Pickleball club grows to 300 members

THE Northern Rivers Pickleball Club is growing at a rapid rate, having just celebrated a milestone with its 300th member joining at the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre.

The milestone was celebrated with a visit by mayor Sharon Cadwallader and delegates from major sponsor the Ballina RSL Club.

Pickleball is a low-impact sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.

It focuses on reflexes, reactions and positioning of the ball rather than power and speed.

The style of play has made it popular among people over 60 while younger people are now being drawn to the game.

The Northern Rivers club is expanding rapidly, with pickleball one of the fastest growing sports around the world.

Club president Steve Bergan said he expects to grow to 400 members by the end of the year.

He hopes the club can begin talks of moving to a larger space purpose-built for pickleball.

“It’s something we could definitely handle if we got the space,” Bergan said.

“The growth is rapid and the average age of our members is starting to come down, too.

“We’re already holding tournaments which can cater to 230 players.

“It’s an easy game to learn, we sell it as fun, fitness and friendship.”

The club has social and tournament players, with its main tournament set down for August.

It runs on volunteers, with coaches who grade players into divisions.

Vicky Biltoft said she was honoured to be recognised as the club’s 300th member.

“I’m 60 this year and I wanted to try something new,” she said.

“My neighbour already played and we actually had a game in her driveway so she could see if I could actually hit the ball.

“I come from a tennis background, but I hadn’t picked up a racquet in a while.

“I’ve enjoyed all the skill and strategy of the game, there are a lot of different elements to it.

“It’s great for people getting a bit older to have regular competition they can plan in, too.”