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A healthier, happier community

West Northamptonshire Pickleball is run as a Community Interest Company — not for private profit, but to build something the whole area can belong to. Pickleball is how most people find us. Belonging, wellbeing and connection are why they stay. Here's what that means in practice.

How we support you

Nobody plays alone here

Whatever brought you to pickleball, we want the club to give you something back beyond the sport itself.

A welcome that lasts

Every new member is introduced into our private WhatsApp group before their first session, so there's already a friendly face waiting when they arrive.

Buddy sessions

New and nervous? Ask for a buddy and an experienced member will play alongside you for your first few weeks, no pressure attached.

Wellbeing first

We know pickleball brings people through the door for reasons beyond fitness — loneliness, recovery, a fresh start. Our coaches are trained to notice and to signpost further support when it's needed.

Junior Pathway

A structured, low-cost route for young players, part-funded by adult memberships so cost is never the barrier.

Bursary places

A small number of subsidised memberships are available every quarter for anyone who'd otherwise be priced out. Ask any coach in confidence.

Endometriosis Friendly Employer

We're proud to hold this accreditation — our sessions and coaching are built with flexibility for members managing chronic conditions.

Give back

The club runs on volunteers

From setting up nets before dawn to running the Junior Pathway, almost everything you see at WNP is powered by members giving their time. If pickleball has given you something, there's always a way to give a little back.

Ask about volunteering →
Session hosts — welcome newcomers and keep social play running smoothly.
Assistant coaches — support Pickleball England qualified coaches at Beginners and Junior sessions.
Committee & CIC directors — help steer the club's direction as a not-for-profit.
Celebrating together

Not every gathering has a paddle involved

Quiz nights, charity fundraisers, and get-togethers in The Court Yard — this is the community side of WNP in practice.

19
Sep
Community

Quiz Night in The Court Yard

Teams of up to six — hosted by The Kitchen, licensed bar all evening.

Details
28
Sep
Charity

Pickle for a Purpose

Charity round-robin in aid of a local cause — entry by donation, all welcome, non-players included.

Details
See what else is on →
Who's behind WNP

Meet the team

West Northamptonshire Pickleball is run by a small board and a handful of leads — all volunteers, all in it because they love the game and the community around it.

Kate Vincent

Kate Vincent

Founder and Director

Kate founded West Northamptonshire Pickleball because she believes sport should be for everyone — not just the people who already feel confident walking onto a court. As Regional Director for Pickleball England (East Midlands) and a Level 2 qualified coach, she's spent years building the pathways that let complete beginners become regular players, and regular players become coaches and volunteers themselves.

Her approach comes from further afield too: a PT Level 3 qualification, a completed master's in Sport and Exercise Psychology, further postgraduate study in Health Psychology, Nutrition and Business Psychology, and a PhD starting in October 2026. It all adds up to the same thing on court — understanding not just how to teach pickleball, but why people show up, why they stay, and what makes a club actually feel like somewhere you belong.

Qualified Coach
Barry Dow

Barry Dow

Director

Barry brings executive experience to our board, providing the strategic governance that allows West Northants Pickleball to grow sustainably.

Gary Birch

Gary Birch

Director

Gary works alongside the leadership team to ensure the CIC remains compliant, strategic, and focused on its long-term community goals.

Qualified Leader
Mark Meagrow

Mark Meagrow

Pickleball Development Lead

Mark focuses on growing the sport and improving player pathways. He is a qualified instructor dedicated to helping you level up your game.

Qualified Instructor
Maria Taylor

Maria Taylor

Welfare & Safeguarding Lead

Championing our club's safeguarding, welfare, and inclusivity initiatives to ensure West Northants Pickleball is a safe, welcoming, and supportive space for all.

Qualified Instructor
Andy Whitelock

Andy Whitelock

Marketing & Fundraising Lead

Andy drives our community outreach and keeps the lights on through active fundraising. He is also a qualified instructor on court!

Qualified Instructor
Sue Carter

Sue Carter

Operations & Logistics Lead

The engine room of the club. Sue manages the vital logistics that keep our sessions running smoothly across both venues.

Proud to be backed by

Our supporters

WNP is backed by funders and sponsors who share our belief that sport should be for everyone.

Sport England

Funded a programme that's helped us open pickleball up to more people across West Northamptonshire.

National Lottery: Awards for All

Grant funding that's directly supported our work getting more people playing.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation

Giving back to our county — supporting our free taster sessions and bursary places.

Daventry Town Council

Backing grassroots sport and community space across the town.

Endometriosis Friendly Employer

An accreditation we hold with pride, reflected in how we coach and schedule sessions.