Our club
A social club for adults of all ages, abilities and genders
Newark Pickleball Club
Newark Pickleball club was set up by Rob and Mark at the end of August 2024 after deciding that they wanted to try a new racket sport. They were kindly invited along by Lincoln Pickleball club to have a go and fell in love with the game straight away. They 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 there are now 35 players taking part.
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 a post-pickle-pint after each 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, £5 thereafter.
We try to keep the day and time we play consistent however due to the availability of the court at Suthers School Leisure Centre we will be swapping to a Tuesday for a couple of months until we can regain our Thursday slot! Please see the calendar for the details and get in touch if you have any questions.
Due to ever 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.
Organising the games
We operate a system that uses colour coding for each player and timed games between 8 and 10 minutes depending on how many people are playing.
In this way we try to ensure everyone plays a similar number of games and has the opportunity to play players that are more advanced. However for the second half of a session we put abilities/colours together to ensure players get a chance to play others at the same or similar level.
The table shows the colours and how we assign them to everyone, although this is under constant review as players improve. New starter are assigned a non colour until we can determine which level they are at.
| Colour | Description |
|---|---|
| Green | Players new to pickleball or those still learning the basics (2.0) |
| Blue | Players who have played before and have an understanding of the game (2.5) |
| Yellow | Players who have played before, know how to score and can play an extended rally (3.0) |
| Red | Players who demonstrate advanced techniques and control (3.5+) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all, we’re all pretty new to the game so you’ll be in good company if you haven’t tried Pickelball before! We have some players that have a tennis, squash or badminton background and who have picked the game up quickly but we won’t put beginners against better players to avoid frustration from both sides. However we will all help you progress and develop your Pickleball game! Please be aware though that we are an adults only club (18+).
We run four courts playing doubles and average about 20-24 players each session which means you will have some time to recover on the sidelines before your next game!
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!
It’s free for your first session and £5 per person for two hours thereafter. We are private individuals organising Pickleball on everyone’s behalf and therefore not a formal club. All funds go towards the hire of the hall and equipment. Any funds left over will be used at our discretion to the benefit of all, this may include social activities, visits to other clubs, coaching 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.
From January until March we play every Tuesday 7:30pm – 9:30pm after which we will revert to our usual Thursday slot starting at 7pm.
Our Picklers
Club policies
We are private individuals organising Pickleball on everyone’s behalf and therefore not a formal members club. There is currently no cost to be a member you simply pay on the day to play. This is subject to change in the future as the club develops, at the discretion of the members running the club.
All funds go towards the hire of the hall and equipment. Any additional funds that accrue will be used at the club’s discretion to the benefit of all, this may include social activities, visits to other clubs, coaching etc. We reserve the right to make spending decisions on behalf of all however we will always try to consult everyone where applicable.
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.
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. We will not tolerate any behaviour that is contrary to these principles, 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.
Come and join the fun!
Whether you’re a beginner or have played before, come and try Newark Pickleball!