Pickleball is not a word that most Lismore App readers would have heard of let alone understand why its popularity is growing. In fact, it is America’s fastest-growing sport and it has now made its way to Lismore.

Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a fun and accessible sport that can be played by people of all ages and abilities. 

Pickleball is played on a smaller version of a tennis court, requiring less running, overall strength, and less strain on joints. The sport has proven popular with baby boomers and retirees, and is now being taken up by younger people as well.

Fun, social and friendly. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.

The social aspect of the sport has been a key driver of its successful growth as it is most often played as doubles, with four players on the court at a time providing great opportunity to meet new people. A game typically lasts about 15 minutes with players rotating partners and opponents.

Pickleball was first played in the Northern Rivers at Ballina in 2020 and it has grown in popularity to the point where the Northern Rivers Pickleball Association was formed in 2022 with more than 100 members and still growing.

The Goonellabah Sports Club (GSAC) currently has six courts in the indoor sports stadium and operates social play on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 9:30am and 11:30am with the view on operating more session times in the future.

GSAC Casual Pickleball Play

• Wednesday & Saturday 9:30am – 11:30am
• entry $5.80/$5.00 concession

For more information email gsac@lismore.nsw.gov.au or call 02 6625 5370