Hundreds of pickleball players set for regional rally

BALLINA is set to host one of the largest pickleball events in the region with the Northern Rivers Regional Rally expected to attract about 250 competitors to the three-day tournament.

It will be held at the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre between August 1-3.

The tournament is organised by the Northern Rivers Pickleball Club with players aged from 20 to over-75s competing.

Pickleball is one of the fast-growing sports in the region with registrations filling up in the first hour of entries being opened.

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

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

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 Ballina-based Northern Rivers Pickleball Club is the biggest in the region and continuing to grow at a rapid rate.

It has more than 300 members with many now playing in state tournaments across NSW and south-east Queensland.

Bergan is one of several members at the club who only picked up a racket for the first time three years ago.

One year later, he won a gold medal in the over-60s men’s doubles at the Pickleball Australia Seniors Tournament on the Gold Coast.

“I played a bit of tennis, squash, and table tennis previously, and this game combines the best aspects of each into one,” Bergan said.

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

“I need to thank McGrath Northern Rivers, whose support helps bring this national-level experience to the local stage.”

Spectators are welcome to attend with singles, doubles and mixed doubles events being held.

The tournament will be live streamed with commentary on YouTube.