Pickleball Stirling Celebrates Milestone of 100 Members in Under Three Months



Stirling, UK — November 14, 2024 — The “Pickleball Stirling” Club, officially founded on August 27, 2024, is thrilled to announce that it has reached 100 paid members in less than three months. The club’s rapid growth reflects the rising popularity of pickleball in the UK and the local community’s enthusiasm for this exciting sport.

Founded by local enthusiasts Alan Hutchison, James Kilgannon, Ken Moncrieff, Barbara Bell, David Simpson, Morag Hutchison, and Peter Fletcher, Pickleball Stirling quickly became a welcoming community for new and seasoned players alike. The club hosts sessions throughout the week, as well as regular “Get Into Pickleball” events, providing beginners with the perfect introduction to the game in a supportive environment.

A key challenge for the club has been finding suitable venues within Stirling to accommodate its growing membership and event needs. Currently, games are held at the Allan Centre in Bridge of Allan, Stirling High School, and The Peak. However, with availability at The Peak ending soon, the club is now sadly having to explore alternative venues outside of the Stirling region, including options in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire, to keep up with demand.

Currently, the club’s play is limited to badminton courts, which poses challenges for a sport that requires specific court markings. Venues are yet to permit the addition of a temporary line for the essential “Non-Volley Zone,” and the limited space at the ends of the courts restricts competitive play due to insufficient run-off room. “We hope that Stirling Council and Active Stirling will recognize our rapid growth and provide us with access to properly marked court areas. It’s crucial to offer facilities that allow pickleball to thrive and that support safe and enjoyable play. Furthermore, if we want to compete Nationally, regulation-sized courts are a must,” said Chairperson Ken Moncrieff.

Looking ahead, Pickleball Stirling is committed to expanding its programs and providing even more value for its members. This month, three teams of 10 players each will represent the club in the Pickleball Scotland Regional Leagues, offering members the chance to engage in competitive play. Additionally, the club is excited to launch its own internal league, providing members with more opportunities to sharpen their skills and enjoy friendly competition.

The club has ambitious plans for the future, including offering qualified coaching for beginners and eventually developing players capable of competing at a national level. Pickleball Stirling is also preparing to introduce outdoor pickleball sessions for Summer 2025, with “Pickleball in the Park” events, a “Stirling Pickleball Festival” and aims to form a youth section once regulatory status has been achieved.

“We’re delighted to have hit this milestone in such a short time and proud to see how the Stirling community has embraced pickleball,” said Ken Moncrieff. “The demand is incredible, and while finding venues has been a challenge, we’re committed to growing the club and expanding the sport’s reach within and around Stirling.”

With members ranging from their 20s to their late 70s, Pickleball Stirling embodies the inclusive nature of the sport, which brings together people from diverse age groups and backgrounds, all united by a shared love of the game. “Our hope is to gain the support of local authorities and sports bodies,” added Moncrieff. “It’s not always easy, but with the right backing, we believe Pickleball Stirling can continue to grow and make a real locally and nationally.”

For more information about membership, upcoming sessions, or to join Pickleball Stirling, please visit www.pickleballstirling.org.