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+, 45+, 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+ & 75+] 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 31.12.2024.  This means for example that if you are 44, 54, 59, 64 at the time of the tournament but 45, 55, 60 or 65 at the end of the year, you can enter the 45+, 55+, 60+ 65+ event.

Covid 19 

There are currently no covid restrictions in place.  Should that change we will email players to advise.    

Registration Fees

Telford is a fantastic venue but is extremely expensive to hire and we require set up days and breakdown days.  We will maintain our event fees at the same level as the last two years at £20* but we need to increase the initial Registration fee to £40 (for the English OPEN tournament only). The Junior and Wheelchair events  will continue to be free (just the registrataion fee to pay).  Event T-shirts can be bought for £18.

*Please note that the OPEN events for players at the highest level have been set to £50 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 medallists only.

Prize Money.  Last year over £20,000 was awarded in prize money.  We are looking to increase the prize money for 2024 but it is dependent on registrations and sponsorship. For Information purposes, last year's OPEN prize money was:

Doubles (shared):   1st £2000; 2nd £1000; 3rd £600; 4th £200; subject to meeting a minimum entry threshold 5-8th (losing QFs) £100 (returned entry fee)

Singles:  1st £1000; 2nd £500; 3rd £250; 4th £100; subject to meeting a minimum entry threshold 5-8th (losing QFs) £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!

When registering you will be asked if you already have a partner.  If you put a Yes here, you will save yourself being sent lots of partner requests. 

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. 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 that we have secured an allocation of rooms at a fixed preferential rate.  

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)  £135 / £145 with  B&B
International Hotel (onsite) £125 / £135 with Continental Breakfast
Ramada (3-4 min drive) £130 / £140 B&B 

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 2024 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 send through an enquiry to let us know - it will be very much appreciated!!

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 and Frank Arico

Tournament Advisor James Chaudry

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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