Pickleball sees rising popularity and youth participation

Pickleball is experiencing significant growth and demographic shifts in regional communities. In New Zealand, the Mahurangi Pickleball Club has expanded to 218 members since its founding by Jason and Lyndsay Best in 2015. The club, which operates as an incorporated society, has seen steady growth with an average of nine new members joining monthly over the last seven months.

In Australia, the sport is seeing increased interest among younger players. At the Coffs Harbour Pickleball Winter Slam, eighteen-year-olds Tallis Hawes and Max Phelps secured gold medals in the Open 2. 99 and below division. Their success marks a shift in a sport traditionally associated with older demographics, helping to transform local venues like Smithtown Hall into hubs for youth activity.