21/08/2026
# # East of Scotland Pickleball League – Consultation Feedback
A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the **East of Scotland Pickleball League consultation**. The feedback has been incredibly valuable and gives us a strong indication that there is genuine interest in creating additional competitive opportunities across the East of Scotland.
Overall, the proposed league received an average support rating of **4.67 out of 5**, with **74%** of respondents rating the proposal 4 or 5 stars.
# # # Key Findings
The consultation showed strong support for the proposed structure:
* **78%** would definitely be interested in playing.
* **85%** supported squads of up to six players, with a minimum of two females and two males.
* **78%** supported the proposed **Gold, Silver and Bronze divisions**.
* **70%** indicated Silver as their most likely division.
* **89%** supported the proposed tie-break format.
* **96%** supported the proposed points system.
* **100%** supported league matches being submitted to **DUPR**.
* **93%** were happy for teams to arrange fixtures between themselves.
* **96%** supported a **Final Four** to determine the East of Scotland champions.
# # # Players Want Variety
The feedback also showed that players are interested in **different types of competitive opportunities**, including:
* Team-based league competition
* Mixed competition
* **Gender-specific competitions**
* DUPR-rated matches
* Regular competitive play
* A potential **DreamBreaker** option
The request for a **DreamBreaker** came through strongly in the written feedback and will be considered as part of the final format.
# # # Complementing Existing Pickleball Scotland Leagues
It is important to clarify that these leagues are **not designed to replace Pickleball Scotland leagues**.
The aim is to **complement existing competition** by providing additional opportunities to play throughout the year, particularly **outside the main Pickleball Scotland league season**.
The concept is about giving players more choice and more opportunities to:
* Play competitive pickleball regularly.
* Play with **friends and playing partners**.
* Meet and compete against players from other areas.
* Get more DUPR-rated games.
* Experience team competition in a flexible environment.
* Take part in different formats, including gender-specific competitions.
# # # Teams Don't Have to Be Club-Based
A key part of the concept is flexibility.
Players **do not necessarily need to form a team entirely from their existing club**. The intention is to allow friends, playing partners and players from different clubs to come together and create a team.
This creates an opportunity to build connections across the East of Scotland and allows people to play with others they may not normally compete alongside.
# # # What You Told Us We Need to Consider
The written feedback also highlighted several areas that need careful consideration:
* Clear and fair **DUPR/rating boundaries**.
* Fixture availability and flexibility.
* Travel distances between teams.
* Making the structure work for clubs and players of different sizes and levels.
* Ensuring the league remains accessible and enjoyable.
# # # Moving Forward
The consultation gives us a strong foundation to continue developing the concept.
Your feedback will help shape the final structure, including **divisions, team composition, fixtures, tie-break/DreamBreaker options, gender-specific opportunities and the overall competition format**.
The aim is simple:
**More opportunities to play.
More people to play with.
More competitive experiences.
More pickleball across the East of Scotland.**
Thank you again for taking the time to share your views and help shape the future of pickleball in the region.
**Together, we can grow the game.**
