BOURNEMOUTH’S Adam Kidman played a starring role in an historic week for pickleball at a record-breaking Skechers English Open.
Kidman, 32, who works as an accountant, featured in the English Open at the Telford International Centre – the largest pickleball event taking place outside of North America.
With ages from seven to 70+ competing, the event is reflective of the incredible growth in pickleball over recent years, with a record number of almost 2,000 players from 42 countries participating in a sport which has aspirations of making the Olympic programme.
“This is my second English Open and things have moved on a lot since my first because I started a club down in Bournemouth and I’ve just launched my own paddle brand: Convert Pickleball,” said Kidman.
“My life has gone from zero per cent pickleball to 100 per cent pickleball, with a side order of an accountancy firm.”
This year’s English Open comprised seven days of high-level competition, with the world’s top professionals from America, Europe and Asia taking to the court in singles, doubles, mixed, wheelchair and junior events.
A hybrid of tennis, badminton and table tennis, the sport’s popularity has been attributed to its accessibility. Easy to pick up and fun to play, the sport’s accessibility transcends demographics, providing it with universal appeal.
Pickleball England has reported a 41% increase in member registrations since the end of 2023, highlighting growth and interest in the sport and Kidman is firmly on the bandwagon.
“I’ve come from badminton and tennis, and I hate serving in tennis, and I found out you don’t have to serve in this, so I thought it sounded right up my street,” added Kidman.
“So, I gave it a go and the second time I played last year was with Thaddea Lock, the British female number one and she was like: ‘right, you’re not bad, I’ll give you a paddle if you sign up for the English Open.”
“I had three months and thought ‘you know what, I’m down for that’, and here I am.”
Pickleball England has announced a record number of players competing at this year’s English OPEN from the 8th-14th August at the Telford International Centre in the largest pickleball event taking place outside of the USA ever. Visit pickleballengland.org
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