Next month will see Taree host the Manning Valley’s first ever major Pickleball tournament at the newly refurbished Wrigley Park courts. More than 150 competitors will gather to participate in the two-day Barrington Coast Regional tournament which will attract players from across NSW.
“Pickleball is now Australia’s fastest growing sport with more than 500 clubs now established across the country” Halliday’s Point Pickleball Club President Sheila Capperauld said.
“Our own club has grown a whopping 500% in 3 years, and we continue to offer inclusive programs for players aged 12 to 85 and everyone is always welcome” Ms Capperauld said.
The tournament, which is taking place on 20th & 21st of May, is a major coup for Taree, having been chosen from many other locations by the NSW Pickleball Association.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting this event which will offer locals and visitors an opportunity to show off our talent, our local region and our sport. There will be plenty of matches to showcase the skill of players from all over NSW, not to mention the excitement for spectators watching the fast-paced gameplay,” said Ms Capperauld.
Pickleball is a hybrid racquet/net sport which combines tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is played on a quarter sized tennis court and a large, aerated ball is used which changes the ‘travel’ and requires unique skill to perfect ball placement. And it’s growing exponentially. There are now more than 5,000 players across Australia and Tennis Australia is introducing it to its clubs to build participation and maintain court use across the year. It’s officially the world’s fastest growing sport and is set to break into the Olympic and Paralympic domains in coming years.
“Pickleball brings the community together in sport, competition, friendship and inclusiveness. We look forward to bringing more people into our sport and encourage everyone to come and support the local clubs next month in Taree” said Ms Capperauld.
The Barrington Coast Regional Tournament takes place at Wrigley Park courts, 85 Commerce Street Taree on 20th and 221st May 2023