Raw. Urban. Pickleball
HISTORY IN ACTION
From Gunpowder to Game Point.
You are standing inside a marvel of Georgian engineering. Built in 1803 as a secure stronghold against the threat of Napoleonic invasion, the Royal Ordnance Depot was the backbone of the British Army’s supply chain.
The Canal Connection
Look outside. The Grand Union Canal flows right through the centre of the site. For over a century, barges floated directly into these walls to load small arms, uniforms, and gunpowder. Unit 10 was built to store the nation's defence; now, it houses the community's wellbeing.
The Mission: Active Occupation
Heritage buildings die without people. They need airflow, warmth, and movement to survive. By playing at The Court Yard, you are part of an "Active Occupation." Your court fees don't just pay for nets; they contribute to the maintenance, heating, and care required to keep this Grade II* listed giant standing for the next generation.
DID YOU KNOW? The Depot was originally chosen because it was the exact geographic centre of England—the furthest point from any shore, making it safe from French naval cannons!
About The Court Yard
What started as a vision to create a dedicated home for pickleball in West Northamptonshire has grown into something much more than just a venue.
Located at Building 15, Unit 10, The Court Yard is a community-driven space developed by West Northamptonshire Pickleball to provide players with a place to play, learn, socialise, and connect throughout the year.
If we're being honest, The Court Yard isn't perfect.
Sometimes there are a few tired spots on the floor. Sometimes the weather outside decides it would rather join us indoors. It can get a little dusty from time to time, and there is always another job waiting on the to-do list.
But that's part of its story.
What makes The Court Yard special isn't polished walls or fancy facilities – it's the people who use it. Every improvement, every new piece of equipment, every chair, every court line, and every idea has come from a shared passion for growing pickleball and creating something for the community.
Over time, The Court Yard has become more than just a place to play. It's where friendships are formed, skills are developed, laughter is shared, and memories are made. From beginner sessions and social play to coaching, competitions, community events, and everything in between, the venue has become the heart of what we do.
We're incredibly proud of how far we've come, and we're even more excited about where we're going next.
It may not be perfect, but it's ours, it's loved, and it's helping us build a thriving pickleball community right here in West Northamptonshire.
What You'll Find
The Court Yard has been developed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for players, visitors, and members of our community.
🏓 Two Indoor Pickleball Courts
Our dedicated indoor courts provide a unique playing environment where players can enjoy pickleball throughout the year, whatever the weather.
☕ Refreshments Available
Tea, coffee, and other refreshments are available, making it easy to relax and socialise before or after your session.
🚻 Toilet Facilities
On-site toilet facilities are available for all visitors.
🪑 Seating & Social Areas
Comfortable seating areas provide the perfect place to rest between games, chat with fellow players, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
🚗 Free Parking
Convenient free parking is available on-site for players and visitors.
🏠 Indoor Waiting Area
A welcoming indoor space allows players and spectators to stay comfortable while waiting for sessions to begin.
🏓 Equipment Available
Don't have your own paddle? No problem. We have paddles and equipment available to help you get started.
❄️ Indoor Play All Year Round
Rain, wind, or winter weather won't stop play. Our indoor facility allows pickleball to continue throughout the seasons.
❤️ Community Atmosphere
More than anything else, The Court Yard is a place where people come together. Whether you're attending your first session or you've been playing for years, you'll always receive a warm welcome from our community.
Private Court Hire
Your Court, Your Way
Looking for a private space to play with friends, family, colleagues, or fellow pickleball enthusiasts? The Court Yard offers exclusive indoor court hire, giving you the flexibility to enjoy pickleball at your own pace in a welcoming and dedicated environment.
1 Court Hire
Perfect for smaller groups looking to enjoy a casual game, practise skills, or spend time on court together.
2 Court Hire
Ideal for larger groups, club meetups, coaching activities, mini competitions, or anyone wanting exclusive use of the entire venue.
What's Included?
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Indoor pickleball court(s)
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Paddles and balls available if required
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Seating areas
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Toilet facilities
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Free parking
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Access to refreshments
Whether you're introducing friends to pickleball, organising a friendly match, or simply looking for quality court time, The Court Yard provides a unique and relaxed environment for your booking.
Meet The Team
RUN BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY.
Kate Vincent
Founder and Director
The Founder of WNP and Regional Director for Pickleball England, Kate is the powerhouse behind the club, dedicated to making grassroots sport inclusive, accessible, and incredibly fun.
Qualified Instructor
Barry Dow
Director
Barry brings executive experience to our board, providing the strategic governance that allows West Northants Pickleball to grow sustainably.
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Gary Birch
Director
Gary works alongside the leadership team to ensure the CIC remains compliant, strategic, and focused on its long-term community goals.
Qualified Leader
Mark Meagrow
Pickleball Development Lead
Mark focuses on growing the sport and improving player pathways. He is a qualified instructor dedicated to helping you level up your game.
Qualified Instructor
Maria Taylor
Welfare & Safeguarding Lead
Championing our club’s safeguarding, welfare, and inclusivity initiatives to ensure West Northants Pickleball is a safe, welcoming, and supportive space for all.
Qualified Instructor
Andy Whitelock
Marketing & Fundraising Lead
Andy drives our community outreach and keeps the lights on through active fundraising. He is also a qualified instructor on court!
Qualified Instructor
Sue Carter
Operations & Logistics Lead
The engine room of the club. Sue manages the vital logistics that keep our sessions running smoothly across both venues.
Hello,
I'm Biggie-Smalls,
You might think the humans run West Northants Pickleball, but let's be honest—I’m the big boss around here.
As a Great Dane, I am roughly the size of a small horse, which makes me perfectly built for overseeing club operations. Now that we finally have our own home, you will regularly see me wandering around The Court Yard, keeping a very close eye on your third-shot drops and making sure morale is at an all-time high.
My duties do not stop at the court doors, either. Because we are such a social club, whether the team is heading out for a post-match meal or organising a group walk, I am usually right there leading the pack.
If you spot me on patrol, please do come over and say hello! I might be the boss, but I am an absolute gentle giant. I happily accept payment in the form of head scratches—especially if you just lost a tight game and need a bit of emotional support!
Looking For Something Different?
Class Schedule
MORE THAN JUST PICKLEBALL
While pickleball is at the heart of everything we do, The Court Yard has become much more than just a place to play. It's a space where people connect, friendships are formed, ideas are shared, and our community continues to grow.
Throughout the year, The Court Yard plays host to a variety of activities beyond regular pickleball sessions, including social events, club gatherings, volunteer meetings, celebrations, and special community projects. From our Summer Party and member get-togethers to planning meetings and new initiatives, the venue has become a hub for everything WNP.
As our community grows, so do our ambitions. We are constantly exploring new opportunities, events, activities, and ways to improve the experience for our members and visitors.
The Court Yard may have started as a venue, but today it is a place where people come together to play, learn, socialise, and be part of something special.
Where are we?
The Court Yard,
Building 15, Unit 10
The Depot,
Weedon Bec,
Northampton,
NN7 4PS
What Three Words
///honey.seeing.delighted
Video Map
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