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Pickleball fever hits Gosport – and you’re invited

Members of a local pickleball club and councillors visit the site in Privett Park that is being turned into new pickleball courts

If you haven’t heard of pickleball yet, don’t worry – you’re about to! This fast-growing sport is sweeping across the UK, and now it’s coming to Gosport in a big way.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a new way to stay active and social, pickleball might just be your new favourite pastime.

So, what is pickleball?

Imagine a sport that combines the best bits of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. That’s pickleball! Played on a badminton-sized court with a paddle and a plastic ball, it’s easy to learn, incredibly fun, and perfect for all ages and abilities.

You can play singles or doubles, and the rules are simple enough to pick up in minutes.

Why is everyone talking about it?

Pickleball is booming—and for good reason:

  • It’s social: Great for meeting new people and playing with friends.
  • It’s accessible: Whether you’re 8 or 80, you can play and enjoy it.
  • It’s active: A fantastic way to stay fit without needing to be super sporty.
  • It’s addictive: Once you start, you’ll want to play again and again!

In fact, Gosport already has a thriving pickleball community. Gosport Pickleball Club started during the pandemic and now has over 90 members, including players in their 20s all the way up to their 80s – and even some wheelchair users!

Gosport’s first outdoor pickleball courts are coming

Thanks to a £193,000 investment from Gosport Borough Council, the old courts at Privett Park are being transformed into two brand-new, purpose-built pickleball courts – the first of their kind on the South Coast! And that’s not all: four tennis courts are also being refurbished, with new nets, posts, and accessible ramps.

These courts will be free to use, making it easier than ever for everyone in the community to give pickleball a go. Construction is already underway, and the courts are expected to open this summer, just in time for some sunshine-fuelled fun.

Want to try it?

Gosport Pickleball Club will be offering free taster sessions once the courts are ready. Whether you’re curious, competitive, or just looking for a new hobby, this is your chance to get involved in something exciting, active, and community-driven.

This is more than just a new sport it’s a new way to connect, get active, and have fun. So grab a paddle, bring your friends, and get ready to serve up some smiles. Pickleball is coming to Gosport, and it’s going to be a smash hit!