Come one, come all to try pickleball!

It’s one of the fastest growing sports across the country and on Saturday 10 October – World Pickleball Day – people of all ages are being encouraged to try their hand at pickleball at Caloundra Indoor Stadium.

Caloundra Indoor Stadium, in conjunction with University of the Third Age (U3A), will host the free event where people can take to the courts in two indoor sessions at 9am and 11am.

U3A member Jill Campbell, of Mountain Creek, said she’s hooked on the racquet sport that’s a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis.

“When we first joined last year there were 25 of us. Now it’s grown to 135 members. To keep up with this demand we’re also in the process of forming the Sunshine Coast Pickleball club,” Ms Campbell said.

“I really like the exercise and the friendly atmosphere. There’s a bit of competition but everyone has a good time.

“It’s not as high impact, with our oldest player being 88. But it really caters for a lot of ages, we recommend from nine to 90.

“It can be played both indoors and outdoors. We love playing at Caloundra Indoor Stadium because it has the best facilities on the Sunshine Coast. It also has the most pickleball courts of any club in Queensland.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg urged people to have a go.

“It’s the perfect time of the year for anyone wanting to try a new sport,” Cr Landsberg said.

“Some people may be feeling a bit disconnected due to the COVID-19 pandemic so this is a great opportunity to get out, get fit and meet some new people.

“I’m pleased to see Caloundra Indoor Stadium play host to this event – it’s a terrific facility that can cater to both community sports as well as elite athletes such as the Sunshine Coast Lightning who have regularly trained at the facility as well as the NSW Swifts and the Giants netball teams who’ve recently trained there.”

Registrations are essential and COVID Safe measures apply. To secure your spot, phone 0400 796 854 or email [email protected] by 6 October.

FUN FACTS

Pickleball first originated in the US in the 1960s

It’s played using paddles with short handles and a plastic ball with perforations

A game typically lasts 15 minutes, depending on the rally

Pickleball is not considered an Olympic sport … yet.