Event Format

To ensure that players get the most out of the event, we will be running a round robin format followed by a single elimination bracket. Each player will be guaranteed a minimum of 4 matches.

We want the tournament to be:                                              
- Fair  (we have structured the competition with age breaks [18+, 35+, 50+, 60+, 65+ & 70+] and skill levels [3.0-, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 & OPEN 5.0+])
- Fun (getting to play competitively with players who all want to be there for fun should equal fun!)
- Transparent (clear rules; accessibility to the results and league tables)

If there are an insufficient number of entries within a single age/skill category (min 5), then categories will be combined at the Tournament Director's discretion. 

Please note that age is calculated as age at 31.12.2025.  This means for example that if you are 34, 59, 64 at the time of the tournament but 35,  60 or 65 at the end of the year, you can enter the 35+, 60+ 65+ event.

Please also note that once registration has closed, we will send a file of registered players to DUPR for them to send back the current DUPR rating of the player.  We will then undertake a review to see if anyone is entered in an event that is more below their current DUPR rating.  If this is the case, we will then review the player's DUPR reliability %, results from prior tournaments before making a judgement call as to whether to move them to another event.  Please be the sort of player that enters the same level for gender doubles and mixed doubles.  There should be no such thing as playing down to the level of your mixed partner.  They have to play up to your level.

Registration Fees

Telford is a fantastic venue but is extremely expensive to hire as is the cost for fitting it with 40 pickleball courts.  In addition to the 5 days of the event, we have to pay for set up and breakdown days.  Cossts for everything has increased.  Additionally, we will be paying for Referees this year to ensure that all finals have a referee (at minimum).  All of this means we need to increase our Registration Fee to £45 and our event fee to £25 per event.   The Junior, Wheelchair and Para pickleball events will be free (just the registrataion fee to pay).  Event T-shirts can be bought for £20.

*Please note that the OPEN events for players at the highest level have been set to £60 to reflect the fact that these events will have prize money and more games. The Senior OPEN event fee will be £40 as the prize money will be lower than the OPEN events and will be for Semi-Finalists only.

Prize Money.  We will have a minimum prize pot of £27,450, split between OPEN and Masters Events.

OPEN Doubles (shared):   1st £2400; 2nd £1200; 3rd £800; 4th £400; subject to meeting a minimum entry threshold 5-8th (losing QFs) £100 (returned entry fee)

OPEN Singles:  1st £1200; 2nd £600; 3rd £400; 4th £200; subject to meeting a minimum entry threshold 5-8th (losing QFs) £50 (return of entry fee)

Senior OPEN Doubles (shared):   1st £1000; 2nd £600; 3rd £300; 4th £100 (returned entry fee)

Senior OPEN Singles:  1st £500; 2nd £300; 3rd £150; 4th £50 (return of entry fee)

IMPORTANT:

On registering, you will be sent a confirmation email confirming your entries as well as a special link back to the registration website (if it doesn't come through please check all junk folders before sending through an enquiry to let us know). This will take you to a players needing partners page where you must confirm your registered partners by sending a partner confirmation email. This means both you and your partner must be registered and then confirm your partnership to guarantee your entry as a doubles team into the event. If you have agreed a partnership in advance, you should follow the link in the email and click on the "Send Partner Request" icon next to the name of your proposed partner. They will receive an email asking them to confirm that they agree, and will be given the option to confirm yes/no. This automatically updates our system either way. In the event you don't have a partner and need to find one, you can use the "Contact" icon next to a player's name to start a conversation with them via email about potentially partnering up. If you have any queries or concerns then please don't hesitate to send through an enquiry and we will do our best to get back to you ASAP!

If you choose to add another event after you have registered, you can go back to your original registration confirmation email and use the link provided.  If you need to change an event or withdraw from an event, you should also use this link. You can also issue your own refund if withdrawing from an event. REMEMBER TO PRESS UPDATE YOUR CHANGES AND THEN CONFIRM & PAY YOUR CHANGES FOR THEM TO BE CONFIRMED AND AN EMAIL CONFIRMATION TO BE TRIGGERED.

Event Schedule - See Home Page

Accommodation and Travel

There are plenty of places to stay to suit all budgets.

Telford International Centre has 3 hotels on campus (see below).  

If you would like to book one of the 3 hotels listed below, the reservations team look after all 3 hotels and are ready to take your booking.  A confirmation number will be provided.

Call: 01952 527 000 – press option 1 for reservations and mention Pickleball.

Reservations open: Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm

Hotel rates (include car parking):

Holiday Inn (onsite) 
International Hotel (onsite) 
Ramada (3-4 min drive) £130 Single / £142.50 Double BB - Pickleball rate

Travel

The Telford International Centre is a hugely accessible event destination in the heart of the UK.

Car - Gate A is at the front of the building (use postcode: TF3 4JH or What Three Words: Gentle, Motivates, Party)

Train - Telford Central Station is located less than a mile from The Telford International Centre and is walkable in around 15 mins.  There is also a regular bus service from the train station to The Telford International Centre.

Plane - The Telford International Centre is less than an hour by road from Birmingham International airport. There are rail connections from Birmingham International Station, which is accessible directly from the airport. Telford is also accessible from London Heathrow and Manchester Airports.

Volunteering

The 2025 English OPEN, like all pickleballEngland events is a volunteer run tournament. A lot of things are planned out in advance however it is always incredibly useful to have lots of pairs of hands, and feet on the ground in the build up to the event. If you are willing and available at any point from Wednesday evening thru Sunday even for a couple of hours then please complete the form here.  We sincerely appreciate our volunteers.

Tournament Venue & Food

Telford International Centre is huge.  It has plenty of capacity for players, seating and the planned 40+ pickleball courts.   There will be plenty of food and drink options available.  There are plenty of toilets.  The one thing it doesn't have is specific changing rooms with showers.  So you will need to go back to your hotel to freshen up before going out for the evening. 

Tournament Directors

Chris & Karen Mitchell, Frank Arico & Trevor Robinson

Tournament Terms & Conditions

By ticking the terms and conditions box in your registration form, you agree to the following:

"I release and discharge, for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, the organizers, the facility, its members, employees, and sponsors and all persons associated with the tournament from all claims, damages, rights of action present or future which may arise in connection with my participation in the tournament. I understand that filming and photographs will be taken at this event and I give permission to pickleballEngland to use the creative content to advertise, promote or showcase the event. I understand that it is my responsibility to make it known that I do not wish to have my picture taken or my games filmed. Persons aged under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult."

 

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