WEYMOUTH'S Natalie Mullins played a starring role in an historic week for pickleball at a record-breaking Skechers English Open.

Dog groomer Mullins, 36, featured in the English Open at the Telford International Centre – the largest pickleball event taking place outside of North America.

With ages from seven to 70+ competing, the event is reflective of the incredible growth in pickleball over recent years, with a record number of almost 2,000 players from 42 countries participating in a sport which aspires of making the Olympic programme.

“There were a lot more people here this year and it seemed to be a lot more spread out over more days this year,” said Mullins.

“I managed to meet a nice girl from Hong Kong who had travelled here on her own, so this sport has given me a great opportunity to meet new people.

“It’s great for all abilities and it’s just fun and addictive to play.”

This year’s English Open comprised seven days of high-level competition, with the world’s top professionals from America, Europe and Asia taking to the court in singles, doubles, mixed, wheelchair and junior events.

A hybrid of tennis, badminton & table tennis, the sport’s popularity has been attributed to its accessibility. Easy to pick up and fun to play, the sport’s accessibility transcends demographics, providing it with universal appeal.

With over 30,000 active players and almost seven hundred places to play in the UK, pickleball has seen exponential growth in recent years. Indeed, Pickleball England has reported a 41% increase in member registrations since the end of 2023, highlighting growth and interest in the sport.

“My nephews were playing the sport, then my mother-in-law and my husband started and then I did about a year ago. I really enjoy it, its good fun,” added Mullins.

“We came up and spectated our nephew here last year and then thought we would give it a go this year.

“So far, we’ve played not too far out of Weymouth, so Southampton, Sherborne, playing in the little leagues that they do, so we’ve mostly played around Dorset and Hampshire.”

Pickleball England has announced a record number of players competing at this year’s English Open from the 8th-14th August at the Telford International Centre in the largest pickleball event taking place outside of the USA ever – visit pickleballengland.org