Staying Alive Pickleball
Staying Alive Pickleball is a vibrant, community-driven club based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire founded in 2022 by Michael de Groot. From humble beginnings, introducing the sport through small taster sessions with no existing local players in Worcestershire, Michael has helped grow pickleball across the county into a thriving scene of over 1,500+ weekly players.
At the heart of the club is a welcoming and inclusive environment where players of all ages and abilities can learn, improve, and compete. The popular Staying Alive Pickleball Ladder League runs every Tuesday at Courtside Pickleball Centre, Stourbridge, combining two hours of guided drills with DUPR-rated structured matchplay, perfect for players looking to develop their game in a fun but competitive setting.
For those new to the sport, Coach & Play beginner sessions are delivered regularly in Kidderminster and across the West Midlands, making it easy to get started wherever you’re based. All equipment is provided, just turn up and play.
Beyond weekly sessions, Staying Alive Pickleball offers a wide range of coaching and event experiences, including:
- Tournament preparation programmes
- Team-building and corporate away days
- School and university introductions and sports days (ages 7+)
- Pickleball business networking events
Pricing:
- Ladder League sessions: £14 (2 hours, includes court hire, guided drills and ladder league admin)
- Beginner Coach & Play sessions: £19 per hour (all equipment included)
- 1-to-1 and group coaching: available on request
Visit the website calendar for upcoming sessions, or get in touch to discuss your coaching or event needs.
Michael currently holds the position of West Midlands Regional Director at Pickleball England and is a tutor for one of their coaching pathway programs; ‘Pickleball Activators Certification’.
