PickleballENGLAND
ENGLAND 11 , COVID 0
After a two-year wait , PickleballEngland finally got to stage a tournament after the successful 2019 English OPEN . When the 2021 English OPEN had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic , the tournament organizing team — including Sam Basford , Chris Mitchell , Frank Arico and myself — decided to organize a national tournament . Initially it was just for English players but was eventually open to all residents in the UK , due to the lack of tournaments .
The tournament took place August 12-15 at the Bolton Arena outside Bolton , Greater Manchester . Eight tennis courts were converted to 16 pickleball courts for 237 players to compete in Singles , Men ’ s and
Women ’ s Doubles , Mixed Doubles and a Split Age fun event .
The headline sponsor was Franklin Sports . Our local sponsor , Scan , has its headquarters around the corner from the arena and was thrilled we brought a major pickleball tournament to its local pickleball club ’ s venue . Drop Shot , Head and UK Pickleball Shop provided prizes for the medal winners .
We had to put in place a tough mitigation plan for players , volunteers , spectators , sponsors and organizers , which was appreciated . The plan included :
• Requiring all players to be double vaccinated and have a lateral flow negative test . Players under the age of 30 not yet double vaccinated needed a daily negative lateral flow test .
We are grateful to volunteers Jane and Sandra who did a great job on the registration desk , checking players in , making sure they met all the COVID requirements , and handing out the goody bags .
By Karen Mitchell
NATIONAL DIRECTOR , PICKLEBALLENGLAND
• A wristband to be worn once the COVID-19 check had been completed so one would not be asked again that day .
• Encouraging all players to check in at the venue using the test and trace app .
• Strongly encouraging the wearing of masks indoors and when not playing .
One week after the tournament there was no report of anyone contracting COVID-19 , so we think our measures were successful .
There were some hard-fought battles at all age / skill events , with many players competing at their first tournament . The youngest medalist was Daniel Wren , 17 , who won bronze at the highest level and silver in Men ’ s Doubles at the highest level . We also saw many tennis and squash players at this tournament . Former tennis pro James Chaudry won gold in Men ’ s Doubles 19 + at the highest level and a silver in Men ’ s Singles .
We had two Triple Crown winners over the weekend : Thaddea Lock in the 19 + 4.0 + category , which was probably no surprise since she had done the same at the 2019 English Open and Scottish Open ; and 22-year-old Alex Jeffries , who won 3.5 19 + Singles and Men ’ s Doubles . On Mixed Doubles day , Alex didn ’ t have a partner , so he took part in the “ Too Hot to Handle ” event , which was six men without partners playing with each other and against each other to see who came out in the top three positions overall . Alex got his third gold from that event ! The tournament was a lot of hard work , but the happy faces of players made the months of hard work preparing for the tournament worthwhile . Here are just a few photos from the event . •