Created by
picklers

Franklin Pickleball Club has been created by a team whose vision is simple:
let’s create a pickleball club where we’d love to play!

Neil & Sarah

Founders

Neil Rodford's partner Sarah, formerly a volleyball coach at Geffen Academy UCLA in Los Angeles, introduced Neil to pickleball. Instantly hooked, Neil went on to qualify as a Level One coach. Together, they realised that the UK pickleball scene was lacking in dedicated facilities. So combining Sarah's knowledge of pickleball and Neil's experience in the entertainment and sport industries (previously CEO at YMU and the MD at Fulham Football Club), they joined forces with Franklin Sports to create Franklin Pickleball Club.

Louise

Director of
Pickleball

Louise Stephens is Director of Pickleball and has been playing pickleball for 8 years. Louise is a popular figure within the English pickleball community, having set up London Pickleball in 2019, with over 200 players now enjoying weekly sessions. Louise is dedicated to promoting inclusivity for pickleball enthusiasts of all levels, and has the passion and knowledge to help grow a thriving community at Franklin Pickleball Club.

Sam

Coaching &
Tournaments

Sam Basford has been playing since 2016 and oversees the club's coaching and tournaments. He was part of the organising team behind the first English Open Pickleball Tournament, the 2021 English Nationals and the 2022 English Open. Sam has gained a reputation for holding successful teaching and coaching clinics across the country - and was Europe's first Master Teaching Pro.

Luan

Architect

Luan Deda (MRTPI) is a planner/architect and founder of Living Places. Luan is a Masterplanning and Urban Design practitioner with experience in regeneration and land development projects in the UK and overseas. Luan’s blend of artistic vision and strategic foresight has helped to drive and shape the planning and design of Franklin Pickleball Club.

Ian

Real Estate

Ian Barnett (MRTPI & MRICS) is a chartered surveyor and town planner. With a keen eye for detail and a visionary approach, Ian has been key in advising on property and planning matters and bringing people together. A keen pickleballer, Ian’s talent for navigating complex spatial challenges will help to blend the functionality and aesthetics required.

Will

Strategy

For over 20 years, Will Brooks has worked on creative campaigns for the biggest brands across a range of industries, including telco, travel, banking, automotive and FMCG. He was also founder of Myfootballclub, the world’s first online member-led takeover of a professional sports club. Will will oversee Franklin Pickleball Club's branding, communications and membership strategy.

Simon

Chair

As former CEO of global business Inchcape Shipping, Simon Morse embodies a wealth of experience and leadership acumen. Uniquely positioned to excel as the Chair of Franklin Pickleball Club, Simon’s role is to oversee the organisation from an investor perspective, shape the strategic vision, and steer the management team and organisation towards success through operational excellence.

Aaron

Finance

Aaron Redmond is a former New Zealand international cricketer and is currently the financial controller of Insignia Sports Management.

Stay in the know

To keep up to date with the latest at Franklin Pickleball Club – and find about membership options when they’re released – join our mailing list.

Stay in the know

To keep up to date with the latest at Franklin Pickleball Club – and find about membership options when they’re released – join our mailing list.