World Pickleball Day 2025: Sharp Pickleball Celebrates Global Growth and Club Success

Pickleball has exploded from a fringe pastime to a global phenomenon. In the United States alone, 19.8 million Americans played in 2024 – a 45.8% jump from the previous year and by mid-2025 that number is up to roughly 22.7 million. These figures make pickleball the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. (and increasingly worldwide). Participation has surged an astonishing 311% over three years, driven by its accessibility to all ages and the social, community-building nature of the game. Dedicated courts have multiplied as well: over 68,000 courts now exist nationwide, and major fitness clubs like Life Time Fitness are adding hundreds more each year. In fact, Life Time’s CEO Bahram Akradi says, “It brings people together, and there’s really no reason for people not to be able to do it,” reflecting how pickleball’s appeal cuts across generations. Even international federations emphasize inclusion: the World Pickleball Federation notes that World Pickleball Day was created to “celebrate the game worldwide” and introduce new players everywhere.

Key Global Stats & Trends: Pickleball’s rise is now truly global. In the U.S., nearly 20 million played in 2024 (up 45.8% from 2023), and roughly 50 million Americans say they’ve tried it at least once in the last year. Beyond North America, participation is booming: Spain now has 20,000+ players; India went from virtually zero players a few years ago to 50,000+ players and 500 courts today; Australia counts 92,000+ players in 267 clubs; and countries from Japan to Vietnam report rapid growth. In Asia alone, over 282 million people are picking up pickleball. Experts agree the momentum is unprecedented. As Pickleball England’s Chair Karen Mitchell notes, hosting top international events is elevating the level of play and visibility in Europe, and local news outlets echo that sentiment one UK reporter declared pickleball “the world’s fastest growing sport,” citing its “addictive nature,” cross-generational community and ease of play. With the sport even eyed as a potential 2032 Olympic event, 2025 is shaping up as a landmark year for pickleball worldwide.

Pickleball’s Booming Growth in the UK

Pickleball’s surge is especially evident in the UK. It’s no longer rare to see all ages playing in gyms and parks across Britain. Recent data show rapid increases in UK participation: Sport England reports over 27,000 people played pickleball at least once last year across 270+ venues. Pickleball England membership soared 73% in 2024, and is on track to grow even faster in 2025. New courts and clubs are opening weekly, from London and Manchester to Cambridge and Sheffield. For example, in late 2025 Sheffield’s first dedicated pickleball center (“Peak Pickleball”) is under construction, reflecting the city’s enthusiasm for the sport.

This growth has caught media attention. The Sheffield Star enthusiastically reported that pickleball (often called “America’s fastest-growing sport”) is “coming to our hometown,” noting 20 million US players and 282 million in Asia as context. The article quoted local club leaders who highlighted pickleball’s “general accessibility” and community appeal. In London and the South East, sports halls and tennis clubs are retrofitting courts for pickleball, and several councils now include pickleball in leisure plans. Broadcaster interest is growing too: UK media outlets like the BBC and Sky Sports News have featured segments on the sport and grassroots leagues. Clearly, pickleball’s UK profile is rising fast.

UK Growth Highlights: Pickleball England’s own campaign reflects these trends. By 2025 the national federation aims to reach 25,000 members (up from ~1,600 in 2021). Officials note that over 50% of UK clubs report membership growth this year, and that venues are expanding hours and league offerings to meet demand. Even community partnerships like Everyone Active are getting involved: on World Pickleball Day 2025, Everyone Active will run 50+ free taster sessions nationwide (on or around Oct 10) to introduce new players. This wave of enthusiasm is fueled by grassroots ambassadors and influencers as well, UK players share highlight reels on social media, and international stars sometimes visit UK clubs to coach and inspire. In short, the UK scene is thriving.

World Pickleball Day 2025: Events & Initiatives

October 10, 2025 marks World Pickleball Day, a global event organized by the World Pickleball Federation (WPF) to raise awareness and welcome new players. The WPF’s goal for this day is “to celebrate the game worldwide as well as exposing the game to new prospect players”. Around the world, clubs and organizations are planning open play days, demo events and charity fundraisers to mark the occasion. For example:

• Free Taster Sessions: Pickleball England has encouraged clubs to host taster sessions all week of Oct 10, including a QR-code prize draw for attendees. Similarly, many leisure centres and private clubs in the UK (like David Lloyd and Nuffield Health) are offering complimentary coaching sessions and mini-tournaments on World Pickleball Day.
• Charity Events: Sharp Pickleball itself is leveraging the day for a major charity marathon in November. In a club news release, the Sharp team announced a “Pickleball Bonanza” a continuous 9-hour playathon on November 29 to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK and the Chilterns Neuro Centre. This charity drive has already raised £3,132, far exceeding the club’s £1,000 target. (More support is still coming in via their JustGiving page sharppickleball.co.uk.)
• Global Initiatives: Internationally, new pickleball initiatives are debuting on Oct 10. Notably, the nonprofit “Pickleball for Good” officially launched on October 10, 2025 a program using pickleball to promote social impact and sustainability empowerpickleball.com. Empower Pickleball describes this as “a bold new chapter” where sport serves underrepresented communities. Corporate partners also join the fun: the US-based Life Time chain marked 2024’s World Pickleball Day by announcing it now has 750+ pickleball courts and expanding rapidly, exemplifying the sport’s continuing boom.

Sharp Pickleball’s 2025 Highlights

Sharp Pickleball has enjoyed an action-packed 2025, from competitive successes to community milestones:

• Tournament Medals: In August 2025 Sharp’s players shined at the English Open, the largest UK tournament outside the US. The club won a staggering 16 medals (6 gold, 6 silver, 4 bronze) across various divisions. Singles, doubles, and mixed teams including players of all ages brought home hardware and top finishes. (Sharp celebrated every competitor’s effort, noting how “skill, determination, and teamwork” made the result possible.)

- Club Match Wins: Sharp’s home teams have been unstoppable. In a friendly match on July 31, the Sharp “Sharps” side dominated Hatfield 23–7, even with several new players making their debuts. The men’s and women’s teams each swept most games, giving the club a decisive victory. Sharp also won other inter-club matches convincingly for example, “A Team” trounced West Herts 26–6 in June and 31–1 against Cambridge in July (demonstrating the depth of talent on the roster).

• Regional Champions: Sharp players collected titles in regional events too. At a July Swindon tournament, Sharp members Diya and Joselyn won gold in the Women’s 4.5 doubles, and Angela Smith (partnered with a teammate) won her 50+ division. The club also hosted and competed in county championships and local ladders, further growing competitive pickleball in Hertfordshire.
• Community & Growth: Off the court, the Sharp community expanded. The club launched an active social media presence in May 2025, with regular news and event posts. Sharp recruited dozens of new members, announced a brand-new “C Team” squad in October, and even added a midweek ladder league to accommodate players. They also put out a call for volunteers to organize events, reflecting the club’s inclusive, community-driven spirit.
• Charity Fundraising: Perhaps most notably, Sharp Pickleball has made a big impact beyond sports. The club set out to raise £1,000 for Parkinson’s UK and the Chilterns Neuro Centre through its upcoming Pickleball Bonanza and already surpassed that goal, with £3,132 donated and climbing. As Sharp’s announcement says, “this milestone isn’t our finish line…our community cares and it’s fuel for what comes next”. Every pound will support vital neurological research, and Sharp encourages everyone (members and newcomers alike) to donate or play on match day.

Sharp’s achievements in 2025 showcase the club’s dedication to competition, community and charity a true embodiment of pickleball’s inclusive spirit. As a representative of Pickleball England observed, partnerships and events like these “elevate the level of play and make events compelling". Sharp Pickleball is proud to be at that heart of growth.

Join the Celebration – Get Involved with Sharp Pickleball

As World Pickleball Day arrives, Sharp Pickleball invites everyone to get involved. Whether you’ve never held a paddle before or you’re a seasoned spinner, there’s a place for you on our courts. The sport’s accessibility means “there’s really no reason for people not to be able to do it” you just need a paddle and a positive attitude. In that spirit, Sharp welcomes visitors of all ages to try pickleball. Come to one of our sessions, watch a match, or bring a friend to share the fun.

If you’re already a player, you can help the community grow. Sign up for Sharp’s Nov 29 charity event (play a few hours of pickleball, or support it with a donation). You can also donate directly to our Parkinson’s UK fundraiser. Every bit of support helps our clubs and charities flourish.

Ready to join Sharp Pickleball? Visit our Sharp Pickleball website for locations and schedules, or click the “JOIN US” link on our club page. Follow us on social media for event updates (Instagram and Facebook links are in our menu). Let’s keep this momentum going together on World Pickleball Day and beyond!