A huge well done to the Fife players, as well as the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust ambassadors, members, and customers, who took part in the Scottish National Pickleball Championships 2025. Your energy, determination, and success on the court made us proud! 

The Championships, hosted by Pickleball Scotland, were held at the National Racket Academy in Scotstoun, Glasgow from 29th May to 1st June. The atmosphere, competition, and camaraderie were second to none. 

This year, Fife was represented in almost all of the categories and had some brilliant results! Among the players representing Fife were two of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s Pickleball Ambassadors, Shirley and Stuart, who brought their enthusiasm, experience, and love for the game to the national stage. 

Proud to Represent Fife

As Pickleball Ambassadors for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, both players felt a strong sense of purpose in competing.

Shirley represented Fife in the National Open Mixed Doubles . “I was so aware I was representing Fife,” Shirley said. “People were watching me live, texting me mid-match, one even said, ‘She’ll be needing to give autographs soon!’ It made me want to give it my best.” 

Stuart agreed: “A few years ago, there were maybe five of us from Fife at the competition. This year? There were over 20. That’s huge. It shows how far we’ve come.” 

Stuart competed in both the Over-65s Men’s Doubles (Thursday) and Over-65s Mixed Doubles (Sunday) and delivered a standout performance that earned him Bronze in the Men’s Doubles and Silver in the Mixed Doubles.  

“Sunday was full-on, we played eight games in one day,” he said. “Getting to the final and coming away with a medal, it really meant something. It was a moment I’ll always remember.” 

Across the two days of competition, Stuart played an incredible 15 games and won 12 of them, an achievement that speaks to both his commitment and level of play. But it wasn’t just about the wins. 

“The atmosphere was electric,” he said. “You’d come off court and even strangers were clapping, cheering, congratulating you. It felt like everyone was in it together. I’ve played in other tournaments, but this one stood out. There was just this amazing energy from start to finish.” 

He also reflected on how the sport continues to positively shape his lifestyle. 

“Pickleball keeps me fit, keeps me social, and keeps me sharp,” he added. “I honestly feel healthier now than I did ten years ago.”

Taking to the Court

For Shirley, the Championships marked a return to the competitive arena through a new sport she’s grown to love. Having discovered pickleball in August 2024 and become an ambassador in January 2025, she brought her past sporting experience and fresh enthusiasm to the national stage.

“It was my first experience of a pickleball tournament, and I was genuinely excited to see what it would be like,” she said. “I didn’t know my partner beforehand, but I was open-minded, we were both there to give it our best, and that’s exactly what we did. Most of the players in my category were younger than me, but that just added to the fun! I’ve always loved a challenge, and walking into the venue that first morning, the energy was electric. Everyone was so welcoming, it was impossible not to get swept up in the buzz of it all.” 

Stuart has been involved in pickleball since its early days in Fife and has proudly served as an ambassador for over three years.

“I was asked back in 2022 to become an ambassador, before many had even heard of the sport. Since then, I’ve played five or six times a week,” he said. This year marked his third national tournament appearance. He added, “This community is incredible, it’s like walking into a room full of old friends. You’re met with ‘hi, hi, hi’ from all directions.”

Support, Encouragement, and Lessons Learned

While medals were a bonus, both Shirley and Stuart found just as much value in the atmosphere and learning opportunities. 

“I’ve never seen that level of tactical play before,” said Shirley. “Dinking, strategy, control, it’s a different game from what we usually play. But everyone was supportive and encouraging. I learned more in one day than in months of regular play.” 

“When you’re competing game after game, you have to stay sharp,” Stuart added. “In the final, we were getting thumped, but we clawed back. That focus, that drive, it’s part of the fun!” 

Celebrating Local Achievement

What stood out most was the success of their fellow Fifers. 

“Aileen and Tracey winning gold in the Over-50s Ladies Doubles was such a proud moment,” said Shirley. “We were all sharing the livestream links, my daughter watched from Edinburgh Airport!” 

“My son was at the event to support me but ended up watching the rest of the matches on the train home,” Stuart added. “He texted me, ‘Are they in the final yet?’ and streamed the match live. It was amazing.” 

Both reflected on how impressive this level of achievement is, especially given Fife is still in the early stages of growing the sport. 

A Game That Brings People Together

Both ambassadors spoke passionately about how pickleball has changed their lives. 

“I retired last year and didn’t know what to do with myself,” said Shirley. “Now, I joke that I spend more time with my pickleball family than I do with my real one! But truly, it’s helped me physically, mentally, and socially. It’s been life-changing.” 

Stuart added, “People don’t realise they’ve just played for two hours. A year ago, they were barely active, and now look at them. The transformation is incredible. Pickleball brings people together. It keeps you moving, it lifts your mood, and you’re part of something bigger. That’s what it’s all about.”

A Movement in Fife

Beyond the results and rallies, it’s clear that pickleball in Fife has grown into something far greater than just a game. 

“It’s the connections you make,” said Stuart. “The support, the laughs, the shared passion, it gives people purpose.” 

As Shirley put it: “It’s about turning up, being welcomed, and realising you’ve still got it. That you’re part of something exciting. It’s never too late to start something new.” 

With medals on the board, friendships forged, and a wave of new players inspired, this year’s Scottish National Championships marked a real turning point, not just for Stuart and Shirley, but for the future of pickleball in Fife. 

Give Pickleball a Go!

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned racquet-sport player, there’s a place for you in Fife’s growing pickleball community. 

• Try a session – Find a local class and give pickleball a go: https://www.fifeleisure.org.uk/activity/pickleball/#timetables-block
• Play more, for less – Add our Play Add On to your Club or Lite membership for just £8 per month and access exclusive pickleball and 49er sessions. Ask about upgrading your membership at any of our venues!
• Stay connected – Join our Fife Pickleball Facebook Group, home to over 750 members, for the latest updates, events, and community news. https://www.facebook.com/groups/570312078335855