Europe’s pickleball scene is gaining momentum. In October, the calendar brings a new team competition in the Netherlands, an international event in Luxembourg and national championships in Arnhem. Away from the tournament draws, new places to play and low-barrier open-play sessions are making it easier for people to try the sport.
A new team format arrives in Breukelen
The first Dutch Pickleball League is scheduled for 10–11 October at PassieCenter Breukelen. Its format is part of the appeal: organisers list 40 Challenger and 40 Premier players, with players drafted into teams of four. That creates a league-style weekend where tactics, pairings and team depth matter as much as an individual result.
For players who normally enter a doubles bracket with one partner, this is a different kind of test. Communication has to travel across a squad, pairings may change, and every match can affect the team’s overall position. It is a useful sign of how quickly the competitive side of European pickleball is developing.
The Netherlands has another major date in Arnhem
The NK Pickleball 2026 takes place from 23 to 25 October at Sportcentrum Valkenhuizen in Arnhem. The announced programme spans three days: singles on Friday, youth, mixed doubles and wheelchair pickleball on Saturday, then men’s and women’s doubles on Sunday. Whether you are playing or watching, that range makes it a useful snapshot of the sport’s breadth in the Netherlands.
More ways to find a first game
Growth is not only measured by large events. In the Netherlands, introductory activity has recently been reported around Alkmaar’s Pickle4all at Hoornse Vaart and in Hoofddorp. In Germany, Heilbronn’s city sport programme ran free Thursday open play at TSB TC Horkheim, with paddles, balls and nets supplied. In England, Thongsbridge Tennis & Fitness Club near Holmfirth officially opened new padel and pickleball facilities in September.
These are the kinds of entry points that matter: turn up in sports clothing, borrow equipment, meet players and learn by playing. Before travelling, always check the host club’s current timetable, booking rules and equipment policy—community sessions can change with the season.
Find the next place to play
TOCO67 is building a practical overview of the sport across the continent. Visit our European Pickleball Directory for ideas on where to play, and keep an eye on the News blog for tournament and community updates.
Event and venue information was checked on 5 October 2026. Dates, formats and entry arrangements can change; confirm details directly with each organiser before making travel plans.