball Club with soap star Mikey North

Coronation Street star Mikey North, who plays Gary Windass, was among the first to find out more about the sport this week when the Horwich Hotshots Pickleball Club bumped into him at Moss Bank Park, where he was playing tennis.

He told them he had seen the sport being played at Bolton Arena. In line with restrictions more people have seen the game played as players went outside to play, especially in Moss Bank Park

Hundreds of players from across the country will converge in Bolton for the tournament, a town which has impressed tournament directors with its hotels, facilities and transport links.

Elaine Shallcross

Well-known local player, Elaine Shallcross, pickleball England’s North West Regional Director, said she is “really pleased” to see the showcase event come to Bolton as she played in the Bolton Badminton League for many years and represented the town.

“Not everyone will have heard of pickleball but it is a sport that almost anyone can play, at any age and level of ability,” she explained. “It’s particularly popular with seniors but attracts youngsters as well.”

The sport can be played both indoors or outdoors on a court the size of a badminton court.

It’s played as singles and doubles with a wooden or composite paddle ­—bat ­— and a perforated polymer ball which is like an oversized practice golf ball. Its rules are relatively straightforward which makes it attractive to beginners.

Horwich Hotshots Pickleball Club with soap star Mikey North

Thanks to her dedication and the popularity of this accessible sport, there are now 30 clubs in the North-west including in Bolton and based at the Bolton Arena.

To find out more go to www.pickleballengland.org