London, UK, December 24, 2024 - The England Pickleball Association (Pickleball England) has successfully obtained the official governing body status awarded by Sport England after a fierce competition with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
The England Pickleball Association has been the de facto governing body for pickleball in England for over five years, organizing the highly popular British Open and British National Championships annually, introducing bespoke coaching qualifications and policies, and establishing numerous partnerships and sponsorship agreements.
When the LTA's competitive bid emerged, Karen Mitchell, the chair of the England Pickleball Association, privately met with key padel tennis stakeholders to jointly oppose the LTA's leadership. An online petition against the LTA bid garnered over 3,000 signatures.
Sport England stated in a declaration: "During the rigorous process, PBE demonstrated that they meet the strict standards required to operate and represent the sport, showing good governance, having established sound delivery mechanisms and plans, and continuously increasing pickleball participation."
Moreover, Sport Scotland has also granted the same status to Pickleball Scotland, and all home country sports councils, including the Welsh Sports Council and the Northern Ireland Sports Council, have also recognized pickleball as an independent sport, rather than a branch of other sports.
On social media, the England Pickleball Association said this was "the best Christmas gift for pickleball", and Pickleball Scotland expressed similar joy, stating "all our Christmas wishes have come true".