Weymouth is helping to lead the way in one of the fastest growing racquet sports in the UK.

Members of the Weymouth pickleball club (WPC) travelled to Telford for the Skechers English Open this summer, the biggest tournament outside of America. 

The competition took place across seven days with almost 2,000 people aging from 7 to 83 years old competing at the tournament.

Fifteen members of WPC made their way to the Open to compete in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events in various levels and age categories. 

In total the club brought home a total of seven medals, making their mark on the competition.

Carolyne McKay-Haigh fought her way through the ladies 3.5, 45+ singles to come away with a bronze medal, whilst Callum Mathie made it all the way to the final of the 4.0, 18+ singles bringing home a silver medal. 

In the doubles, Calum Mathie and Ed Gateshill had a great day of competition claiming a bronze medal, with James Mathie and his partner Emerson Gregory bringing back a silver medal. 

Mathie and Campbell went through top of their group in the 4.0, 35+ mixed doubles category with a tough first game against friends from Dorset Pickleball club.

The pair fought their way to the final and came away with a silver medal.

Speaking after the competiotn, Campbell said: "Pickleball is such a wonderfully inclusive sport, and you could really see that at the Open with so many skill levels and age categories to take part in.

"The support from players that attended, players we have met at other events and clubs plus the rest of the club in Weymouth was incredible.

"Constant messages of updates, high fives and hugs, it is a truly enjoyable sport.

"I’m so proud of what we achieved as a club at the Open, how brilliantly everyone played and how we all just immersed ourselves in the game."

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.

Pickleball England has reported a 41 per cent increase in member registrations since the end of 2023, highlighting growth and interest in the sport.

Campbell added: "As a club in Weymouth, we are continuously growing. Pickleball itself is one of the fastest growing sports in this country, and Weymouth Pickleball club is open to new members.

Sessions are all held at Redlands Leisure and Community Park and is offered to people of all ages and skill levels.

For more information about the sport, the club or how to join us please visit www.weymouthpickleball.com or  on social media @weymouthpickleballclub.