Daventry teacher scores ‘hat-trick’ of national success – Now hunts for permanent home to secure club’s future
A local secondary school teacher has started 2026 with a triple celebration, securing a spot as one of the UK’s top entrepreneurs, a prestigious Regional Director role, and a £17,000 National Lottery grant for Daventry’s health—but now she needs a building to put it all in.
Kate Vincent, a Business Teacher at DSLV and the founder of West Northamptonshire Pickleball (WNP), has this week been named as one of the f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ for 2026. This national campaign celebrates inspirational women who run thriving businesses alongside their day jobs.
The achievement is even more remarkable given that Kate balances running the club and teaching full-time with studying for four Masters degrees simultaneously, including Sport Psychology and Health Psychology, to ensure the club is built on expert foundations.
But the accolades didn’t stop there. In the same week, Kate was voted in as the Regional Director (East Midlands) for Pickleball England, the sport's National Governing Body, and her Community Interest Company was awarded a £17,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund.
From School Hall to National Recognition What started as a small passion project has exploded into a community lifeline. In under a year, WNP has grown to over 200 active members, with players ranging from age 5 to 80+.
"I am absolutely stunned by the recognition," says Kate. "To be listed alongside some of the UK’s most inspiring female entrepreneurs is an honour, but the real win is for Daventry. Getting elected as Regional Director puts our town on the map as a strategic hub for one of the world’s fastest-growing sports."
The £17,000 National Lottery grant is a massive vote of confidence in the club’s governance, ensuring that their "PickleBound" programme—which offers free-to-access fitness for residents on low incomes—can continue throughout 2026.
A Victim of Its Own Success However, the rapid growth has created a new problem: the club is bursting at the seams. With 11 fully booked sessions a week operating out of school halls and leisure centres, Kate is now launching an urgent appeal for local investment or a dedicated venue.
"We are currently operating at maximum capacity, but demand is outstripping supply," Kate explains. "We have the members, we have the National Lottery backing, and we have the coaching expertise. The only thing missing is a home."
The Vision for a Dedicated Venue Kate is now calling on local landlords, investors, or farmers with unused barn space or industrial units to come forward.
"My vision is to create a dedicated Pickleball Centre for Daventry—a permanent 'Third Place' where people can come not just to play, but to socialise, combat loneliness, and improve their mental health," she adds. "We have proved the business model works. We are now looking for a partner to help us build a legacy for the town."
If you can help with a venue or investment, please contact Kate Vincent via the West Northamptonshire Pickleball website.