EPISODE 5 – COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT: ENGLAND

Tea, tradition & top-tier Pickleball.In this fifth episode of Pickleball Passport, we land in one of Europe’s most exciting Pickleball destinations: England.Home to the first European Pickleball Championships, over 45,000 active players, two national podcasts and a thriving community that blends high-level play with deep-rooted connection – England sets the bar in more ways than one.But what exactly makes the English scene so special? And what can other countries learn from it?What you’ll hear in Episode 5:• How Pickleball England became a nationally recognized governing body• Why the English community is known for being both competitive and humble• What coaches & players are doing to grow the sport across all levels• Why pros like Thaddea Lock lead by example• And how English Pickleball culture could inspire the rest of EuropeTIME STAMPS // (->Moritz to complete)(00:00)–(01:58) – Intro(01:59)–(09:27) – Facts & Figures about Pickleball in England(09:28)–(24:05) – Shane Crook about Community(25:00)–(30:44) – Richard Love about Coaching and the National team(32:23)–(55:14) – Thaddea Lock about the players vibe and competition(55:15)–(57:51) – Wrap-UpPLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS //Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life:• Shane Crook (@8gonko) – Community player & tournament traveller• Richard Love (@misterlove_pb) – National team player & captain 50+, full-time coach• Thaddea Lock (@thaddea23) – England’s national team player & captain 19+ & one of Europes few full-time pro playerLEARN MORE – LINKS //Pickleball England Website: https://www.pickleballengland.orgTaster Sessions & Club Map: https://www.pickleballengland.org/taster-sessionsFind a Coach: https://www.pickleballengland.org/find-a-coachEnglish Open 2025: https://www.pickleballengland.org/2025-english-openPickleball52 News Platform: https://www.pickleball52.comPickleball Bros: Instagram @thePickleballbrosPodcast „What a Pickle“ – Link  Podcast „Everything But The Kitchen Dink“ – Link Sustainability initiative Myllie Smythe - wearecrackd.comComment on the RAQT‘s instagram @raqtfamily posting to let us know and share your thoughts with #pickleballpassport. ABOUT RAQT //RAQT.com is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round.Download the RAQT app (available in Apple App store &  Google Play store) – plan, play, compete.GET IN TOUCH //Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love tot he cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: [email protected]