Inclusive Rackets Pickleball
Bidston Weekend
Sponsored and supported by Pickleball People
21st & 22nd February Bidston (near Liverpool)
£35 per day, or £60 for both
Why join?
- Mixed Doubles Competition on Saturday – test your skills and compete for prizes.
- Pickleball Festival on Sunday – fun and friendly, pressure free (scores not recorded).
- Players grouped by level – ensures everyone enjoys matches suited to their ability.
- 70 paddles to try – discover the paddle that suits your game.
The Venue
- Indoor comfort at Bidston Tennis Centre – 10 acryllic indoor courts, great lighting, high quality balls, and official Pickleball nets.
- Located in Bidston (CH41 7EJ,near Liverpool) with easy parking and public transport nearby.
- Café on site, clean changing rooms, and comfy seating areas.
- Friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
FAQs
What if the event is full?
If we’re at capacity, you’ll be added to the waiting list. If a spot opens up, we’ll contact you directly.
Where is the event and what’s the parking like?
The Pickleball weekend will take place at Bidston Indoor Tennis Centre (CH41 7EJ, near Liverpool) There is free on site parking available for all participants, with overflow space nearby if needed. The venue is easily accessible from the M53 and public transport routes. Tesco is also just 1 minute away.
Who can enter the festival?
The event is open to adults aged 18 and over. It’s suitable for improver, intermediate, and advanced players — not complete beginners.
How are players grouped?
You’ll select your skill level when booking. Players are grouped by ability to ensure fair and fun matches. For the festival for the last couple of hours you will be able to mix around with everyone in an open play format for the festival.
Can I enter with a partner?
For the mixed doubles competition – you will be able to input your partners name once asked (we can look to find you a partner)
For the Sunday festival – there will be opportunites to play with a partner, but it will be a mix at the beginning so you can meet some new people. In the afternnon you can come and ask to play with whoever you want.
What is the playing surface, and what ball will be used?
Our event will take place on a high quality indoor acrylic surface, offering great bounce and smooth movement, using official pickleball nets.
For the Saturday competition, we’ll be using Franklin X40 balls (yellow, red, or orange). Players can agree or vote before the match on which colour to use.
For the Sunday Festival – it’s likely that we will use a Pickleball People branded ball in a range of colours.
How much is the event?
The festival will cost £35 per person per day, or £60 for both days.
What is the refund policy?
Withdrawals requested:
Cancel before 16th January: Full refund minus £5 admin fee.
Cancel between 17th January and 7th Feb. 50% refund minus £5 admin fee.
Cancel on or after 8th February: No refund.
These charges apply irrelevant of whether there is a waiting list.
At the time of the withdrawal:
If there is a waiting list, the player is NOT able to transfer their entry and their place will be re-allocated to the next person on the waiting list.
If there isn’t a waiting list, the player CAN transfer their entry. The recipient will need to complete a booking form and pay a £5 administration fee within 3 working days, otherwise the place will be released for general sale.
Is food and drink available?
Yes, there is a great cafe onsite, and Tesco is just a 1 minute walk away.
What is the format of the day (s) ?
Saturday Mixed Doubles Competition
On the Saturday, there will be two mixed doubles competitions from 10am to 4.30pm.
🎯 One competition will be for players under 3.49 and one for players above 3.5.
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Under 3.5 – players still developing consistency and tactics, from improvers to intermediate level.
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3.5+ – players with strong skills, consistent shot-making, and strategic play. Competition experience is helpful but not required.
🔁 Each pair will be guaranteed to play 8 or 9 matches.
📝 All Saturday matches will be played using rally scoring, where the server swaps sides.The team to reach 21 points first wins, or the score at the end of 15 minutes will stand.
🏅 Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.
Sunday Festival
On the Sunday, there will be a festival style event, where players get the opportunity to play as much or as little as they want, from 10am to 4pm.
🌟 Open to players of all abilities, especially those wanting to practise their match play in a fun, non-competitive setting, playing with and against people from different clubs but of similar abilities.
📊 There will be three playing categories: <3, 3.1 to 3.9, and 4+.
Improver: under 3
Intermediate: 3.1-3.9
Advanced: 4+
🕒 Games will be played using traditional scoring to 11 or for 12 minutes, whichever comes first.
How many courts and players will there be?
There will be 10 playing courts in use, and the player cap will be around 100 per day.
Can spectators watch?
Yes, there is a big balcony overlooking all of the playing courts.
How do I contact you?
You can contact Mike on mike@irpickleball.co.uk
Will The Matches Be Recorded For DUPR?
No, matches from this event will not be recorded for DUPR, as this event is being run as a non rated competition.
What time can I warm up?
You’ll be able to warm up from 9.15 am on both days, with a player briefing given at 9.45am. It is a players’ responsibility to attend the briefing.