INeed a pretext to visit England ?
By KAREN MITCHELL
DIRECTOR , PICKLEBALL ENGLAND
I love to travel and explore each destination ’ s heritage , culture and history . Since playing pickleball , I find tournament opportunities to persuade my husband that he wants to visit a destination too ! We have been to Thailand , Finland , the
USA and all over Europe with this pretext !
Why not plan a visit to U . K ./ Europe around the 2024 English OPEN , Europe ’ s premier pickleball tournament , Aug . 8-14 — the largest , friendliest tournament with the best players in Europe and attractive to pro players . We deliver a positive experience due to meticulous planning , amazing volunteers , and great management using our bespoke software and scrolling screens showing who is on each court and who is up next .
Ironbridge , Telford
Personalized playing schedules , instant result updates , custom pickleball courts and court dividers ensure a fabulous playing experience . Our Championship Court with comfy raised seating provides a fantastic viewing opportunity . It is returning to Telford because everyone loved it in 2023 . Now seven days to increase capacity
and age / skill brackets , with a vendor village and lots of recreational play time , we plan to surprise and delight players .
Those seeking history , culture , scenic beauty , and immersive experiences will love these nearby sites .
Ironbridge Gorge : A UNESCO World Heritage Site , known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution . It ’ s home to the first iron bridge in the world , and there are museums showcasing the area ’ s industrial heritage .
Blists Hill Victorian Town : Part of the Ironbridge Gorge museums , this living museum replicates a Victorian town , allowing visitors to experience life as it was in the late 19th century .
Shrewsbury : A historic market town with medieval streets , timber-framed buildings , Shrewsbury Castle , and Shrewsbury Abbey , offering a rich historical experience .
If you need an additional incentive to come to Europe , the tournament will also be around the time of the Paris Olympics and just after Wimbledon !
For more information , visit pickleballengland . org / 2024-english-open . •
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 | MAGAZINE 63