David O’Brien is witnessing the rapid rise of pickleball firsthand as he participates in the largest national championships for the sport to date, held in Bolton. The 64-year-old, who is actively involved in the local pickleball community in Bracknell, has been instrumental in introducing the game to many newcomers at the David Lloyd club. Soon, the club will be adding four specially designed pickleball courts, making it a unique venue among David Lloyd gyms across the UK.
Although pickleball was unfamiliar to him just two and a half years ago, O’Brien’s enthusiasm was sparked when he first tried it during an introductory session at his club. “I had no idea what pickleball was until David Lloyd started promoting it,” he reflected. A longtime member primarily focused on tennis, O’Brien quickly became captivated by the game after participating in a taster session led by experienced players, including Thaddea Lock.
With his newfound passion, O’Brien took on the role of teaching newcomers, which helped him hone his skills and understanding of the game. He described how, over time, he transitioned from a player to a leader, eventually managing the pickleball sessions himself. “Every session brought in fresh faces, and I found myself explaining the rules and guiding others,” he shared. This progression has culminated in his participation in the English Nationals, where he is set to compete in both mixed and men’s doubles for the 50+ and 60