Our Story
1 League. 8 Districts. A Battle of the North
For the first time ever, the Northern regions of England unite in a unique team battle of the districts. Teams will go head-to-head in a true test of power, precision, and on-court experience.
This competition is a showcase of the Northern Elite – a testament to the pride of the North – The Northern Spirit.
The North is known for its togetherness. Our vibrant communities, distinctive dialects, and strong work ethic embody what we call the Northern spirit.
For our athletes, facilities are scarce. That means the hunger must be greater, the journeys longer, the sacrifices bigger. This is what we call Northern determination.
How It Began – The Northern League was founded by Danielle Frazer, a passionate Northern pickleball player and founder of Baseline Pickleball.
Her vision was simple: create a development pathway that would help players reach their full potential. In just a short time, the club grew into a thriving community, revealing a deep hunger for elite competition that was echoed through many of the clubs in the North.
To make this dream a reality, Danielle teamed up with her doubles partner Ian Shaw (now Head of Development at Baseline Pickleball). A trailblazer in the Westmorland area, Ian has inspired a generation of players with his drive and passion. Together, they built a plan to build on the fantastic work done by local northern leaders and continue to open more elite doors for regional players. From that vision, The Northern League was born.
The Northern League created an advisory panel which featured two Pickleball greats – Sam Basford and Elaine Shallcross. The pair continue their unwavering campaigns to support the growth of Pickleball in England. It has been a pleasure to have them on board for the creation of the Northern League.
Season 2025/26
Applications poured in from across the North as players sought a place in the first-ever Northern League season.
On 16 September 2025, team managers drafted their squads.
On 12 October 2025, the battle begins.
This marks the start of a new era for pickleball in the North.
Our Mission – The Northern League exists to:
Inspire pickleball fans across the country
Help raise the bar of Elite Pickleball in the North
Unite northern regions through competition
Lay the foundations for the Northern Legacy Project