Adam Kidman and Emma Butler Lead Pickleball Revolution to National Championships in Bolton
Adam Kidman and Emma Butler, founders of the Dorset Pickleball Club, have taken the pickleball world by storm as they competed at the national championships in Bolton. What started as a small group of enthusiasts has now grown into a thriving club with over 200 members participating in weekly sessions in Bournemouth.
The duo expressed their astonishment at the club’s rapid growth, with Kidman stating, “We went from a small group of people doing one session a week to it snowballing into five sessions a week with more than 200 members. It’s absolutely flown and it’s fantastic for the area.” Butler added, “We’ve created a bit of a beast, to be honest! We just wanted to play some pickleball ourselves and we’ve turned it into a club of over 200 members in less than a year.”
Pickleball, a racket sport played with paddles and a plastic ball, has been gaining popularity across England due to its inclusive nature that allows players of all ages and abilities to compete on the same court. The English Nationals saw a record number of 1,111 players competing in the North West, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity.
Both Kidman and Butler had successful outings at the championships, with Kidman winning gold in the 3.5 singles last year and Butler securing her first ever pickleball medal in the 18+ Women’s Doubles. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the pickleball community was highlighted by both players, with Butler stating, “Everyone’s been so friendly and it’s been a really nice tournament to be a part of, it’s been great.”
The success of Kidman and Butler at the national championships is a testament to the growing popularity of pickleball in England. With their club continuing to expand and new players joining the pickleball revolution, the future looks bright for this dynamic duo and the sport they love.
