Newark Pickleball Club
Newark Pickleball club was set up at the end of August 2024 after we were kindly invited along by Lincoln Pickleball club to have a go and fell in love with the game! We purchased a few nets, found a location and invited friends to come along and give it a go. From that point on the numbers grew and enquiries increased to the point where now have about 60 players registered.
Newark Pickleball is a social club for adults (over 18) of all ages and gender where inclusivity and fun are at the heart of everything. Of course we all enjoy a competitive game but we try to match players with similar abilities whether they’re picking up a paddle bat for the first time or if they’ve been playing for a while.
Together we enjoy helping each other progress without taking ourselves too seriously!
As a club we also like to socialise outside of our weekly games with social events and often a post-pickle-pint after a session! Bringing people together from all walks of life, encouraging people to stay fit and active as well as making friends is very much the ethos of Newark Pickleball.
How can I try Pickleball?
It couldn’t be easier to have a go at Pickleball and discover for yourself just how much fun it is!
No special equipment is required and any comfortable clothing is fine. Trainers / tennis shoes are recommended.
At Newark Pickleball we have beginner paddle bats for you to use, nets and plenty of balls so just get in touch and we’ll make arrangements for you to come and have a go. There’s no charge for your first session, thereafter the cost is £6.50 for a two hour session (+admin fee) payable when you book a session via the app ‘PickleHeads’.
We believe the cost represents excellent value for money for two hours of play plus the choice of two sessions a week, and covers regular running costs including hire of the hall, replacing worn/damaged equipment, website hosting/general admin etc. Any profit made after covering costs will be reinvested into the club to the benefit of all. This could include paying for coaching sessions, club socials such as a summer BBQ or casual drinks evenings, subsidised travel to Pickleball competitions, club merchandise etc.
We run two sessions a week – Tuesdays 7:30-9:30pm and Thursdays 7:00-9:00pm at Suthers School sports hall. There’s no charge for your first session, thereafter the cost is £6.50 per session (+admin fee). We limit each session to 20 places on a first come first served basis.
Due to increasing numbers we ask that you get in touch beforehand if you’re new to the club and would like to come along and give it a go, we will do our best to fit you in but you may have to wait for a space to become available.
Organising the games
To help match players as closely as possible we use a ranking system. If you aren’t registered with the official PickleBall ranking system called DUPR we will ask you to rank yourself based on the following criteria.
We sometimes run a session for DUPR registered players only so that we can submit the results for ranking purposes. Its free to join and quick to sign up, once you’re registered then you can link your PickleHeads account too.
Frequently Asked Questions
We use a free app called PickleHeads, click here to sign up! Once you’ve joined the Newark Pickleball club on the app you will receive an invite to book the Tuesday session at 7:30pm every Sunday evening and the Thursday session at 7pm each Tuesday.
Spaces are limited to 24 players per session on a first come first served basis.
There’s no charge for your first session, thereafter the cost is £6.50 per session (+admin fee). Payments are made via the PickleHeads app before each session. Payment is not refundable if you cancel within 24 hours of each session.
Not at all, we’re all pretty new to the game so you’ll be in good company if you haven’t tried Pickleball before! Some players have a tennis, squash or badminton background and tend to pick the game up quickly but we have others that are completely new to racket sports. Although we mix everyone up for the first hour we put players of similar ability and experience together for the second hour to to make it as enjoyable as possible for everyone. However we will all help you progress and develop your Pickleball game in a fun and light hearted way! Please be aware that we are an adults only club (18+).
We run four courts playing doubles and singles games two evenings a week (Tuesday and Thursday) and limit the numbers to 24 players each session, which means you will have some time to recover on the sidelines before your next game!
Please note the times are different for each session – 7:30-9:30pm on Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00pm on Thursdays.
We usually go to the Tawny Owl pub after each session for a ‘debrief’!! All welcome.
We have a wide range of ages from players in their twenties to those into their seventies both male and female, we try to match abilities so that everyone has a fair and competitive game. Please be aware though that we are an adults only club (18+)
We provide all the equipment you’ll need (nets, paddle bats and balls). All you need to bring is a bottle of water and to wear standard sport clothing suitable for indoor use (non marking trainers). You will work up a sweat so be prepared!
There’s no charge for your first session, thereafter the cost is £6.50 per session (+admin fee) payable via the PickleHeads app. We limit each session to 24 places on a first come first served basis.
We believe the cost represents excellent value for money for two hours of play plus the choice of two sessions a week, and covers regular running costs including hire of the hall, replacing worn/damaged equipment, website hosting/general admin etc. Any profit made after covering costs will be reinvested into the club to the benefit of all. This could include paying for training sessions, club socials such as a summer BBQ or casual drinks evenings, subsidised travel to Pickleball competitions, club merchandise etc.
We play at Suthers School Sports Centre, Fernwood, Newark, UK NG24 3NH. The entrance to the sports hall is found around the back of the main school building (go through the gate to the left as you look at the building). Parking is free.
We run two sessions a week – Tuesdays 7:30-9:30pm and Thursdays 7:00-9:00pm.
We have two qualified Pickleball Leaders with accreditation from the England Pickleball Leadership course – Rob and Kallum. Although not Pickleball coaches they are qualified to run Pickleball sessions and have knowledge of the game that means they can provide help and guidance.
We occasionally run coaching courses with external Pickleball coaches (at a small additional cost) where our players have the chance to learn specific skills and improve their understanding of the game.
Club policies
We are private individuals organising Pickleball on everyone’s behalf and therefore not a formal members club. There’s no charge for your first session, thereafter the cost is £6.50 per session (+admin fee). Payments are made via the PickleHeads app before each session. Payment is not refundable if you cancel within 24 hours of each session.
We believe the cost represents excellent value for money for two hours of play plus the choice of two sessions a week, and covers regular running costs including hire of the hall, replacing worn/damaged equipment, website hosting/general admin etc. Any profit made after covering costs will be reinvested into the club to the benefit of all. This could include paying for training sessions, club socials such as a summer BBQ or casual drinks evenings, subsidised travel to Pickleball competitions, club merchandise etc. We reserve the right to make spending decisions on behalf of everyone however we will always try to consult everyone where possible.
We hire the courts from Suthers School Sports Centre therefore you play at your own risk and subject to their insurance policies. Newark Pickleball accept no liability for accidents, loss/breakage of personal equipment or cancellations.
We ask that you complete a signing in form before every session which enables us to keep track of numbers, who has paid, player contact details and that you have understood the health and safety disclaimer.
Newark Pickleball is a social club for adults of all ages, genders and abilities. We run the club to provide a welcoming, learning and fun environment for all where we expect everyone to try their best, be positive and put in reasonable effort. Some are natural quick learners, for some it takes more practice but we have qualified instructors on hand to provide help and guidance.
Please note – we will not tolerate any behaviour that is contrary to these principles and that affects the greater majority of players, anyone deemed to be contravening these will be asked to change their behaviour or to leave the club.
At Newark Pickleball all players play at their own risk, however here are some tips to ensure you play safely and sensibly:
1. Wear a good pair of tennis court shoes (no black soles, walking, running, cross trainers, or street shoes). We recommend Skechers pickleball shoes.
2. Always warm up your body before playing with some easy stretches, back, arms, shoulders, hamstrings. If in doubt consult with a certified physiotherapist or doctor who can factor in any medical problems you may have.
3. Keep well hydrated, drink plenty of fluids before, during and after playing.
4. Please do not run backwards to get to a ball over your head, it is too easy to fall or collide with a wall and hurt yourself.
5. Carefully run forward to get that low bouncing ball so you don’t fall and hurt yourself.
6. Always yell ‘BALL ON COURT’ loud and clear and NEVER run onto the adjoining court to retrieve your ball; the players on that court will throw it back to you.
7. Never walk behind players while they are playing; wait until they are between points and let them know you want to cross behind their court.
8. Don’t take an extra ball or balls with you on the court. Only one can be used and strays should never be left lying on the other courts. Always retrieve the stray ball.
9. Do not take extraneous materials (bags, bottles, towels) on the court or hang them on the net posts. These items create unsafe courts and impede visibility.
Some of our Picklers
Come and join the fun!
Whether you’re a beginner or have played before, come and try Newark Pickleball!