Pickleball
The easiest game to obsess over
Wales' first purpose-built pickleball courts, right here in Newport. Dead easy to start, genuinely hard to put down.
£22/hour · open play £8 for 2 hours · no membership needed
Free Parking
Free on-site parking, so you can arrive, play and leave without the hassle.
Rent Everything
No equipment? No problem. Hire what you need when you arrive and get straight on court.
Beginner Friendly
Never played before? Perfect. Matchbox is built for first-timers as much as regular players.
Open Till Late
Play around work, family or whatever else your day throws at you, with court times available into the evening.
five minutes to learn. Good luck stopping.
Pickleball is the one everyone's suddenly playing — a mix of tennis, badminton and table tennis on a small court, with a paddle and a plastic ball. The court's small enough that you're in every rally, and the rules are simple enough that you're playing properly within minutes. That's the whole appeal: you're not spending your first session being bad at it, you're spending it having fun.
It works for anyone. Teenagers and grandparents on the same court. Total beginners and people chasing a ranking.
This is where wales trains.
The Welsh national pickleball team trains at Matchbox. We're quietly proud of that. It says something about the courts — purpose-built, dedicated, no confusing tennis lines to squint through — and something about the club. This is the home of the game in Wales, and you're welcome in it.
What it costs
Court Hire
Most Popular
£22
/per hour
Hire your own court for an hour or 2 and play with all your friends
Open Play
£8
/for 2 hours
Pay to step in on any court if there’s a space available.
Membership
£45
/per month
Get unlimited play throughout the weekdays and enjoy with your friends!
Paddles and balls free to borrow while you're finding your feet. Playing every week? An Off-Peak Pickleball membership is £45/month for unlimited weekday play — but you never need one to come down.
Want to get good?
Matt & Scott are your guys
You'll have fun from game one without a single lesson. But if you want to sharpen up — footwork, the third-shot drop, the stuff that wins games — Matthew coaches pickleball here for every level.
There's usually something on
Ladies nights that sell out, social sessions, coaching for every level, leagues & tournaments. Come for a one-off or find your regular slot.
what Matchbox Players are saying
Based on reviews from Google.com
Staff was amazing the golf sim was very good and high tech there was a variety of drinks and the place was neat and appropriate
I had a great time over at matchbox. I've played the padel and pickleball. The padel court is excellent quality and lovely to be able to play indoors in the UK! Pickle is also great fun. Exciting times finally see a dedicated centre instead of modified tennis courts! Can see why these sports are so popular! I'm looking forward to trying out the golf simulators next. Amazing place to have in Newport! Will be visiting on a regular basis!
Great experience at Matchbox Newport. Four of us booked a padel session and had a great time and lots of laughs as total newbies. Everything was well organised from start to finish. Staff were friendly and helpful, which made the experience even better. Perfect place for a fun game with friends and cafe clean and welcoming we’ll definitely be back!
What a great space, Padel was a laugh 😂 followed by a 5⭐ coffee & cake afterwards. Plenty of parking and friendly staff, Would recommended 👌🏻
As a woman, it can sometimes feel a bit intimidating trying out new sports spaces, but this place is genuinely so welcoming and inclusive. From the moment I walked in, everyone was friendly, supportive, and made me feel completely at ease. There’s a real sense of community here, and it’s easy to strike up conversations and even make new friends - thanks to the experienced players for being patient with me whilst I learnt to hit the ball straight! The facilities are great, and everything feels well organised and thoughtfully run. I think it’s going to quickly become one of my favourite places to unwind, have fun, and stay active. Highly recommend to anyone, especially women who might be a bit nervous about getting started. You’ll feel right at home here.
Frequently asked Questions
I've never played pickleball. Can I still come?
Definitely — most people who walk in have never played. Start with the £5 beginner taster (we'll teach you the rules and give you pointers), jump into an £8 open play, or book a coaching session. Or honestly, just grab a paddle and have a knock — it's the easiest sport there is to pick up.
Do I need my own paddle?
Nope. Rent one from £3, or try a premium paddle for £5. Buy your own from the shop when you're hooked.
How many people do I need to play?
Pickleball's usually doubles (four players), but you can play singles on the same court too. Coming without a full group? Use the app to join an open game, hop in the club WhatsApp, or come to an open play session and we'll match you in.
What should I wear?
Just comfy sportswear and trainers with a decent grip — nothing special. Bring water, or grab one from the café.