New Indoor Pickleball Facility Opens in Peterborough, Boosting Sport's Popularity

The newly opened On2Court Pickleball facility in Peterborough marks a significant step in the sport's rapid expansion across the UK. With four tournament-standard courts and a focus on accessibility for all ages, the venue is already seeing high demand. Operated by experienced tennis coaches, the center aims to foster community engagement through recreational play and coaching. As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, this facility highlights the sport's evolution into a dedicated and thriving community-based ecosystem.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2026, 16:22 IST

Expansion of Pickleball in the UK

The surge in pickleball's popularity across Britain and Europe is prompting significant investments in specialized indoor facilities. Peterborough has recently joined this trend with the launch of On2Court Pickleball, a new venue located in Fletton. This facility is one of the few dedicated pickleball centers within several hours' drive from the city.

Situated on Wainman Road, the center boasts four tournament-grade acrylic courts, along with coaching programs, social play sessions, court reservations, and a refreshment area. Simon and Gemma Bentley, both certified tennis coaches, operate the venue. They discovered pickleball during their travels in the United States and decided to establish their own center in England after struggling to find consistent court availability in local sports facilities.

The opening of this venue underscores the rapid growth of pickleball in the UK, where the sport is increasingly appealing to players of all ages and skill levels seeking accessible racket sports. Often likened to a mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball is favored for its lower physical demands, shorter learning curve, and affordable entry costs.

Simon Bentley noted, “Both pickleball and padel are experiencing remarkable growth, largely due to their accessibility. Whether you are an adult or a junior, it’s much easier to engage in than tennis. With pickleball, you can attend a 90-minute introductory class and quickly join a doubles match, socializing with others by the end of the session.”

He also mentioned that the interest in the new center has surpassed their expectations, stating, “The response has been incredible. We received over 400 inquiries in just two weeks, and at least 200 individuals have visited us during that time. The feedback regarding the court surface and surrounding space has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Gemma Bentley emphasized the sport's broad appeal across generations, saying, “Pickleball is truly accessible for all ages. In many sports, there comes a point where you can’t progress further, but pickleball is something you can enjoy throughout your life.”

The Bentleys plan to initially concentrate on recreational play, coaching, and social events, with future aspirations to introduce internal leagues and inter-club competitions. Over the past few years, pickleball has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports in Europe, with new indoor clubs, private venues, and federation-supported tournaments springing up in countries like the UK, Spain, France, and the Netherlands. The Peterborough facility exemplifies the sport's transition from temporary court-sharing setups to a dedicated commercial and community-oriented sporting environment.