Pickleball has been a lauded sport in Australia for the last 2 years, often described as the fastest-growing sport in the country and the world.

To back that claim up, Fair Dinkum Pickleball is increasing the number of indoor courts at GSAC from 6 to 8 in addition to their four undercover courts in Alstonville.

"When the Northern Rivers Pickleball Club began in 2022 it started with 31 members. At the 2023 AGM in August, numbers were up to 190," said Fair Dinkum Pickleball owner Heather Fletcher.

"We are expanding to GSAC because since we opened in September 2023 all of our sessions are booked out and we need more courts."

Pickleball is played on a rectangular court with a net in the middle and combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.

The equipment includes a solid paddle, similar to a small tennis racket, and a perforated plastic ball. The objective of the game is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent's court, following specific rules and strategies. It can be played as a singles or doubles game.

Fair Dinkum Pickleball add to the experience by adding their signature vibe to the space by having music pumping while sessions are running to give it a happy, relaxed (though still competitive), friendly atmosphere.

"Pickleball is a sport for everyone. It suits all ages and abilities. It is a fun, social, easy exercise," Heather added, "You play once, and you are hooked It's addictive! People move their work schedules around to be able to play more Pickleball."

"The average age is 58, but we are seeing more and more younger players, including Juniors participating. Next term we will have dedicated kids lessons and are keen to see it grow in local primary and high schools."

In Term 1 at GSAC, Social Play sessions happen on Mondays and Wednesdays between 5 and 7pm and Saturday's between 9am and 12midday starting tomorrow (January 6). This includes beginner courts and kids courts. The cost is $10/session. 

There are coaching clinics for you to learn and improve your pickleball skills.

Check the sessions out and book by clicking here to see what all the fuss is about.