A pickleball club has attracted more than 150 players in the 16 months since it was set up.

Swindon Pickleball Club was launched in May 2023 by Bryan Saunders, who was inspired to bring the sport to his hometown after playing competitively for a number of years.

His love for the sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, began in 2017 after a trip to Florida, which eventually led him to join the Naples Pickleball Centre.

Bryan Saunders at the English Open earlier this yearBryan Saunders at the English Open earlier this year (Image: Swindon Pickleball Club) Mr Saunders' talent on the court resulted in gold medals at both the US Open and English Open in 2023 and 2024.

After launching the Swindon club, he arranged free taster sessions, which lead to a core group of players being established within weeks.

The club now hosts sessions four times a week, with more than 150 players having been involved with the club.

Mr Saunders said: "We’re proud of the community that’s growing around pickleball.

"It’s a sport that brings people together, keeps you active, and makes it easy to form new friendships on and off the court.

"This is just the beginning for Swindon Pickleball Club, and we’re excited to see where the future takes us."