For the second year in a row, the APP will be a promoting partner for Pickleball England’s premier professional and amateur pickleball competition in all of Europe. The 2023 English Open will take place at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire, England and will run from August 3-6.
Similar to the United States, the United Kingdom has seen massive growth in the sport as well. By 2030, the UK is expected to see an annual growth rate of 9.5% and will be valued at £110 million in revenue.
As the sport continues to grow, so will the tournaments. The 2022 English Open hosted nearly 500 players from 24 different countries. This year’s tournament is expecting to see double the participation, with over 1,000 players taking to the courts.
Because of this dramatic increase in player participation, Pickleball England knew they needed to select a venue that could accommodate such a crowd. Karen Mitchell, founding Co-Director of Pickleball England, determined that Telford International Centre’s three massive event halls could be the perfect space to fit their needs.
“We have had to plan for more than double the capacity of our last tournament because of the growth of pickleball and the demand for competition in the UK and beyond. We are working with Pickleball United for them to supply and fit 40 pickleball courts inside Telford International Centre – the first tournament in Europe with all pickleball courts, which will elevate the player experience.”
Karen Mitchell, Co-Director of Pickleball England
The tournament itself will consist of a wide variety of events, including traditional singles, doubles, and mixed doubles brackets, a media event, clinics, vendor booths, recreational play times, and more. Pickleball England will also host wheelchair and junior events, following their previous success at the 2022 English Nationals.
Pickleball England’s partnership with APP as a promoting partner will help push pickleball’s international growth. The APP’s reach as one of the biggest pickleball organizations has been instrumental to the international events that they’ve hosted so far, including the 2022 English Open and 2022 Spanish Open.
“The English Open powered by the APP promises to be the standout pickleball event in Europe in 2023, and we believe it will be a catalyst to supercharge even further the growth of pickleball in the region. The APP’s collaboration will be invaluable to our team, and we are looking forward to working with their team, and welcoming some of the best players in the world, who will make the trip over to England for our event in August.”
Karen Mitchell, Co-Director of Pickleball England
Registration starts today, March 31, and will be open until Saturday, July 8. Each player will pay a flat £35 event registration fee, and an additional £20 fee (£50 for pro-level OPEN events) for each event they participate in. The junior and wheelchair events will both be free of entry.
Schedule of Events
| Thursday August 3rd | Friday August 4th | Saturday August 5th | Sunday August 6th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media Event Clinics Recreational Play Team Competition Vendor Booths | Clinics Recreational Play Singles Pro-Am Tournament Vendor Booths | Men’s Doubles Women’s Doubles Vendor Booths Championship Dinner | Mixed Doubles Vendor Booths Silent Raffle |
Pickleball England is dedicated to ensuring that the English Open will be the greatest tournament in Europe, and wants its participants to feel supported for their commitment to the sport. “We introduced prize money for the top level in 2022 and hope to increase the prize money this year,” said Mitchell.
The pro-level OPEN singles and doubles brackets will have cash payouts for the 1-4 placed winners. In addition to cash prizes, tournament results will be submitted to DUPR and Pickleball Global for associated players.
The 2023 English Open is shaping up to be the biggest tournament in all of Europe, so if you’re planning on making it across the pond this summer, don’t miss out! Be sure to check out Pickleball England’s website for more information about the event and registration.
