According to local club members, the growth of pickleball in Deniliquin in just 12 months is the envy of other regional clubs.
And locals have more chances to get involved, with social play continuing and a new tournament set to start soon.
Club member Leanne Mulham said pickleball in Deni started as a trial to help increase the utilisation of the stadium, but has quickly found interest across the community.
“The court markings are very similar to badminton, so they were already marked. All we had to do was buy some nets, paddles and balls,” Mulham said.
“Initially, organisers thought teenagers would be their main demographic, as Deni High School was already playing the sport in their MPC hall each lunchtime.
“However, organisers found that the game particularly appealed to the over 50s who thought their sporting days were over and are now buying shorts, runners and their own paddles.”
The stadium competition first ran on Tuesday in late January 2025, with 45 registrations.
In Term 2, a Thursday night option was introduced and was filled with 45 registrations.
Two short Friday night sessions were also added, with another 90 people involved.
With this, the club had a great mix of ages, with players ranging from 12 to 70 playing in one of their competition nights or Friday morning socials.
“It is a great opportunity for young people to mix with adults and learn that the game is not fast hitting but strategy and angles,” Mulham said.
“The Tuesday graded competition means players are grouped at similar levels and get to meet new people, while the Thursday competition appeals to those who want to play with their family or friends.”
Registrations for the summer competition are open until January 18, and individuals are still required to make up teams in the Tuesday graded competition.
This competition will begin on February 3 and runs in two time slots - 6pm and 7.30pm. Cost for the nine week competition is $50.
The more social Thursday competition will also have two time slots this summer – 6pm and 7.30pm. Play begins on January 29 and runs for 10 weeks, with registrations being $55.
To register, go to https://forms.gle/tTFLMPRUqN6PnN7b6, message the Deniliquin Stadium Pickleball Facebook page or call Mulham on 0447 357 437.
Pickleball players also have their social Friday mornings at 9.30am, open to anyone available to come have a hit and then enjoy coffee and cake.
The Fridays have been running every week since February 2025, and usually attract more than 20 players each week.
Premiers of the spring pickleball season were as follows:
Tuesday Pool A: Court Jesters – Lucy Horne, Alex Romanin, Kerrie Bishop, Georgia Denny and Hayley Denny.
Tuesday Pool B: In A Pickle - Mark and Narelle MacDonald, Helen Rose, Mark Busby and Christine Donald.
Thursday: Slam Dinks - Simone Lumbar, Sarah Purtill, Jemmah Conallin, Eli Purtill and Brian Conn.
Practice and coaching
The Deniliquin Stadium will have several one-off pickleball sessions this month, including sessions with level 2 coach Gail Miller from the Echuca/Moama club.
Each of these sessions is ideal for those yet to try the sport, existing players to introduce the sport to friends and family, or those wanting to stay in form while waiting for the next season.
Using the OpenSport app, you can arrange court hire, social play or graded round robins. If you have trouble with the app, reach out to Mulham or stadium manager John Arthur.
You should find options available Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6pm, Friday mornings at 9.30am and Sunday mornings at 10am during January.
The stadium is air-conditioned and no equipment is required.
Miller’s coaching sessions will be on the first Sunday of the month, starting February 1.
To register for the 10am or 11am sessions with Miller, go to https://forms.gle/nYEUv7jpP76EFKhW8 or contact Mulham.
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