Kiama is set to host its first pickleball social competition this Saturday, January 11 at Kiama Leisure Centre from 2-4pm.

The family friendly event is perfect for experienced players as well as those who may have only played a couple of sessions. It will be a round-robin tournament with teams of two to four players (teams can be arranged for single players). And there will be prizes!

Event organiser Daniel Jones, from Jones Co Tennis, is thrilled that local interest in the sport has increased to the point where Kiama can host a competition.

“We welcome players from the whole of the Illawarra and beyond for the social competition on Saturday," Daniel said. 

"It is a family friendly event so kids are welcome to play too. All equipment is provided."

Bookings are $20 and can be made via this link.

Pickleball is huge in America, where it started in the 1960s, but has only become popular in Australia more recently, with Pickleball Australia launched in 2020.

Many people may have heard of pickleball but are not sure what it is or how it’s played. Put simply, pickleball is a paddle and plastic ball sport for all ages and abilities. It is like tennis but played on a smaller court (the same size as a badminton court). It has an underarm serve, similar to badminton, and the scoring the same as squash.

Jones Co Tennis runs social pickleball sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Kiama High School. Daniel said the sessions are popular because the game is fun and easy to learn, and the evenings are a great way to enjoy some exercise and meet new people. Players can come along on their own – you don’t need to bring a partner.

He said that once people try pickleball, they're hooked.

Fast facts

Jones Co Tennis Kiama Pickleball Social Competition will be held on Saturday, January 11 at Kiama Leisure Centre.

Cost: $20. Book in here. 

Contact: 0413 225 431, www.jonescotennis.com