Pickleball attracts more than 5,000 players in 12 months at Border venue
Albury-Wodonga's Sneaky Cat venue attracted 5,000 different players and 500 regulars in 12 months.
Pickleball is Australia's fastest-growing sport, booming across the Border and North East. One Albury venue drew more than 5,000 different players in just 12 months and built a regular base of over 500.
The appeal spans all ages. Families play together.
Ex-tennis players are switching over. Locals praise the strong community feel.
Courts are smaller than tennis. Paddles are lighter.
Matches last about 11 to 15 minutes. Border pickleballers recently won medals at national championships.
Residents are also playing the sport in places like Wangaratta, Beechworth, Rutherglen and Howlong.
- 5,000 different individuals
- Venue players in 12 months
- Over 500 at Sneaky Cat
- Regular player base
- 11 to 15 minutes
- Match duration
- Brett Simpson, Sneaky Cat
- Venue manager
Why it mattersPickleball's rapid growth shows how a new sport can drive community connection. It increases physical activity across all age groups.
AustraliaRegional Australian communities are investing in pickleball courts as demand grows, creating new social venues and competition pathways.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
