Welcome to East London Pickleball
We run pickleball sessions every Tuesday & Thursday from 7pm to 9pm. And a junior session on Sundays 10am -12pm.
Our members enjoy regular games, training and tournaments. Fun is guaranteed; you will never go home without multiple giggles and at least one deep belly laugh.
TUESDAYS ARE
FOR GAME PLAY
Come along and play with others of a similar standard. We have 5 courts that we split into skill levels. Can you work your way up to Top Court?
We encourage players to be competitive but also put into practice what they may have learnt during their training session.
We ask beginners to consider booking on to our ‘Know the Basics’ course (which takes place at the end of each month) before attending this session.
THURSDAYS ARE
FOR TRAINING
We believe everyone should drill more, practise their shots, work on their weaknesses, learn new techniques and strategies to help improve their game.
It’s heartwarming to see how much improvement our players have made since starting at East London Pickleball.
Our sessions are very popular and usually get booked up within minutes. If you would like to join us, register, set your alarms and book on as soon as the invitation goes out.
SUNDAY IS
FOR JUNIORS
Our Sunday session is for 12-19 year olds. With funding from Sports England we are able to offer this session for FREE.
Also on offer is WallBall (like squash, but using your hands instead of a racket). Our mission is to enable young people from all backgrounds to become regularly active in sport.
Sessions take place every Sunday (except during exam times) 10am – 12pm at Forest Gate Community School, Forest Lane, London E7 9BB.
OUR VENUES
Adult Sessions
Chigwell School Sport & Wellness Centre, High Road, Chigwell, Essex IG7 6QF.
Free on-site parking.
Nearest station: Chigwell (Central line).
10 minute walk from the station.
When you come through the main gates, the sports hall is in the building on the left-hand side. If you can smell swimming pool, you are in the right place. Turn left at reception.
Junior Sessions
Forest Gate Community School, Forest Ln,
London E7 9BB.
Free on-site parking. Access through the back gate on Forest Street.
Nearest station: Forest Gate (Elizabeth line).
2 minute walk from the station.
The sports hall is located on the first floor. It’s not easy to find, it’s a big school, but you should be able to hear us.
ABOUT
RAINY BEGINNINGS
One torrentially rainy day on a pickleball retreat in Spain, when everywhere was shut after a Civil Protection Alert, best friends Josh and Olu started making plans to set up their own pickleball club. Two months later, after many emails, phone calls and court hire disappointments, East London Pickleball was born.
The first week of opening, they gained over 50 members. Approaching their first birthday, they now have over 350 members. Their main aim is to help grow this wonderful sport.
OLU started playing squash in her late 30s, it took a while for her to get ‘good’, she played for 10 years until her knees could take no more. She then discovered pickleball and it wasn’t long before she became thoroughly addicted. She plays 3-5 times a week and has won many medals in tournaments around the country.
What she brings to the court: speed, insane defence, good vibes and a towel to mop up all her sweat.
Now a qualified pickleball coach, Olu is available for private lessons. For more information, see the FAQs below.
JOSH run East London Pickleball with Olu until July 2025. He is still a regular feature, running training sessions, coaching and specialist clinics at East London Pickleball and further afield. As well as pickleball retreats in Malta.
Josh is available for private pickleball coaching. For more information, see the FAQs below.
FAQ's
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is the UK’s fastest growing sport. It combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It can be played with two players (singles) or four players (doubles). It’s easy to learn, great fun to play and VERY addictive!
Search ‘how to play pickleball‘ on YouTube to learn the rules and how to score.
How do I book?
Book your session on the Spond app. Download the app on your phone and use code DWUVJ (or MVKUN for juniors).
Do I need any equipment?
You don’t need any equipment to join our sessions. We provide you with paddles and balls. But once you’re hooked and would like your own paddle, we have some great paddles at an unbeatable price. Please ask Olu for more info.
Are kids allowed to play?
We currently don’t allow anyone under the age of 18 to attend our Tuesday and Thursday sessions.
However, our Sunday session is exclusively for 12-19 year olds.
How do I get there?
ADULTS
Chigwell School Sport & Wellness Centre, High Rd, Chigwell IG7 6QF.
Free parking.
Nearest station: Chigwell (Central line)
JUNIORS
Forest Gate Community School, Forest Ln, London E7 9BB.
Free parking.
Nearest station: Forest Gate (Elizabeth line)
How much does it cost?
£12 per person. All payments are made when you book a session using the Spond app.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds. But you can come to the next session if you are unable to attend the one you booked, as long as cancellation is made within 24 hours of the start of your session.
Junior sessions are free.
What day and time do you play?
7pm-9pm every Tuesday and Thursday.
10am-2pm every Sunday for Juniors.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations will not be refunded, but you can come to the session the next week without further payment if you cancel within 24 hours of your session.
This is because we will not be able to monitor who is attending which sessions if we allow it to go on for longer than a week.
Unfortunately, you will still be charged for the session if you cancel without giving 24 hours’ notice.
Do you offer coaching?
Yes, Olu’s warm and friendly nature makes her an ideal coach for children, teenagers and adult beginners. Having two very shy teenage daughters, she understands the need to adapt her coaching skills to be inclusive of all types of learners and boost confidence.
Lessons with Olu are fun and engaging, whilst also being serious enough for you to improve your game and feel confident getting on court and playing with more advanced players.
Email: eastlondon.pickleball@gmail.com to book a private lesson with Olu.
Relevant qualifications: PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry) Level 1.
Experience: working with schools, families and individuals.
Cost: £30ph + courts fees
Three & Me: Increase your knowledge of the game and have fun with your friends. Olu will rotate around, partnering with all three players in a doubles match, evaluating positioning, shot selection, and strategy.
Cost: £12ph per player + court fees
Olu is also available for rec play. If you need an additional player to join your doubles game (all levels). Get in touch!
Josh, who has been coaching table tennis for over 12 years, also plays pickleball at a high level. He is competent at working on technical, tactical and pickleball performance skills. He focuses on strengths and analyses weaknesses to help players reach their potential.
Relevant qualifications: PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry) Level 1.
Email: Joshttdye@gmail.com to book a private pickleball lesson with Josh.
Cost: £50ph + courts fees
Get in Touch
If you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out via our contact form.
We look forward to welcoming you to our club!