This week, the tables have turned on Pickleball Legends. Usually, I’m the one asking the questions, but after recently becoming the youngest Level 2 Pickleball England coach and taking on a coaching role with PSO, my dad, Jonathan Small, decided it was finally time to put me in the guest seat. We talk about how I got into pickleball, my journey from player to coach, why I started Pickleball Legends, and give some insights into what I've learnt as a coach. Expect stories, questionable answers, and the unusual experience of being publicly interviewed by someone who already knows most of my story. For one episode only, my dad takes over the microphone—and I discover that answering the questions is much harder than asking them.

At just 13 years old, James Devlin is already making a name for himself in UK pickleball. With 17 medals to his name and a passion for competing, improving and inspiring other young players, he's part of the next generation helping to grow the sport. In this episode of Pickleball Legends, James talks about how he got started, balancing school with tournaments, what it's like competing against adults, his goals for the future, and why more young people should give pickleball a try. Whether you're a seasoned player, new to the game, or wondering what the future of pickleball looks like in the UK, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Subscribe for more conversations with the people growing pickleball across the world.

In this episode, I’m joined by Gordon G.G. Gebert — musician to major voice in the growing world of pickleball. Gordon shares his journey from the rock-and-roll world into sport, business and pickleball, including his work with the National Pickleball League and the Slam Master Pro training paddle. We talk about how pickleball is evolving, what makes the game so addictive, and where he believes the sport is heading next. A wide-ranging conversation about reinvention, creativity, competition and the future of pickleball.

In this episode of Pickleball Legends, we sit down with Helen White, one of the pioneers helping to grow pickleball across the UK. From introducing new players to the sport and building local communities, to refereeing and supporting tournaments, Helen has played a key role in bringing pickleball to more people. We discuss her sporting background, what first attracted her to pickleball, the lessons she's learned along the way, and why she believes the sport can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Helen also shares her thoughts on the future of pickleball in the UK and what continues to inspire her involvement in the game. A conversation packed with experience, perspective and a genuine passion for growing the sport.

In this episode of Pickleball Legends, we're joined by Lou Stephens, one of the earliest to join UK pickleball. From founding London Pickleball and growing one of the country's most vibrant pickleball communities to helping organise some of the biggest competitions in the UK, Lou has dedicated countless hours to helping players discover and enjoy the game. We discuss her journey into pickleball, the lessons she's learned building a welcoming and inclusive community, and why she believes pickleball is ultimately about people rather than medals. Lou also discusses how the future of the sport is in the younger generations. Whether you're new to pickleball, a dedicated competitor, or someone passionate about growing the game, this conversation is packed with insights, stories, and inspiration from one of the sport's most respected ambassadors. 🎾 Subscribe to Pickleball Legends for more conversations with the people shaping the future of pickleball.

In this episode of the Pickleball Legends Podcast, Rob Williams talks about his experience as a coach, commentator, and long-time advocate for pickleball in the UK. He shares insights into player development, the growth of the sport, and the key skills players can focus on to improve their game. The conversation also covers the current state of competitive pickleball, coaching approaches, and how the sport continues to evolve both in the UK and internationally. A useful listen for players, coaches, and anyone interested in the development of pickleball.

On this episode of Pickleball Legends, I'm joined by Will Parton — the founder of Hitch, the fast-growing app helping pickleball, tennis, and padel players find compatible partners and build real playing communities. With a background in tech, Will combined his passion for racquet sports with a simple frustration many players know too well: finding the right people to play with consistently. We dive into the growth of Hitch, how technology is reshaping social sport, why “finding your pickleball people” matters more than ever, and the future of player matching, communities, and recreational sport. This is a really interesting conversation about entrepreneurship, connection, modern pickleball culture, and building something meaningful from a real-world problem.

In this episode of Pickleball Legends, we sit down with Tony Charanduk—a visionary building what could become one of the most open and globally inclusive pathways in the sport. As a founding leader of PKL.CLUB, Tony is rethinking how players rise through the ranks. His mission is simple: create a system where anyone, from anywhere in the world, can earn their way to the top through pure performance—no politics, no closed-door rankings, just results on the court. But this isn’t just about players—it’s about transforming pickleball into a true spectator sport. Tony dives into how PKL’s model brings fans into the action, from interactive match experiences to innovative formats that blur the line between player and audience. By integrating global tournaments, community-driven competition, and even emerging tech, he’s aiming to make pickleball more engaging, more accessible, and more watchable than ever before. We explore his vision of a worldwide competitive pathway—where local qualifiers feed into regional, national, and eventually global championships—giving undiscovered talent a legitimate shot at the big stage. It’s a system designed not just to crown champions, but to unlock opportunity for players who might otherwise never be seen. From grassroots growth to global ambition, Tony shares how PKL.CLUB is building a new ecosystem around pickleball—one that empowers players, connects communities, and opens the door for the next generation of legends. This episode is about more than a sport—it’s about access, opportunity, and the future of competition on a global scale.