ServeSport Limited has successfully obtained retrospective approval for the conversion of their Stafford Park warehouse in Telford, England, into a Pickleball Centre.
This facility will offer courts for public rental during evenings and weekends. In addition to the Pickleball Centre, the company plans to incorporate offices, training, and research spaces.
A Demonstration Space
Previously headquartered at the e-Innovation Centre in Priorslee, ServeSport Limited recently introduced its sports club management software, ManageOurClub.
Managing Director Mike Lynch explained that a ‘demo’ pickleball club would be established within the building to showcase various hardware components commonly used by large sports clubs, such as turnstiles, access controls, lighting controllers, court access gates, interactive monitors for coaches, electronic scoreboards, and EPOS systems.
All of these will be directly controlled by the company’s software on-site, demonstrating how ManageOurClub offers a comprehensive solution for software and hardware needs.
An Authentic Experience
Three pickleball courts will be installed within the building to provide an authentic experience for visiting clubs. These courts will be integrated with the relevant parts of the software and hardware. For instance, when a court is booked, the software will automatically activate the corresponding lights.
Pickleball was selected as the sport for the ‘demo club’ due to its popularity in the UK and its suitability for the available space. The smaller size of pickleball courts compared to tennis courts allows for the creation of multiple courts within a compact and cost-effective warehouse.
According to Lynch, the converted warehouse will also serve as a demonstration space for potential clients. They will be able to witness the software in operation, as well as receive training and product development insights.
Playing Opportunities
Their new indoor center is now open and is the first of its kind in the UK. ServeSport Limited has installed three Pickleball True Courts, as used on the pro-US circuit and as used in the recent English Open.
The center will operate from 6pm to 10pm on weekday evenings, from noon to 10pm on Saturdays, and from 9am to 10pm on Sundays, providing accessible playing opportunities for the public.
Telford Pickleball will be the designated name for the after-hours use of the facility, with the club relocating from its current base at Holy Trinity School in Priorslee.
Membership will not be required to book courts, making it convenient for individuals and groups to enjoy the sport. In addition to court rentals, the center will offer regular coaching and playing group sessions for those looking to learn or improve their game.
A Positive Contribution
Mr Lynch added: “The courts would be available for people to book (there will be no requirement for membership to play) and we will also run regular coaching/playing group sessions on the courts for those wanting to learn how to play/improve their game.
“There is currently nowhere to play Pickleball in the Telford and Wrekin area if you just want to book a court and play with friends and family.
“We have taken the most onerous requirement in these examples to ensure we have no issues with parking. Adequate parking has been identified with easy, safe and immediate access from the parking areas to the building.
“The proposed use will bring an additional four full-time employment roles to the area over the two uses for the site.”
Telford Pickleball
The club runs weekly classes for the following levels:
- Starters – for those new to the game.
- Club – for those who can play consistent doubles and know how to score accurately.
- Advanced – for those who are experienced doubles players and demonstrate a good standard of net play.
- Advanced Plus – for those who are of tournament standard and have played successfully at the Advanced level.
Contact Mike on 017450 982 098, who will help find the right level for you.
Click here to book your session. For further details, please visit telfordpickleball.com
