Franklin Sports, an iconic brand and global leader in sports equipment, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with MCMX to establish the UK’s largest premier pickleball club in Kingston Upon Thames,Greater London. Scheduled to open in early 2025, the planned state-of-the-art facility is set to become the ultimate destination for pickleball enthusiasts of all levels, featuring first-class amenities including:

• 10 high-specification dedicated pickleball courts, 4 of which are show courts equipped with seating designed to accommodate international tournaments and events
• changing rooms with showers & warm-up areas
• a café and bar with spacious viewing balcony and social areas
• comprehensive professional retail shop.

Located in Fairfield Trade Park, the club will be easily accessible by foot, bike, train, bus, or car, making it a convenient location for the growing pickleball community.

Jared Franklin of Franklin Sports expressed his excitement about the partnership:

We’re thrilled to join forces with MCMX in plans to bring the UK’s largest dedicated pickleball club to life. This venture represents a perfect synergy between our commitment to innovation and MCMX's dedication to excellence in venue operations and facilities. We look forward to providing a world-class experience for pickleball enthusiasts in Greater London and beyond.”

Neil Rodford and Louise Stephens, Founders of MCMX, added:

Partnering with Franklin Sports to plan this state-of-the-art pickleball club is a dream come true for all of us at MCMX. We are excited to combine our expertise in pickleball and facility management with Franklin's renowned reputation in the industry to create a premier destination for pickleball enthusiasts and those yet to discover the game”

Karen Mitchell, Chair of Pickleball England, also shared her enthusiasm:

The planned establishment of the UK's largest dedicated pickleball club in Greater London is a significant development for the sport in our country. This collaboration between Franklin Sports and MCMX will undoubtedly elevate the profile of pickleball and provide a world-class facility for players to hone their skills and enjoy the game to the fullest.”

In support of the planned facility, Pickleball England is hosting a pop-up ‘Pickleball Slam’ event at Fairfield Trade Park on Wednesday 12th June, with former British no.1 tennis players Johanna Konta & Greg Rusedski joining top pickleball players in a mixed doubles exhibition match.

As anticipation builds for the grand opening in early 2025, the partnership between Franklin Sports and MCMX promises to revolutionise the pickleball landscape in the south of England. This project remains subject to planning permission* from Kingston Upon Thames Council, with a decision expected in the summer of 2024. The MCMX team is committed to working with the local community and authorities to provide a facility that all stakeholders can be proud of.

* we are delighted to announce that our plans have now been Validated by the council. You can view and comment on the proposal here: https://publicaccess.kingston.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SDL5XZNHGMN00&activeTab=summary