Pickleball picks up in Winchelsea

Community Bank Surf Coast branch manager Jeremy Morris, Debbie Larkins, Lesley Mathieson, Winchelsea Lions Club president Graham Kenafacke and Kelly Turner. Photos: NATHAN RIVALLAND

WINCHELSEA residents can now get swept up in pickleball fever thanks to an investment from two local community groups.

Community Bank Surf Coast and Winchelsea Lions Club have teamed up to provide $1,000 in funding each to help the local community start a new social competition.

The grants will cover all the equipment and subsidise the costs associated with hiring the Leisure Time Centre in Winchelsea.

Pickleball is growing in popularity across the world, with the sport described as a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis.

Winchelsea resident Lesley Mathieson is one of many people who have been travelling down the highway to Torquay to play for the past 18 months.

She said her friendship group can rejoice knowing the game they love is now only a few minutes down the road.

“Thanks to a friend from my tennis club, I went down to Torquay earlier last year and just absolutely loved it.

Pickleball fever is sweeping over Winchelsea.

“We have a great space in Winchelsea with the Leisure Time Centre, and I just thought it would be perfect for us to give it a go.

“Luckily, the local school who run it are willing to let us come in and have the space.

“It’ll bring a huge boost to our community, and I can’t wait to see how it goes,

“A massive thanks to the Community Bank Surf Coast and Winchelsea Lions for their amazing support of grassroots sport.”

Community Bank Surf Coast senior branch manager Jeremy Morris said the bank was thrilled to be supporting the pickleball movement.

“We are incredibly proud to help the local community with getting things like this off the ground and into action.

Jeremy Morris, Debbie Larkins, Lesley Mathieson, Graham Kenafacke and Kelly Turner.

“Pickleball is just growing so fast, it’s popping up everywhere, including in Anglesea as well in the near future.

“We are sure it will be a hit in Winchelsea!”

Winchelsea Lions Club president Graham Kenafacke also expressed his excitement for the coming pickleball events.

The sessions will be held across four separate courts on Wednesday from 7pm to 8pm and Thursday from 10am to 11am in the Leisure Time Centre in Winchelsea.

The fees for each session are $5 per night to cover additional hall costs. All ages are welcome.