The Rising Popularity of Pickleball

Have you heard of pickleball?

Combining elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong, pickleball is a sport rising in popularity across the RAF. With its unique blend of accessibility, fun and competitiveness, pickleball offers a great opportunity for people of all ages and fitness levels to get involved in sport, from avid athletes to beginners looking for a new physical activity.

2024 has been a pivotal year for pickleball at RAF Marham, following a request for grant funding to help set up a new club. We recently heard from Flt Lt Sandra Butcher about its rising popularity and the success they have had in their first year as a new club.

“With the help of an RAF Central Fund Enrichment Grant, the Marham Pickleball Club has purchased all the basic equipment required to set up the club. We now have 27 members and meet at least once a week on a Wednesday evening from 7-9pm. Getting involved in a new sport has been a great platform to build friendships and connections.”

Following regular club evenings in the Marham gym, several members have gone on to take part in local competitions and civilian sessions in Dereham, with discussions now taking place to play a friendly match against the US team at RAF Lakenheath.

Despite a number of members being posted to other stations or deployed overseas, those that have moved on have taken their love for pickleball with them and have been inspired to set up clubs at their new locations.

“Pickleball is a great sport for all settings. It is relatively inexpensive to set up as it can be played on badminton courts with lowered badminton nets, which most RAF gyms already have. Once people try it, they usually want to play again!”

Whether you’re looking to stay fit, make new friends or simply try something different, pickleball offers an ideal balance of benefits for keeping active and socially connected.

If you feel your station would benefit from Central Fund support to help with a new or existing sports club in 2025, head over to our Station Grants page for more information and how to apply.