Dinks Pickleball Clubs' Southampton venue officially opened over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend with four days of play, celebrations and community activities at its brand-new venue in Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh. The impressive indoor venue features 12 tournament-grade acrylic courts, making it one of the first purpose-built pickleball clubs in the UK.

The club has been created to provide a welcoming space where complete beginners, social players and competitive athletes can all feel at home. In its first three months the venue has already established itself as a hub for pickleball in the area, largely due to their welcoming, all-inclusive sessions available for a variety of abilities, led by an experienced and friendly team. 

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK because it's easy to learn, highly social and suitable for almost everyone.

Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, the game offers fast-paced rallies without requiring the same physical demands as many traditional racket sports.

It's a brilliant way to improve fitness, build confidence and meet new people while having plenty of fun.

Pickleball for families in and around Southampton

Whether you're looking for a new hobby, a fun family activity or a way to stay active together, Dinks has been designed with everyone in mind.

The club welcomes players from age six upwards, with sessions suitable for children, parents, grandparents and everyone in between.

Family-friendly activities include:

• Beginner sessions for first-time players
• After-school pickleball classes
• School holiday clubs
• Family play sessions
• Coaching for all abilities

One of the best things about pickleball is how quickly people can start playing together, regardless of age or sporting experience.

>> Find out more about Dinks pickleball holiday clubs here

No equipment? No problem!

If you've never played before, there's no need to buy a paddle before your first visit.

Dinks provides everything you need to get started, making it easy to turn up and give the sport a try.

The club is open seven days a week and offers plenty of opportunities to get on court. Visitors can enjoy:

• Open play sessions with players of similar ability
• Court hire
• Coaching programmes
• Membership options
• Social and competitive play

Open play sessions are particularly popular, allowing players to simply turn up and join rotating games while meeting new people in a relaxed, friendly environment.

More than just pickleball courts

Dinks has been designed as a community hub as well as a sports venue.

Facilities include:

• 12 tournament-grade indoor courts
• Café and bar
• Comfortable workstations for remote working and relaxing
• Pro shop stocked with leading pickleball equipment

Louis Laville joins as Dinks Pickleball Club Ambassador

Marking another exciting milestone for one of the UK's newest dedicated pickleball venues Dinks announced Louis Laville as its very first Club Ambassador earlier in July.

Widely recognised as one of the pioneers of pickleball in Europe, Louis has played a major role in growing the sport across the continent. His achievements on court are matched by his passion for making pickleball more accessible, inspiring new players and helping to build welcoming communities wherever the sport is played.

The appointment reflects Dinks' ambition to become a leading destination for pickleball in the UK, creating inclusive spaces where players of every age and ability can enjoy the game.