Pickleball tournament a smash hit for regional club

A RECORD number of entries turned out for one of the biggest pickleball tournaments on the calendar when Ballina hosted the Northern Rivers Regional Rally.

Around 250 competitors took part in the three-day event at Ballina Indoor Sports Centre.

Several competitors came from the Northern Rivers Pickleball Club, while others travelled from south-east Queensland and Victoria.

There was a live stream this year with singles, doubles and mixed doubles events being held.

Julie Brodie and Fran Kealey travelled from Ocean Grove in Victoria to play doubles together.

Both women have competed in tournaments across NSW and Queensland in recent weeks.

They were impressed with the facility and standard of competition in the region.

“I’m on the committee with Pickleball Australia and I follow a lot of the clubs on social media,” Kealey said.

“These guys here are impressive. It’s great to see a club with eight courts in a friendly community.

“The sport is just powering along wherever we seem to go.”

The Northern Rivers Pickleball Club has more than 300 members with many now playing in state competitions and masters events.

“This tournament highlights the incredible momentum behind pickleball growth worldwide, including in regional Australia,” club president Steve Bergan said.

“It’s not just about competition, it’s about connection, inclusion and having a great time together.”